Gift Rabbit is supported by our readers. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

25 Best 8th Grade Graduation Gifts: 2024 Guide

Updated
Show the 8th-grade graduate you know how proud you are of them with these awesome 8th-grade graduation gifts here.

8th-grade graduation gifts are no joke. Middle school graduates have accomplished a great achievement and are ready for high school.

You may not feel as if they’re ready for serious graduation gifts yet and may find yourself looking for last-minute gifts that will make them feel special on this important day.

We’ve got you covered for all kinds of creative 8th-grade graduation gift ideas, from the academic and sporty to the traditional and whimsical. They’ll love these appropriate, fun middle school graduation gifts no matter what kind of tween they are.


25 Best 8th Grade Graduation Gift Ideas

Keep reading for the best and brightest 8th-grade graduation gifts to celebrate your favorite graduate right.

Price
Sort by
Tags
🕵️ No results found. Clear the Filters?

Graduation Compass Bracelet

  • Leading The Way

  • $$$$$
  • Jewelry, Keepsake, Accessories

The best middle school graduation gifts are ones that stay with the student long after the ceremony is done, like this compass bracelet. The unisex bracelet works for him or for her as a celebration of a job well done in middle school. The small compass on a leather wrap bracelet will inspire them to find their way into high school and beyond.

User Experience

As an aunt, I found these bracelets to be a delightful gift for my niece's high school graduation. Immediately upon receiving, the kids were eager to wear them, showing their universal appeal. What struck me was how accurately the bracelets matched their description – they were indeed beautiful, delicate, and charming. Their presentation box added an additional touch of elegance, making them suitable for various occasions, not just for high school or college graduations. The joy and satisfaction these bracelets brought to the young ladies affirmed the worthiness of my purchase.

Funny 8th Grade T-Shirt

  • Celebrate 8th Grade

  • $$$$$
  • Accessories, Funny, Cool

This fun t-shirt makes an entertaining gift for a boy or girl who is graduating from middle school. The festive t-shirt celebrates their future and how much they’ve had to deal with during middle school, from chemistry and math to backpacks and learning about the world. The shirt is a keeper for any newly graduating kid who wants to say “peace out” to the 8th grade in style.


Academic Planner

  • Preparing For High School

  • $$$$$
  • Practical, Accessories, Activity

This helpful academic planner is a great way for 8th-grade graduation gifts to look forward to high school. They will value all this academic planner has to offer, from being a central place where they can see, track, and accomplish all assignments and plan everything from projects to study time here on in.

Community Feedback

I'm a big fan of this planner's thoughtful design and its focus on helping users identify their strengths and areas for improvement. The reflection and assessment sections are particularly impressive, providing valuable insights to aid in personal growth and organization. However, I do find the informational section slightly overwhelming and would have appreciated more customization options in the planner section, such as time blocking or schedule overviews.

Graduation Bookmark

  • Reading Souvenir

  • $$$$$
  • Keepsake, Accessories, Practical

This graduation bookmark makes an appropriate and cute gift for the 8th grade graduate in your life. The silver bookmark that reads “On to the next chapter” and tassel are ideal for girls you know who are headed out of middle school and onto bigger things.

First-Hand Impression

Definitely a simple but thoughtful gift, this bookmark impressed me with its quality despite the low price. I've given it to a range of people, from a retiring colleague to my daughter graduating with a Master's degree, and the reactions have always been positive. The only minor drawback is the lack of color options for the tassel, but it's a small complaint.

Personalized Graduation Necklace

  • Save The Day

  • $$$$$
  • Jewelry, Accessories, Keepsake

Ensure your favorite middle school graduate savors their big day with this memorable personalized graduation necklace. The customizable charm includes the name and graduation year of the teen on a coin design. Their 8th-grade graduation shouldn’t go by without a heartfelt keepsake like this to keep them remembering it all.

User Experience

As a recent purchaser, I was elated to see how much my niece cherished this necklace as her graduation gift. This dainty piece of jewelry may be small, but it packs a big punch in terms of beauty and quality. Although the lettering on the coin was smaller than anticipated, it was still appreciated. I bought a couple of these necklaces, and while they could be a smidge larger, they were well-received. The vivid engraving and durable chain make this necklace a frequently worn accessory. Despite a minor hiccup with the initial order, the correct gold necklace was promptly delivered and my daughter beamed wearing it for her senior pictures.

Personalized Glass Jewelry Box

  • A Place To Remember

  • $$$$$
  • Keepsake, Unique, Accessories

Give the girl you know who’s graduating middle school this personalized keepsake jewelry box, so she can have an extra-special place to keep her small accessories while fondly recalling her big day. Even after she’s knee-deep in high school, this precious jewelry box will be cherished in her life.

Personal Perspective

Great gift for any grad! This jewelry box is a real hit with my niece and granddaughter, both of whom were thrilled with the personalization and quality. It's not just a pretty box, it's also a handy spot for their special rings and earrings. Plus, it's even more beautiful in person than in the pictures, which was a pleasant surprise.

Inspiration Silicone Wristband Set

  • Inspiration Central

  • $$$$$
  • Jewelry, Accessories, Unique

This set of inspiration silicone wristbands will delight the 8th-grade graduate you know. The set has 12 rubber bracelets, each with a unique motivational phrase on it.

From “be yourself” to “change the world,” they’ll be ready for anything once high school begins and beyond. Plus, they’ll love wearing these to their middle school graduation ceremony and sharing them with friends.

Community Feedback

If you're looking for the perfect token to distribute at an event or gathering, these gifts hit the mark. From my experience, they were well-received by a diverse crowd, fitting comfortably on both smaller and larger wrists. The inspiring yet not overly religious messages were appreciated by all, making them a wonderful tool for spreading positivity. They're a tad pricey and, in my opinion, worth every penny for their quality and the joy they bring.

Color Changing Cinema Lightbox

  • Their Name In Lights

  • $$$$$
  • Accessories, Unique, Cool

Improve the bedroom of a middle school graduate you know with this cool cinema lightbox. The retro look of the lightbox is coupled with the LED lights that can be programmed to change color in multiple ways. They can use the included letters to write their favorite quote, their name, or you can beat them to it by saying congrats.


The Awesome Journal

  • Setting The Stage For Awesome

  • $$$$$
  • Practical, Accessories, Unique

This journal is indeed an awesome way to send off an 8th-grade graduate into the realm of teenagehood and high school. The guide is an endearing, fun way for kids to work on issues and face challenges with confidence, humor, and empathy for themselves and each other. The journal will win hearts just like the best 8th-grade graduation gift ideas always manage to do.


Graduation Teddy Bear

  • Graduation Companion

  • $$$$$
  • Accessories, Keepsake, Funny

Give this adorable (and smart) graduation teddy bear to your favorite middle school graduate and let them stay a big kid for a little longer.

This sweet graduation keepsake will find a place in their room and gently remind them of their middle school milestone. This teddy bear is dressed for his graduation ceremony, with a cap, sash, and diploma.

Personal Perspective

I found this teddy bear to be of excellent quality and just the right size, making it a cherished gift for my granddaughter's pre-school graduation. However, I was slightly let down by the misprinted year on the tag, but it's still a soft, cuddly keepsake that any graduate would appreciate.
Gifts You Might Also Like
Homemade Mothers Day Gifts IdeasCrafting Love: Homemade Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Graduation Guest Book Card

  • Sign And Congratulate

  • $$$$$
  • Accessories, Keepsake, Cool

This thoughtful card makes the neatest graduation guest book for the not-an-8th-grader-anymore in your life. The oversized card has plenty of room for their family, friends, and special pals to all sign and wish them well in high school. An easy activity like signing this card will become a treasured keepsake for the graduate long after the ceremony.

Community Feedback

Got this card for my daughter's graduation party and it was a hit - everyone loved signing it with their personal notes. This card is durable and easy to write on with any marker, plus it looks good displayed; just wish it came with its own storage envelope.

High School Survival Guide

  • Keep Nearby At All Times

  • $$$$$
  • Accessories, Practical, Activity

This helpful survival guide for high school is the ideal gift for a middle school graduate who is already worried about what’s to come.

They can dig into the best seller’s engaging advice, stories, and exercises that will help them navigate all things school and social, from SATS to taking time for mindfulness and meditation. They’ll feel super-ready for their upcoming life in high school.

First-Hand Impression

I've delved into this book and found it to be quite enlightening, filled with practical tips and real-life high school scenarios that make it a compelling read. The author's personal anecdotes truly resonate, offering an engaging and vivid depiction of high school life. However, while the book provides some valuable insights, certain sections could be perceived as stating the obvious, thus slightly diminishing its overall appeal.

Engraved Graduation Photo Keepsake

  • Making Memories Custom

  • $$$$$
  • Keepsake, Unique, Cool

The 8th grade graduate in your life won’t forget their middle school graduation anytime soon when you give them this memorable photo keepsake that will preserve the memory forever.

The glass photo frame contains a customized engraved photo of your choice, plus their graduation year and any inspiring words you wish them to have. The photo keepsake will contain this happy memory for a long time to come.

User Experience

In my experience with this product, the photo upload process presented some initial difficulty but ultimately led to a satisfying result. The engraved image, while more subtle than expected, was clearly discernible when placed in front of a window, and the text on the engraving was very clear. Despite some challenges in unwrapping the well-protected package, the overall quality and the joy it brought as a gift for my baby niece made this product an excellent choice.

Kodak Digital Instant Print Camera

  • High-Tech Fun

  • $$$$$
  • Accessories, Practical, Tech, Cool

This Kodak digital instant print camera will wow your favorite middle school graduate and provide hours of entertainment on graduation day and beyond. The compact, easy-to-use camera allows them to point and shoot, while the printing capability works instantly with each shot.

They can have tons of fun taking pictures old-school style with updated tech and capture the happiest memories from their graduation day.

Personal Perspective

Best described as a vibrant, fun addition to any gathering, these instant cameras enlivened my graduation party with their vivid colors and picture quality. However, they do come with a learning curve; ensuring adequate lighting and understanding the slight delay before the picture prints is crucial. Despite a few hiccups, like occasional glitches and paper jams, these cameras offer a charming analog look that captures memories in a unique way. Although they may not be ideal for fast-paced events or first-time users, they certainly add a whimsical touch to personal trips and smaller gatherings.

Young Chef Cookbook

  • Time To Get Cooking

  • $$$$$
  • Accessories, Activity, Practical, Cool

Once the graduate you know is out of middle school, you can prepare them for the next phase of life with some new cooking skills. This cookbook for young chefs is the perfect way for them to get into the craft of cooking and have a ball at the same time.

The book has over 100 tasty recipes that kids their age will eat up literally, from blueberry pancakes to turkey meatballs.

Community Feedback

When I first purchased this cookbook for my 3rd grader, I was impressed by the quality of the recipes and the variety of dishes. This cookbook has been a fantastic tool for teaching my child important cooking techniques, such as proper knife skills, along with culinary terminology. The recipes themselves are diverse, ranging from simple breakfast items like avocado toast with a fried egg, to more complex dishes like sushi rolls. Each recipe is easy to understand, with clear directions and helpful tips to make the process more engaging for young chefs. Whether my child is cooking for himself or preparing a meal for the whole family, this cookbook has proven to be a valuable resource in our kitchen.

Wake Up Light Alarm Clock

  • Wake Up The Fun Way

  • $$$$$
  • Accessories, Cool, Unique, Tech

Let the middle school graduate in your life feel ready for high school with this entertaining UFO-shaped alarm clock. A perfect graduation gift for a son or daughter, the alarm clock has two built-in alarms guaranteed to wake them up, plus it works as a speaker, lamp, and sound machine for nights, mornings, or any time of day.

First-Hand Impression

I'm very fond of this alarm clock, especially its light and music features. The colors are appealing and the Bluetooth capability is a hit, although the white noise function isn't quite as soothing as I'd hoped. The battery notification and short lifespan are bothersome, but the positive aspects make it a hit with the kids.

Sugarwish Large Sweet Treats Select Box

  • Feed A Sweet Tooth

  • $$$$$
  • Set, Unique, Cool

Words can congratulate a middle schooler on their graduation day, but nothing says “I’m proud of you” like a bunch of super-delectable treats.

This Sugarwish sweet treats select box will delight any 8th-grade graduate instantly. It can be customized with candy, cookies, popcorn, and snacks for them to share with their friends or enjoy on their own.


Laptop Backpack

  • All The Right Stuff

  • $$$$$
  • Accessories, Tech, Practical

Get your proud middle schooler some eighth-grade graduation gifts that prepare him for the next phase: high school.

This laptop backpack will impress even the pickiest student with its compartments meant for everything from tech to small accessories and its water-resistant design. It even boasts a USB charger so they can stay connected wherever they go.

Personal Perspective

In my travels, this backpack has proven to be just the right size, comfortably fitting under airplane seats and offering ample storage with many well-placed pockets. A minor issue arises with the main pocket's zippers, which tend to slip open if you zip them up to the top, but I've found a workaround by zipping all the way to one side. The material feels sturdy and the look is pleasing, holding up well even after constant use. However, if you intend to carry a laptop, be aware there's no padding at the bottom of the compartment, so handle with care to avoid potential damage.

Beginner Skateboard

  • A Well-Earned Ride

  • $$$$$
  • Accessories, Cool, Activity

Let your favorite middle school graduate know how proud you are of them by rewarding all their hard work with this awesome beginner skateboard. It can be easily controlled as they learn new skills and offers safety in its durable build. They will love the summer after graduation even more with this terrific piece of fun beneath their feet.

Community Feedback

Definitely, this skateboard delivered a lot of fun during playtime with my child. Although it did get a bit scratched up during use, that seems to be an acceptable norm for skateboards. One minor annoyance was the plastic wrapping, which was a bit tricky to remove from some parts. Despite all this, I must say the skateboard held up well and offered a smooth ride even on damp surfaces.

Nintendo Switch Lite

  • Post-Graduation Gaming

  • $$$$$
  • Tech, Accessories, Activity, Cool

Give this incredible Nintendo Switch Lite to your 8th-grade graduate and watch a smile grow on their face. This handheld gaming device is fun, lightweight, and offers hours of entertainment they’ve surely earned by now. Middle school graduation gift ideas like this one are guaranteed to get an A+.

First-Hand Impression

I'm quite content with this Nintendo Switch, boasting a vibrant screen that makes every game look fantastic. My initial impression was that it ran smoothly and surpassed my expectations for such a compact device. However, after months of use, I noticed the eShop is noticeably slow and the home screen lacks customization options, which can be a bit frustrating. Despite these minor drawbacks, I still appreciate this Nintendo Switch for its performance and portability, and the pink design adds a delightful girly touch.

LED Star Projector

  • A Night Sky Celebration

  • $$$$$
  • Unique, Cool, Accessories

Celebrate your favorite middle schooler’s big day by giving them this magical LED star projector. They can escape the day’s worries with the projector’s six different modes, including starry sky, underwater sea world, and celestial constellations. The detail of the projections and 360-degree rotation makes this a wonderful addition to your proud graduate’s space.

User Experience

This nightlight, featuring changeable scenes, a remote, timer, and rechargeable battery, is a unique and useful addition to any child's bedroom. The attractive design, where one can remove the fish body to reveal a round cylinder, allows for various projected images including planets and cartoon characters. However, using the device isn't as intuitive as one might hope, with tiny, unmarked buttons and instructions provided only in Chinese, which forces users to resort to a trial and error approach. Once deciphered, the device offers beautiful light displays, with multiple color choices and an automatic shut-off after one hour. While some may find the projected images a bit childish, the option to mix and match the slides offers some customization. The only major drawback is the short charging cord which requires a USB port, but overall, the device provides a soothing, atmospheric effect perfect for bedtime.

Noise Canceling Headphones

  • Get Ready To Study

  • $$$$$
  • Accessories, Practical, Unique

Middle school graduates won’t mind you getting them this pair of noise-canceling headphones so they can study because these headphones are equipped to keep the music in and the noise out. They’ll keep their ears quiet when need be and use their wireless Bluetooth capabilities to connect to any device or playlist they want.

Personal Perspective

Best in class for noise-canceling, these headphones truly enhance my productivity in a bustling office environment. The sound quality is superb, offering a rich blend of bass and treble, although they can be a bit loud even at the lowest setting. Comfortable for extended wear, these headphones fit snugly around my ears without pinching, but might not stay put during more vigorous activities like gym workouts.

Personalized Graduation Socks

  • Put Their Face On Their Feet

  • $$$$$
  • Accessories, Funny, Cool

Give the 8th-grade graduate in your life something fun to wear during their middle school graduation ceremony with these personalized socks. The socks are designed with a “class of 2022” design and the face of the happy graduate all over the place. They’ll love having these fun socks on them when they graduate and beyond.

Community Feedback

My experience with these graduation socks was overwhelmingly positive. When my grandson wore them to his high school graduation, he was flooded with compliments and inquiries about where they came from. Despite their fun and unique design, he found them to be quite comfortable. However, when worn, the design can appear somewhat distorted and faded, and the "class of" font could definitely use a little more boldness.

Deluxe Teen Scooter

  • Get Up And Go

  • $$$$$
  • Activity, Cool, Unique

When the 8th-grade graduate you know is super jazzed about making it through middle school, you can make them even happier with this deluxe teen kick scooter. The scooter is lightweight, easy to use, and folds up neatly so they can even kick their way to and from their graduation ceremony should they decide to.

First-Hand Impression

I've been using this scooter for a while now and overall, it's been an enjoyable experience. The lightweight construction and easy folding mechanism make it ideal for commuting, though the ride can be a bit rough at times due to a lack of shock absorption. I also noticed a slight wobble in the handle post, but it doesn't seem to affect the scooter's performance. Despite these minor issues, the scooter is sturdy and provides a fun way to get around, even for an adult like me.

Compass Pendant Necklace

  • Go Forth, Young Graduates

  • $$$$$
  • Jewelry, Accessories, Keepsake

This stunning compass pendant necklace will become a cherished keepsake for your favorite 8th-grade graduate. The two-piece sterling silver necklace reminds the graduate you know to “go in the direction of your dreams.” The pretty pendant will wear well as she enters high school and remembers when she came from and all she achieved.

User Experience

In my experience, this necklace was a touch delicate but endearingly pretty, making it a meaningful gift option. While the medallion was smaller than expected and the inscription challenging to read without assistance, the sentiment behind it resonated well, making it a perfect memento for someone embarking on a new journey in life. The chain, albeit initially knotted, seemed robust and of a decent length, but I considered replacing it with a longer cord for my taller niece. Despite the small and slightly tricky toggle, the necklace's overall charm, packaged neatly in a lovely box, added a pleasing aesthetic touch.

8th Grade Graduation Gifts FAQs

Why Is 8th Grade Graduation a Big Deal?

Graduating 8th grade is a big accomplishment for a child. Back in the old days, many kids wouldn’t even get to graduate high school due to having to work, so it became more important than it might seem.

Today, high school is a huge leap for kids moving on from elementary and middle school to those four crazy years. Taking a moment to celebrate this new chapter in their school career and childhood will help them appreciate all they’ve accomplished (1).

Do People Give Gifts for 8th Grade Graduation?

When attending an 8th grader’s graduation ceremony, it’s a good idea to offer them some kind of gift to celebrate their achievement of making it through middle school and the fact that they’re about to embark on to high school.

A small gift that feels personal to them (like a sport or hobby), a gift card, or good old cash will always accomplish this goal.

What Do You Get a Girl for 8th Grade Graduation?

When a girl graduates from 8th grade, you can get her items that are fun and practical. Photo scrapbooks or entertaining ways to decorate her room will win big, as will a gift basket full of treats or spa items meant for a tween. Once you know her hobbies, style, and areas of academia she gets excited about, you can find the most meaningful gifts to celebrate the day.

What Do You Get a Boy for 8th Grade Graduation?

A boy graduating from 8th grade will appreciate items that appeal to the type of guy he’s becoming, especially where academics, arts, or sports are concerned. Building or DIY kits might appeal to his inquisitive nature, while fun objects for his room will make it feel like his own as he enters the magical world of high school.

Do You Give Flowers for 8th Grade Graduation?

8th-grade graduation is just like high school graduation in the sense that anything you give to the special girl or guy will be valued on this day. Bringing fresh flowers to an 8th-grade graduate will make them feel extra-special on this milestone day.

Should You Give Cash or Check for 8th Grade Graduation?

It is acceptable to give cash or a check for an 8th-grade graduation. Cash feels more immediate and real, but if giving a check means your monetary amount will be higher, you can do it that way too.

Feel free to involve the cash or check in the graduation gift by hiding it inside another present or making paper flowers out of the bills. Being celebratory is the most important part of any gift for an 8th-grade graduation.

How We Choose 8th Grade Graduation Gift

At Gift Rabbit, we understand that finding the perfect 8th grade graduation gift can be challenging. That’s why we’ve taken the time to meticulously research, review, and score a wide array of unique gifts, ensuring we meet a variety of preferences and budgets. We’ve consulted with experts and surveyed users to formulate a comprehensive guide that you can trust. We evaluate each product from a user’s perspective and filter gifts by price, style, and feedback from past customers. Our experience in gift reviewing means we consider all important factors when suggesting the best graduation gifts for 8th graders. Trust Gift Rabbit to help you find the perfect gift every time.

Headshot of Maryana Vestic

About the Author

Maryana Vestic

Maryana Vestic is a Brooklyn-based writer, editor, and food photographer with a background in entertainment Business Affairs. She studied film at NYU, Irish Theatre Studies at Trinity College Dublin, and has an MFA in Creative Writing Nonfiction from The New School. She loves cooking, baking, hiking, and horror films, as well as running a local baking business in Brooklyn with her boyfriend.