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8th grade graduation usually marks the end of middle school: An often tumultuous but exciting time for kids. While they may be staying in the same school district next year, graduating 8th grade — and surviving middle school — is a milestone worth celebrating. 

We curated a list of 8th-grade graduation gifts that cater to different interests and passions (plus some that are just plain fun). It's our hope that these gifts put a smile on your soon-to-be 9th-grader. 

Gift the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11, from $74

Instant cameras are having a comeback, and it's likely that your 8th grader already has their eye on one. Help them commemorate their transition from middle school to high school with a bright, colorful memory generator. 

Gift a Milk Bar Sampler, $55

Milk Bar (one of our favorite brands) is known for tasty treats in adorable packaging — a great fit for an 8th-grader. This particular sampler includes the company's infamous birthday cake truffles, cookies, and a slice of Milk Bar Pie. 

Gift the Beats Solo3 Headphones, $131.78

Beats Solo3 are great starter headphones for teenagers: They're relatively affordable for the product, well-reviewed, and have great sound quality. They can be used for study breaks and jam sessions alike. 

Gift StubHub Tickets or a Gift Card, prices vary

There's nothing more exciting to an 8th-grader than seeing their favorite performer or sports team in person. The memories from this gift will last far beyond high school. 

Gift the Black Series LED Game Bean Bag Toss Game, $79.99

Cornhole is a fun way to pass the time during the summer, but it can be elevated even further with this glow-in-the-dark set. They can play at any time of day with these LED light-up beanbags. 

An iPad is a perfect transition device for a soon-to-be high schooler: it's more affordable than a laptop but has all of the same basic functions as both devices. Pair it with an attachable keyboard for the closest experience to a laptop.

Gift a personalized M&Ms Jar, $34.99

As long as they don't have any dietary restrictions, what better gift is there than chocolate? Gift them this custom container of M&Ms with their school colors and a personalized lid.

Gift the Impala Pastel Rollerskates, $65.16

Help them find a new hobby (or stylishly re-enter an old one) with these brightly colored, fun rollerskates. They're available in many other colors and designs, so there's likely to be one that best suits them. 

Gift a Nintendo Switch Console, $299

The Nintendo Switch is the most popular gaming console among teens right now, and with good reason. Both personal and team play are available on thousands of games, and it's likely that they already have a favorite. 

Gift "The High School Survival Guide: Your Roadmap to Studying, Socializing & Succeeding," $9.29

High school brings about many changes: more studying, new friends, and all of the teenage experiences. This all-in-one book includes anything from study tips to mindfulness exercises intended to help teens thrive in the transition to high school. 

Gift the Baublebar Pisa Custom Bracelet, $40

Baublebar is a staple among teens and young adults because of its simple, yet elegant jewelry that can be worn with nearly any outfit. Allow them to feel mature while remaining age-appropriate with this beaded bracelet. 

Gift the LittlePenguinCre8ive Graduation Yard Sign, $14.97

Graduating middle school is a celebration worth shouting to the rooftops, especially considering how the pandemic has impacted these past few years. Celebrate along with all of their nearby friends and family with this expressive yard sign.

Gift a Sugarfina Congrats Bento Box, $30

A congratulatory box of gummy bears and chocolates may be just what your graduate needs to feel sweetly celebrated. Sugarfina is best known for high-quality candy in beautiful, occasion-based packaging, so there's lots of room for celebration. 

Gift a Narwhal Pool Float, $59.99

A fun pool float can get a laugh when they open the gift, and it can bring a ton of fun all summer long. Choose their favorite animal, food, or object for them to float on in the pool or on the beach. 

Gift a Knack Way to Go! Gift Set, $50

Take the guesswork out of gifting with this pre-packaged gift set fit for a celebration of any kind. A candle with matches, bag of candy, and "you're awesome" pop open cards are all included — just be sure to check in with the graduate's caregiver before gifting matches. 

Graduation parties, barbeques, pool parties, and more: there are so many reasons why a teen will appreciate a portable, high-quality speaker. This relatively budget-friendly speaker packs in a huge sound, and they'll appreciate the ability to bring it essentially anywhere they go. 

Gift a Cameo Video Message, prices vary

Achieve the goal of being your graduate's favorite person ever by gifting them a custom message from their favorite celebrity. Actors from "The Office" (from $40), athletes like the New York Rangers Julien Gauthier ($75), and more are available to choose from. 

Gift a Class of Personalized Graduation Metal Bucket, $19.99

This metal bucket will commemorate their accomplishment for years to come. Although it doesn't come filled, this leaves an opportunity to fill it with whatever you so choose: outdoor toys and games, candy, or cards and gifts from friends and loved ones.

Gift the STATE Lorimer Backpack, $110

If they want to start high school fresh with a new backpack, consider purchasing one from STATE. You can either purchase a sleek plain backpack, or customize it with initials, patches, pins, and symbols. Best of all, any STATE purchase will donate a fully packed backpack to a partner charity or school.

Gift the "This Calls for Confetti" Card, $5.99

Whether your grad just wants cash or you want a card that's just as exciting as the gift, there's nothing quite as surprising as a card full of confetti. 

Gift an Amazon or Target gift card, prices vary

For a teen with a specific taste, the gift of selecting their own gift is practically the best gift of all. Amazon and Target both have a wide range of age-appropriate graduation gifts. 

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