Whether the tween in your life is excited about entering high school, graduating is a big milestone to celebrate. One way you can congratulate the young graduate this year is with an 8th grade graduation gift.
Whether they love playing video games or enjoys studying stars, we rounded up the best middle school graduation gifts for every kind of tween. There's bound to be something here that will make them smile, no matter what they're into these days.
Gifts for girls | Gift for boys | How we chose
Gift ideas for 8th grade girls
Educational Insights Kanoodle
When associate SEO editor Kamari Stewart brought home this brain teaser, she says that her middle school-aged sisters were "obsessed." And it's not hard to see why! The TikTok-viral game promises to deliver hours of brain-bending fun as they attempt to solve 200 2D and 3D puzzle challenges.
Jenny Lemons Frosted Cinnamon Bun Hair Claw
Don't underestimate how much she'll love a cute hair accessory. This frosted cinnamon bun hair claw from Jenny Lemons is just as sweet as she is, and she'll want to wear it all the time.
Mud Love be the change. Original Bracelet
Associate editor Sierra Hoeger says this brand was a favorite in her household during the first years of high school. "There’s a number of different words/phrases you can choose from, or you can customize it to say something meaningful to them," she says. "They’re made with mud and clay, helping them to be durable and can withstand most things other bracelets won’t."
This bracelet's inspiring message encourages your soon to be high schooler to make a positive impact in the world. Plus, they have an adjustable band, so it can grow with them!
“Legendborn,” by Tracy Deonn
If they enjoy reading for fun, get them a thrilling page-turner they’ll be totally engrossed in. This YA bestseller combines contemporary themes with fantastical twists, all involving a resilient teen who’s the embodiment of Black girl magic. Once you’re done with this read, we don’t doubt you’ll want to read book two of the Legendborn Cycle, “Bloodmarked.”
TinyName Custom Name Necklace
Stewart says that she was gifted a name plate necklace for Christmas when she was 13, "but I would’ve loved it for graduation or any other day really," she adds.
This Amazon option is affordable, highly-rated and perfect for your tween.
e.l.f. Pure Skin Back to Basics Mini Kit
As your teen is transitioning into high school, so is their skin. If your child is starting to use skincare products, make sure the ingredients are safe for their young skin.
The Pure Skin line from e.l.f. was developed by dermatologists for sensitive skin with clean ingredients like oat milk, niacinamide and ceramides.
Raising Cane’s $15 Gift Card
Raising Cane's is all the rage for tweens and teens this year. Make sure they can get their favorite afterschool snack with friends by giving them a gift card this graduation season.
Deux Grandma's Oatmeal Chocolate Chip
There's nothing better than warm cookies, except for maybe edible cookie dough! This Deux flavor is inspired by the cookies grandparents make with chunks of thick chocolate and crunchy oatmeal.
Kimwood Clip-On Ring Light
Help them up their selfie game before they hit the high school halls. This rechargeable LED ring light has earned countless rave reviews from various Amazon shoppers for how “professional and polished” it makes their photos look.
Triple Zip Small Crossbody Bag
A chic handbag is a great gift for any teen. This crossbody bag with nearly 24,000 verified five-star ratings is trendy thanks to the subtle pastel color and faux leather make, and it also has a secure zip closure so she can keep her things safe and sound.
ChemCare Heart Shape LED Neon Light Sign
What 8th grade girl wouldn’t love a neon light to spruce up her bedroom? This LED wall light is easy to use, budget-friendly and would look great in any room.
Thread Wallets Emmeline
If you want a little more flair when upgrading their wallets (or getting them their very first), Thread Wallets offers plenty of playful patterns like the one pictured here. This slim wallet holds just the essentials like their school ID and lunch money, and it has a key ring so they can hook it on to their house keys and (hopefully) won't lose it.
Neon Effect Frame
This neon effect frame is another colorful way to decorate her space. She can write quotes, doodles and leave notes using the vibrant neon pens that come with the frame. You can hang it on the wall or display it upright on any flat surface.
Personalized Graduation Gift Box
Why settle for one gift when you can surprise her with several? This bestselling gift box from Etsy includes lots of items teen girls love, from a scented candle and lip balm to a sweet heart necklace. It can also be personalized and sent straight to her doorstep.
Bed Head Wave Artist Deep Waver
A winner in last year’s Shop TODAY’s Beauty Awards, this hot tool will ensure she has the easiest, breeziest beach waves for every day at her new school.
Jellycat Amuseable Doughnut
Sometimes the best gift is something completely random. We're pretty sure they'll feel super sweet if they received this — or any other — plush from viral brand Jellycat.
Jasonwell Giant Unicorn Pool Float
With summer just around the corner, a trendy pool float is a perfect 8th grade graduation gift. Jasonwell makes a bunch of fun floats including a rainbow unicorn, a flamingo, a dinosaur and more.
Jall Sunrise Alarm Clock
With high school comes early wake up times. This bestselling sunrise alarm clock acts as a sunlight stimulator and gently wakes them up by slowly brightening up their bedroom. Just to be sure they’re awake, an actual alarm will go off at the end of the light’s cycle.
Kate Spade Candy Strip Lunch Box
She’ll make a statement in her new lunch room with this vibrant insulated tote from Kate Spade. It’s not only cute, but it’s also lightweight, travel-friendly and will keep food fresh for hours at a time.
Quartet Glass Dry Erase White Board
Stewart has been using this dry erase board for the last two months and has been loving it. While it's great for any age, it's a good way to help your teen stay organized as they start high school.
"It’s an easy way to write out my tasks for the day and keep them in sight, which helps me stay focused," she shares. "Since it’s a whiteboard, I can easily erase and update each day. It also has a little drawer on the side that I use to store my extra dry-erase markers."
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L
You can't go wrong with a Lululemon belt bag! The viral bag is at the top of everyone's gift lists — so there's a good chance that your new grad has their eye on it.
Many people appreciate how versatile and surprisingly roomy it is. And according to Shop TODAY editorial operations manager, Jillian Ortiz, it really lives up to its name. "I bring it with me EVERYWHERE. Whether I am taking my dog for a walk or have a formal event to attend, you will see this bag attached to me.” She adds, “It’s not too big, but somehow it manages to hold everything — my phone, wallet, headphones, keys, gym lock, Advil, an extra pair of headphones — you name it.”
Makeup Storage Organizer
For the graduating beauty guru in your life, gift them an organized place to stow all of their collection. The organizer promises to store large to small items and can be swiftly transported from room to room via its handle. Plus, it comes with a storage box for brushes.
BaubleBar Custom Pisa Bracelet
Add a pop of color to their jewelry collection with BaubleBar's Pisa Bracelet. You have the opportunity to customize the bracelet with their name, their new school grounds or anything of your choosing in a vibrant text.
Maya No. 1 Perfume Oil
At this age, they're experimenting with different scents trying to figure out their signature. Steer them in the right direction with this scent that senior editor Jess Bender says smells "so fresh and youthful."
Casetify Star Phone Case
If she has a smartphone (or you’re getting her one soon) gift it with a fun phone case. This “Triple Stars” Casetify case is colorful, fun and easy to spot when it’s buried in her backpack.
Dear Ava 'Oh, the Place You'll Go!' Graduation Necklace
No matter what school year they’re graduating from, this time is an important moment of growth and transition in life. This graduation necklace made by Dear Ava symbolizes the hard work she accomplished to get to the next level.
Hydro Flask Water Bottle with Straw Lid
Help your graduate stay hydrated and stay on trend when they start high school with this sleek insulated water bottle from Hydro Flask. The water bottle will keep their water cold for hours and it has a straw lid top for easy access.
Literie Mean Girls Candle
With the "Mean Girls" movie musical releasing earlier this year, they probably know all about Gretchen's link to toaster strudel. This candle is as sweet-smelling as it looks and is a great knick-knack for their room.
Sephora Gift Card
Her TikTok For You Page is probably flooded with "Get Ready With Me" videos from girls her age using products like Drunk Elephant (whether or not they should actually be doing that is a different story). She'll love this gift card to Sephora so that she can keep up with the trends.
Halara Mid-Rise Tapered Jeans
These Halara jeans are so comfy they almost feel like sweatpants so they can last a full day of school. Shop TODAY editorial assistant Annie Shigo calls them "my comfiest pair of pants I own."
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera
Even though your kids are probably used to taking photos on their smartphones, sometimes it’s nice to have a physical copy, too. With this Fujifilm Instax Instant Camera, they can hang photos of their favorite places and people in their bedroom or high school locker.
Fjallraven Kånken Mini Backpack
Help her prepare for high school with a brand new backpack. This option from the buzzworthy brand Fjallraven may look small in size, but it's sturdy enough to hold her most prized necessities. Best of all, it comes in several hues to match whatever her current aesthetic is.
Pottery Barn Teen Cozy Sherpa Backrest Pillow
They'll need something to support them as they continue their next round of studies. Enter this Sherpa backrest pillow from Pottery Barn. It's plush, cozy and sturdy enough to keep them rested pre-, during and post-homework.
Gift ideas for 8th grade boys
“The How-To Cookbook for Teens”
If he or she loves to help their parents in the kitchen, this teen-friendly cookbook is a great way to give them inspiration for the summer ahead. It’s packed with cooking fundamentals, useful hacks and 100 different savory and sweet recipes.
Middle School Level Complete T-Shirt
They’re finally leveling up — to high school! This quirky T-shirt is bound to make any gamer kid laugh out loud.
Herschel Roy Wallet
It’s time they start carrying their lunch money and school ID in a safe, secure place. Instead of crumbling up their belongings in their pockets and backpack, they can store all of their valuables in this sleek wallet from Herschel.
Throw Throw Burrito
Throw Throw Burrito is a rousing game for all ages, but we know your young grad will love it too. Described as "the world's first dodgeball card game," they'll have a blast ducking, hiding and maneuvering away from those squishy, bright-eyed burritos during game play. Just make sure to hide all your fragile decor beforehand — things are bound to get super rowdy!
Electric Jellyfish Tank
This tabletop lamp includes two realistic life-like jellyfish with color-changing lights. It’s designed as a calming lamp, and it’s small in size so it could easily fit on a nightstand or a crowded desk.
Tribit Bluetooth Speaker
Whether it be for listening to tunes while they’re getting ready for their first day or during summer break, this Bluetooth speaker will have them covered. For instance, the brand says the design is entirely waterproof and can play continuous, quality audio for up to 24 hours. And it doesn’t hurt that the cost is unbeatable, too.
Tate’s Bake Shop Gluten-Free Sweet Chocolate Basket
If you’ve got a gluten-free kiddo on your list, this basket is sure to satisfy their sweet tooth. It comes with three bags of gluten-free chocolate chip cookies and three gluten-free brownies.
Razor Scooter
While he's likely to want to spend all of his time playing video games, it’s important to get him active and outside once in a while. This razor scooter is the perfect way to get some fresh air.
Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA
A beloved shoe across generations, the vinyl-made version of the iconic unisex Birkenstock is a favorite amongst a younger crowd. They're designed to be lightweight and waterproof while featuring the brand's anatomically shaped footbed.
Magneto Mini Cruiser Skateboard
Forget taking the bus — they can cruise to high school in style with this mini skateboard. It’s crafted out of a durable Canadian maple wood and includes a cushy EVA foam stomp pad to dampen out bumpy surfaces underneath their wheels.
Amazon Echo Dot Kids Edition
This kid-friendly edition of Amazon Echo is like a virtual assistant for your teen. They can ask Alexa to play music, read stories, call approved friends and family and explore a world full of kid-friendly skills. It also sets daily time limits and filters explicit songs from select music services.
Spikeball Game Set
You can never go wrong with a game, especially if it is as popular as Spikeball. This kit has everything they need to have a great time on the go. Play with friends or family — the more the merrier.
Beats Solo³ Wireless On-Ear Headphones
These Beats by Dre wireless headphones are a solid Bluetooth option if you're looking for quality. They provide "award-winning" sound, up to 40 hours of playtime with a single charge and one-touch pairing with all of his Apple devices
Nintendo Switch Lite
If you want to splurge, get them a Nintendo Switch Lite! The popular gaming device was designed for handheld gaming, is compatible with a wide range of games and has up to seven hours of battery life.
Meta Quest 2: All-In-One Wireless VR Headset
The world of VR is a new way to expand how they game. They'll be immersed with impressive graphics and audio that will surely bring the virtual world to life. Plus, the controllers allow them to access and interact with multiple software to create their own adventure or even workspace.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources and use our own personal experiences with the product and brand to make shopping easier for our readers.
Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s other gift guides to find the perfect present for the grad in your life including preschool, kindergarten, fifth grade, high school and college.