31 Thoughtful Graduation Gifts for Every Student
Updated: Aug. 22, 2022Skip the pomp and circumstance—these are the graduation gifts they really want.
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Personalized Notebook
A new chapter requires a new notebook, and this personalized option from Etsy is as unique as your student! Start by choosing the paper type and cover. Then, add their name and a personalized note to the spine. Find more personalized graduation gifts.
Smart Watch
Whether it’s their first day in class or on the job, an Apple Watch will help your grad arrive on time. It can also track their steps, monitor sleep and so much more.
Mini Succulent Garden
Spruce up their desk or dorm room with an easy-to-care-for plant. This potted garden on Etsy includes a variety of succulents. For added flair, gift them a pretty succulent pot, too.
Snacks of the Month Club
Life gets busy after graduation. Keep your kiddo well-fed with this snack subscription from Mouth. Every month they’ll look forward to crunchy, chewy, salty and sweet snacks from across the country.
New Robe
A soft, cozy gift is always well-received. And your grad can wear this plush robe from Brooklinen walking to their dorm’s shower or while working from home.
Adventure Fund
Adulthood comes with a lot of responsibilities—and a lot of bills. But it’s important to put aside some cash for something fun, too. This personalized bank from Etsy makes it easy. For an added gift, give your grad a head start!
Always Pan
Your young adult may actually look forward to cooking dinner in the Our Place Always Pan. This trendy piece of cookware is as pretty as it is practical. See what one of our editors thought of this viral pan.
Custom Mug
Capture your grad’s favorite memories on a Collage mug they’ll use every morning. It’s a sweet blend of practicality and sentiment. (Go ahead and send ’em this mug cake recipe, too).
Big Blanket
Between Netflix nights and lazy Sunday mornings, your grad will get a lot of use out of Big Blanket’s original stretch throw. Measuring 10 feet wide and long, this mega blanket is the ideal companion when it’s time for some R&R. Choose from several colors and patterns for the perfect fit.
Money Tree
This pretty plant is known for more than its good looks. Many cultures believe it can bring luck, too! Pick up a money tree from BloomsyBox for the grad who’s eager to start their career on the right foot. We found more great college graduation gifts.
Memories Candle
If your kiddo is leaving home for the first time, a Homesick candle will remind them of their favorite state or city. You can also pay homage to beloved memories, like days spent at summer camp or family road trips.
Wireless Headphones
Gift them something they really want. These wireless Apple AirPods make on-the-go listening a breeze. Need more ideas? Check out these great high school graduation gifts.
Fix It Kit
Trust us—putting together that pile of flat-pack furniture is a lot easier when this fix-it kit is handy. Available at Uncommon Goods, this practical gift is loaded with a hammer, flashlight, pliers, tape measure, screwdriver and other must-have tools.
Productivity Planner
Managing a new class schedule or workload is tricky. Make the most of it with a productivity planner from Paper Source. Weekly and daily breakdowns help you manage tasks, prioritize your to-do list and get everything done.
Encouragement Care Package
Sure, graduation is exciting. But there can be some not-so-fuzzy feelings, too. If your grad is anxious about moving, making new friends or finding a job, Etsy’s encouragement care package is a welcome distraction. It’s loaded with a huggable stuffed animal (we love the llama!), a candle, matches and an encouraging note.
All Roads Take Us Home Glasses
Home is where the heart is. And these sentimental drinking glasses from Uncommon Goods will remind your grad of their roots. Each duo is made to order and features a map of their hometown.
Custom Toiletry Bag
They’ll love having everything they need in one place, thanks to this leather toiletry bag. Customize this practical gift with their name or a monogram, then choose from several leather colors. It’s the perfect graduation gift for a student who loves to travel!
Amazon Prime Membership
No matter what they need, Amazon has it. And a Prime membership ensures it’s delivered ASAP. They’ll love all of the other perks, too, like movie and TV streaming, photo storage, exclusive sales and more.
“Congratulations” Popcorn Tin
If your grad has a sweet tooth, then treat them to this deluxe popcorn tin. It’s full of four varieties of Harry & David’s Moose Munch—classic caramel, milk chocolate, dark chocolate and s’mores. Plus, once the tin is empty, it’s a great spot for your grad to store cards, tassels and other memorabilia.
Customized Cash
When it comes to graduation gifts, cash is king. Make your money a little more personal by tucking it inside this personalized (and practical!) card holder from Paper Source.
External Hard Drive
While a WD external hard drive may not be the most exciting gift to open now, your grad will thank you when their computer crashes the night before a big project is due. 2000GB is enough space to hold, well, pretty much everything.
Graduation Cookies
If you can’t be there to toast in person, gift the next best thing. These gourmet shortbread cookies from Le Gourmet feature celebratory icons your grad will love.
Colorful Water Bottle
Wherever life takes them, at least they’ll be hydrated—thanks to this 36-ounce insulated water bottle from YETI. This hefty gift is stylish, sustainable and is available with a variety of color and customization options.
Graduation Gift Box
Show your grad how much you care with an Etsy graduation gift box filled with all of their favorite things. A sunshine box would be welcome, too.
Sturdy Backpack
Whether they’re toting it to class or on a long commute, this handsome leather backpack will get a lot of use. Plus, since it’s made of leather, this Samsonite pack will last for years.
College Gear
Who doesn’t want to show a little school pride? Grads of all ages will appreciate a brand new college T-shirt. First years heading off to school will anticipate all of the exciting memories to come, while graduating seniors can look back on their college experience.
Retro-Inspired Bluetooth Speaker
Vintage tech is making a comeback—but with a few key upgrades. This Marshall bluetooth speaker is just as stylish as grandma’s old radio, but your grad can control it from an array of devices. Plus, its compact size is ideal for dorm rooms and apartments.
Coffee Subscription
New jobs (or new classes) call for a steady stream of caffeine (and these other new job gifts!) in most cases. Atlas Coffee Club sends fresh roasts from all over the world straight to your grad’s door. These foodie subscriptions make great graduation gifts, too.
Collapsible Popcorn Popper
Midnight snack, anyone? This collapsible popcorn popper is perfect for dorm rooms and studio apartments alike. It makes enough for their friends, too! For even more flair, include one of our flavored popcorn recipes.
Packing Cubes
From your first trek back home to your first business trip, pack like a pro with CALPAK’s set of fabric cubes. They’re designed to fit in your luggage with ease.
Gift Card Holder
Make that graduation gift card a little more stylish with this card holder from Etsy. Stock it with a gift from Amazon, Apple, Hello Fresh or any other store your grad frequents.
