24 Thoughtful Graduation Gifts for Every Student
Updated: Jul. 30, 2023
Skip the pomp and circumstance—these are the graduation gifts they really want.
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It’s that time of year again: Graduation season! Whether your grad is off to college or just walked the stage at a university, it’s important to send them some sweet congrats. But what exactly do you get a high school or college grad besides, well, cash? We rounded up to the best graduation gifts for every type of grad, from congratulations ice cream to fresh luggage to tote on their new adventures.
Planning a graduation party? We’ve got you covered with ideas for celebrating your scholar.
Graduation Cupcakes
The best graduation gifts? Food gifts, of course! Seriously, there’s no sweeter way to commemorate graduation than with special treats like these congratulations cupcakes. They hail from the wildly popular Georgetown Cupcakes, so you can trust this sweet treat will be very well received.
Collegiate Pouch
Graduation gifts that help them show off their collegiate pride are always a cute idea. This embroidered collegiate pouch keeps the essentials near while helping the grad remember this special chapter whether they’re closing the college yearbook or just starting.
Personalized Notebook
A new chapter requires a new notebook, and this personalized option 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.
Gift Card Holder
Make that graduation gift card a little more stylish with this card holder. Stock it with a gift from Amazon, Blue Apron or any other store your grad frequents.
Dear Graduate Gift Box
Equal parts fun and practical, this Dear Graduate gift box makes an engaging keepsake for any type of grad. They’ll score a funny adulting merit badge coffee mug, a book that makes them contemplate what they really want out of their future and a collection of “Things they didn’t teach you in school.” This gift keeps the wheels turning as they amp up for their next chapter while commemorating how hard they’ve worked.
Cozy Robe
A soft, cozy gift is always well-received. And your grad can wear this waffle robe walking to their dorm’s shower or while working from home.
Always Pan
Your young adult will 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.
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 for the grad who’s eager to start their career on the right foot. We found more thoughtful college graduation gifts.
Travel Jewelry Case
Pretty and personalized, a travel jewelry case keeps their keepsakes safe no matter what adventure lies ahead. We especially love all the little detailing on this pick, from the gorgeous colors, to the personalized monogram and leather construction. It’s a special little gift for even more special graduates.
Letters to Their Future Self
This one’s for the sentimental grads or the ones who love to journal. Help them document this special time with Letters to Their Future Self. Whether they’re manifesting their dreams or recapping present memories, it’s a thoughtful way to help them remember who they are and what’s to come.
Durable Luggage
Send your grad on their next adventure with some durable new luggage. Trust us, it’ll last long beyond college (or their post-grad adventures) so they won’t need to worry about replacing it any time soon. Pro tip: Pair it with a travel gift card to start planning their next trip home.
Personalized Candy
Sure, a bottle of bubbly always pairs well with graduation. But a champagne bottle filled with chocolate candies? Even better. This M&Ms gift arrives delicately packaged inside a bottle and carrying tube. Take it up a notch and personalize the M&Ms with their graduation year and school colors. Time to pop the bubbly!
Wireless Headphones
Gift them something they really want. These wireless Apple AirPods Max make on-the-go listening a breeze. They’ll be a loyal companion to the new grad during study sessions (or working from home) and while relaxing. Need more ideas? Check out these great high school graduation gifts.
Pendant Necklace
Commemorate their special day with new jewelry. Instead of waiting until their grad party to gift them this elegant pendant necklace, surprise them before they walk down the graduation aisle. They’ll keep this special accessory near and dear to their heart long after their graduation celebration.
All Roads Take Us Home Glasses
Home is where the heart is. And these sentimental drinking glasses remind your grad of their roots. Each duo is made to order and features a map of their hometown.
Congratulations Ice Cream
Want to send your well wishes to a far away grad? Send congratulations by the spoonful thanks to this sweet delivery. From caramel swirl to peanut butter flavored ice cream, this gift keeps on giving.
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 and exclusive sales.
“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 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. Choose from a rainbow of colors and customize it with the grad’s initials. Now that’s a sweet graduation gift!
Graduation Gift Box
Show your grad how much you care with a graduation gift box filled with all of their favorite things. A sunshine box is welcome, too.
Coffee Subscription
New jobs (or new classes) call for a steady stream of caffeine in most cases. Atlas Coffee Club sends fresh roasts from all over the world straight to your grad’s door. Read our Atlas Coffee Club review for the full scoop. These foodie subscriptions make great graduation gifts, too.
Additional research contributed by Associate Shopping Editor, Madi Koetting
Originally Published: May 15, 2020
