20 Best Gift Cards for High School Graduates That They'll Actually Love

Picking the perfect graduation gift? Let's be honest—cash feels impersonal, and guessing what an 18-year-old actually wants is basically impossible. Gift cards hit that sweet spot: practical enough for parents, flexible enough for teens who change their minds faster than TikTok trends.

But here's the thing—not all gift cards are created equal. Some will gather digital dust in their wallet app, while others become the gateway to their next obsession or essential college gear. We've rounded up 20 options that actually match how new graduates live, shop, and spend their time.

Amazon Gift Card,Target Gift Card, Apple Gift Card , Visa Prepaid Gift Card, Spotify Gift Card

1. Amazon Gift Card

The Swiss Army knife of gift cards. Whether they're hunting for textbooks, dorm essentials, or that random gadget they saw on Instagram, Amazon's got it covered.

Why It Works: No shipping fees with Prime, and the selection is ridiculous. From coffee makers to calculus books, it's all there.

Best For: The graduate heading to college or anyone who shops online regularly

Pros:

• Massive product selection covers every possible need
• Prime benefits make shipping fast and free
• Never expires, so no pressure to spend immediately

Cons:

• Can feel less personal than specialized retailers
• Easy to waste on impulse purchases

2. Target Gift Card

Target somehow makes buying toilet paper feel like a lifestyle choice. For graduates setting up their first apartment or just wanting cute stuff that doesn't break the bank, it's perfect.

Why It Works: Great mix of necessities and fun finds, plus their college dorm section is actually good.

Best For: Graduates who love browsing and discovering new products

Pros:

• Solid balance of practical items and trendy finds
• Regular sales and promotions stretch the value
• Both online and in-store shopping options

Cons:

• Can be overwhelming with so many choices
• Easy to overspend when everything looks appealing

3. Apple Gift Card

For the graduate whose phone is basically an extension of their hand. Apps, music, movies, or saving up for new AirPods—Apple cards cover the whole ecosystem.

Why It Works: Most teens are already deep in the Apple universe, and there's always something they want.

Best For: iPhone users who stream music, buy apps, or want Apple accessories

Pros:

• Works across all Apple services and hardware
• Great for entertainment subscriptions
• Easy to combine multiple cards for bigger purchases

Cons:

• Useless if they're not in the Apple ecosystem
• Doesn't cover non-Apple accessories or cases

4. Visa Prepaid Gift Card

The closest thing to cash without actually handing over bills. Works everywhere credit cards are accepted, which is pretty much everywhere.

Why It Works: Total flexibility means they can spend it on anything, anywhere.

Best For: When you have no idea what they want or need

Pros:

• Accepted at virtually any retailer
• Perfect for online shopping
• Great for budgeting and learning money management

Cons:

• May have activation fees or monthly charges
• Can be lost or stolen like cash

5. Spotify Gift Card

Music is life for most high schoolers. A Spotify gift card means months of ad-free listening, offline downloads, and access to podcasts.

Why It Works: Music streaming is basically a necessity for this generation.

Best For: Any graduate who constantly has earbuds in

Pros:

• Huge music library with new releases
• Works offline for commutes or travel
• Includes podcasts and audiobooks

Cons:

• Only valuable if they don't already have a family plan
• Subscription-based, so it eventually runs out

6. Netflix Gift Card

Binge-watching is a legitimate hobby now. Netflix cards keep them entertained through summer break or those late-night study sessions

Why It Works: Everyone needs downtime, and Netflix has something for every mood.

Best For: Graduates who love movies, shows, or need background entertainment

Pros:

• Massive content library across all genres
• Great for sharing with roommates or family
• New content added regularly

Cons:

• Monthly subscription model means it's temporary
• Content varies by region

7. Steam Gift Card

For the gamer heading to college. Steam cards open up thousands of PC games, from indie gems to blockbuster titles.

Why It Works: Gaming is a huge stress reliever and social activity for many students.

Best For: PC gamers or anyone interested in getting into gaming

Pros:

• Huge game library with frequent sales
• Games can be played for years
• Great community features and multiplayer options

Cons:

• Only useful for PC gaming
• Requires a decent computer to run newer games

8. Nike Gift Card

Whether they're hitting the gym, joining intramurals, or just want to look good walking across campus, Nike covers all the athletic bases.

Why It Works: Athleisure isn't going anywhere, and Nike's brand recognition is unmatched.

Best For: Active graduates or anyone who wears sneakers regularly

Pros:

• High-quality athletic and casual wear
• Strong resale value for limited releases
• Wide range of price points

Cons:

• Can be expensive, so the card might not go far
• Very brand-specific styling

9. Adidas Gift Card

The three stripes are everywhere right now. From classic Stan Smiths to the latest Yeezys, Adidas has serious street cred.

Why It Works: Adidas hits that sweet spot between athletic performance and fashion.

Best For: Graduates who care about sneaker culture or athletic gear

Pros:

• Trendy designs that work for sports and casual wear
• Regular collaborations with popular artists and designers
• Good range of price points

Cons:

• Fashion-focused items may go out of style
• Limited to one brand's aesthetic

10. Sephora Gift Card

For graduates who see makeup and skincare as art forms. Sephora's selection is massive, and they always need something new.

Why It Works: Beauty products are consumable, so they'll actually use whatever they buy.

Best For: Anyone interested in makeup, skincare, or personal care

Pros:

• Huge selection of brands and price points
• Great for experimenting with new products
• Helpful staff and online reviews

Cons:

• Can be overwhelming for beauty beginners
• Products can be expensive

11. Ulta Beauty Gift Card

Similar to Sephora but often with better drugstore options mixed in. Great for graduates who want to experiment without breaking the bank.

Why It Works: Good mix of high-end and affordable beauty products.

Best For: Beauty enthusiasts who like having options at different price points

Pros:

• Wide range of brands from drugstore to luxury
• Frequent sales and promotions
• Good rewards program

Cons:

• Can lead to impulse buying with so many options
• Some locations have limited selection

12. GameStop Gift Card

For the console gamer who's always eyeing the latest releases. GameStop covers new games, used games, and gaming accessories.

Why It Works: Games are expensive, so gift cards help offset the cost of new releases.

Best For: Console gamers who buy physical games

Pros:

• Access to new and used games
• Trade-in options for old games
• Gaming accessories and collectibles

Cons:

• Many games are moving to digital-only
• Limited to gaming-related purchases

13. PlayStation Store Gift Card

Perfect for PlayStation owners who download their games. Works for games, DLC, movies, and PlayStation Plus subscriptions.

Why It Works: Digital gaming is convenient, and PlayStation has exclusive titles worth playing.

Best For: PlayStation 4 or 5 owners who prefer digital games

Pros:

• Instant game downloads
• Access to exclusive PlayStation titles
• Works for movies and TV shows too

Cons:

• Only works with PlayStation consoles
• Digital games can't be resold or traded

14. Xbox Gift Card

Microsoft's answer to PlayStation cards. Great for Xbox Game Pass, new releases, or backward-compatible classics.

Why It Works: Xbox Game Pass is one of the best deals in gaming right now.

Best For: Xbox owners or anyone interested in Game Pass

Pros:

• Game Pass offers incredible value
• Works across Xbox and PC
• Backward compatibility means access to older games

Cons:

• Limited to Microsoft's ecosystem
• Game Pass games rotate in and out

15. Nintendo eShop Gift Card

Nintendo's got that special sauce with games you can't play anywhere else. Perfect for Switch owners who want the latest Mario or Zelda.

Why It Works: Nintendo exclusives are genuinely unique and worth playing.

Best For: Nintendo Switch owners who love first-party games

Pros:

• Exclusive games you can't get elsewhere
• Great for portable gaming
• Family-friendly options

Cons:

• Games rarely go on sale
• Limited to Nintendo platforms

16. Starbucks Gift Card

Coffee is basically a food group for college students. Starbucks cards fuel late-night study sessions and early morning classes.

Why It Works: Coffee shops are social spaces, and caffeine is essential for student life.

Best For: Coffee lovers or anyone starting college

Pros:

• Locations everywhere, especially near colleges
• Mobile ordering makes it convenient
• Works for food and drinks

Cons:

• Can be expensive compared to making coffee at home
• Limited to one chain

17. DoorDash Gift Card

When cooking feels impossible and the dining hall is closed, DoorDash saves the day. Perfect for busy college students.

Why It Works: Food delivery is a lifeline for students with crazy schedules.

Best For: College-bound graduates or anyone with a busy lifestyle

Pros:

• Huge selection of restaurants
• Convenient when time is limited
• Great for group orders with friends

Cons:

• Delivery fees add up quickly
• Food can be expensive compared to cooking

18. Uber Gift Card

Getting around without a car is tricky. Uber cards provide reliable transportation for everything from campus visits to job interviews.

Why It Works: Transportation is a real need, especially for students without cars.

Best For: Graduates moving to cities or college towns

Pros:

• Reliable transportation option
• Safer than walking alone at night
• Also works for Uber Eats

Cons:

• Can get expensive for regular use
• Not available in all areas

19. REI Gift Card

For the outdoor enthusiast heading to a college with hiking trails or ski slopes nearby. REI's gear is built to last.

Why It Works: Outdoor activities are great for stress relief and making friends.

Best For: Graduates interested in hiking, camping, or outdoor sports

Pros:

• High-quality gear that lasts for years
• Great return policy
• Knowledgeable staff for advice

Cons:

• Expensive items mean the card might not go far
• Limited appeal if they're not outdoorsy

20. Barnes & Noble Gift Card

Books, magazines, games, and that cozy coffee shop atmosphere. Perfect for students who still prefer physical textbooks or love to read.

Why It Works: Textbooks are expensive, and there's something special about browsing a real bookstore.

Best For: Book lovers or students who buy physical textbooks

Pros:

• Textbooks and leisure reading covered
• Cozy atmosphere for studying
• Games, puzzles, and gifts too

Cons:

• Many students prefer digital textbooks now
• Limited locations compared to online retailers

How to Choose the Right Gift Card

Think about where they actually spend time and money. The gamer probably doesn't need Sephora, and the bookworm might not care about Nike. Consider their next step too—college-bound students have different needs than graduates jumping straight into work.

Don't overthink it though. Sometimes the most flexible option (like Visa or Amazon) wins because it doesn't box them into one type of purchase. The best gift card is one they'll actually use, not one that sits forgotten in their wallet.

Pro tip: If you're torn between two options, go with the one that has the longer expiration date or better terms. Nothing's worse than realizing a gift card expired before they could use it.

​20 Best Gift Cards for High School Graduates That They'll Actually Love

20 Best Gift Cards for High School Graduates That They'll Actually Love