Guided Journals and Books that Make Perfect High School Graduation Gifts

There are few more pivotal times in one’s life than the time one leaves compulsary education. Whether the student you’re shopping for is heading to a university or starting a job or taking a gap year, below are some fun, afforable books and guided journals that would make great graduation gifts!

Disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, I may make a small commission at no cost to you.

Some will help grads navigate life, others will help them keep it all together, document their experiences, give them the boost they need when they’re feeling low, or provide the fun nostalgia when they’re missing home. But most importantly all of these are available on Amazon and you can get them with Prime! If you’re looking for a great last minute gift, you could easily pair one of these with an Amazon gift card and have a wonderful graduation gift; adding some candy or snacks could be a fun touch as well.

To view any of the books on Amazon, simply click on the title or the image! At the end of the list will be a full gallery with the prices of all of these books, but they’re all quite affordable presents! Alright, here we go.

21 Books and Guided Journals That Make Great Graduation Gifts!

The Crossroads of Should and Must

This short read by Elle Luna really changed the way I thought about decisions and how I spent my time. I started reading it in the winter of my freshman year of college, but think it would have really helped me out had I read it the summer prior. Highly recommend for any graduate – or college student in general!

Goodnight Lab

A girl who lived on my hall my first year at university had this book. I think it’s one of the cutest things ever. Perfect for any STEM major who would appreciate a dose of nostalgia as well as your support of their chosen major.

Goodnight Dorm

In the same vein, I’m sure anyone who loved Goodnight Moon as a child would appreciate this Goodnight Dorm guide to college.

Ticket Stub Diary

I recieved this for my high school graduation and I absolutely love using it and writing little notes about every ticketed event I attend, be it a sports game or lecture!

Whatever You Are, Be a Good One

Can you ever go wrong with inspirational quotes? I don’t think so.

Gmorning, Gnight! Little Pep Talks for Me & You

This little book is perfect for any Hamilton or Lin-Manuel Miranda fans. Every morning and evening, Lin would tweet a message. Eventually, they became so popular and meaningful, he worked with an illustrator to put some of them together into this book!

Make Your Bed: Little Things that Can Change Your Life… and Maybe the World

Dream Big, Princess!

Alright, my parents got me this book when I finished high school. At first I was like “Why?” – but here I am two years later, grateful beyond words for this little book. I keep it on my desk in my room at school and read it whenever I need motivation. I’ve cried nearly every time I’ve read it, because it just makes me believe in myself and my ability to do whatever task or challenge I am faced with. Which is strange because I never would have thought a book would make me cry. But it does.

Maybe it’s the combination of my immense love for Disney and remembering that my incredible parents believe in me, influenced by my raw emotional state and perhaps lack of sleep at the time of reading. Whatever the case, I highly recommend this book for any graduating Disney Princesses you want to encourage to dream big.

And now for all of the fabulous guided journals:

One List a Day: A Three Year Journal

One Line a Day

One Question a Day

Two Minute Mornings: A Journal to Win Your Day Every Day

The One-Minute Gratitude Journal

Listography: Your Life in Lists

Travel Listography: Exploring the World in Lists

I Was Here: A Travel Journal for the Curious Minded

The Bucket List Book: 500 Things You Really Could Do

You Are Here: A Mindful Travel Journal

And we end with a few children’s books.

The Wonderful Things You Will Be

Childrens books can take on a whole new meaning when you’re leaving home. This one is both sweet and affirming – and the illustrations are too cute!

Be Brave Little One

Yay, You! Moving Up and Moving On

I’ve always loved Sandra Boynton’s illustrations, and if you’re anything like me, you’d really appreciate this book!

Shop them all on Amazon!

I hope this helped inspire some of your graduation gift purchases, or give you some ideas for the future! Books are such a fun addition to any gift and can help bring a smile to any grads face.

Need more ideas for graduation gifts? Check out this post, where I shared some of the high school graduation gifts I found to be the most useful in college!

Congratulations to all of this years graduates. You did it!