College Graduation Gift Guide: Best Ideas for Graduation Gifts

College Graduation Gift Guide: Best Ideas for Graduation Gifts
Photo by Logan Isbell / Unsplash

Graduating from college is an amazing achievement to celebrate! Marking this major life milestone with a thoughtful gift shows the grad how much you value their hard work over the past few years. When picking out a graduation gift, opt for something useful that will benefit them as they enter the next phase of their life. The best graduation gifts are equal parts practical, meaningful, and fun.

Think about the grad's future plans and interests when choosing a present. If they'll be starting their first job, go for something professional. If they plan to move to do some traveling, gifts like Airbnb cards are fitting. You can't go wrong with something pampering like a self-care basket for their much-needed rest. Just avoid gifts that feel impersonal – this is a major accomplishment, so your present should reflect that!

1. Duo Standing Desk by Branch Furniture 

A new standing desk from Branch that brings inspiring design, seamless movement, intuitive organization, and better work to every space and budget. Perfect for a new grad starting a new job.

2. Call Mom Pillowcase by Oh Susannah

Ensure your college-bound student feels your constant love and encouragement with a "Call Mom!" pillowcase. This ultra-soft, screen-printed pillow cover not only enhances any dorm room but also serves as a practical and memorable graduation gift that encourages your grad to stay in touch.

3. Graduation Piñatagram

Surprise a recent grad with a Piñatagram! Filled with Skittles, Starburst, Laffy Taffy, Double Bubble, Airheads, Sweetarts, and Life Saver mints. 

4. Crystal Champagne Flutes 

No more drinking from plastic red cups. For those who prefer traditional, timeless gifts, consider giving these crystal champagne flutes along with a bottle of sparkling wine or champagne. They are truly stunning glasses that would make an awesome graduation gift.

5. Jasmine Tea Candle

Inspired by Iroh's particular fondness for tea and his tea shop, the Jasmine Dragon, his scent is his favorite tea flavor - jasmine tea. This candle will bring relaxation and ambiance to a new apartment or home.

6. "Off She Went" Makeup Bag 

"And Off She Went To Change The World" makeup bag: A perfect graduation gift for her, celebrating her achievements and empowering her to make a difference in the world.

7. "Do Epic Sh*t" Keychain

Best grad keychain for both boys and girls. The graduation keychain can be given to yourself, your peers, boyfriend, girlfriend, sister, brother, friend, BFF, or anyone who is about to graduate. Take pride in how far you’ve come. Have faith in how far you can go. But don’t forget to enjoy the journey.

8. Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker

The Keurig K-Mini single serve coffee maker features a sleek design with matte finish, and at less than 5 inches wide is the perfect size for any space or occasion. The K-Mini brewer is effortlessly simple to use - just add fresh water to the reservoir, pop in your favorite K-Cup pod, press the brew button and enjoy fresh brewed, delicious coffee in minutes.  

9. Magic Bullet Personal Blender Set

No matter what you're whipping up in the kitchen, it'll be as simple as can be with this Personal Blender Set from Magic Bullet. This powerful yet compact blender, a true magic bullet in the kitchen, effortlessly chops fruits, veggies, and more with precision. 

10. Let the Adventure Begin Mug Moss - Threshold 

This ceramic mug features a clean white hue with a moss green interior and the phrase “Let the adventure begin” for a look that will inspire you to take on the day. This mug is microwave-safe so you can reheat your beverages, and it's also dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. 

11. Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) with Charging Case

AirPods deliver high-quality sound and voice-activated Siri¹ for an unparalleled wireless headphone experience. They’re ready to use with all of your devices. Put them in your ears and they connect immediately. Just like magic. 

12. Essential Tech Folio

Handcrafted from luxurious leather, the Essential Tech Folio is the perfect way to keep tech essentials organized on the go. Thoughtfully designed with multiple sleeves, pockets and compartments, the folio is essential for traveling, commuting and running daily errands. Store travel documents, a small notebook, your ID and credit cards alongside a tablet or iPad on the right while you organize your power bank, charging cables, Air Pods and other tech on the left. Add a monogram for a personal touch. 

13. Next Chapter Notebook 

Pen an epic story or a daily to-do list with this charming hardback notebook. Featuring an inspiring message on the fuchsia cover and a ribbon bookmark to mark your spot, this journal can be your daily sidekick for capturing historic events and/or Saturday errand lists.

14. Story Cup

Celebrate her unique qualities, passions, and joys with Melissa Reddick’s high-gloss, ceramic mugs. Each storybook-themed piece features a touching phrase etched into the clay that will warm her heart with every sip. 

15. Collegiate Pouches 

Carry keys, cash, or cosmetics with collegiate pride in these beautifully designed pouches. From ‘Bama to Syracuse, each original design is woven (not printed) on a handy, 100% cotton, zippered carryall. Because each alma mater is much more than a logo or school colors, the designs were hand-drawn with collaborative input from passionate alumni, fans, faculty, and locals. 

16. Follow Your Own Path Necklace

Life’s a journey, not a destination. Britta Ambauen’s necklace lets adventurers wear it every day. On the sterling silver pendant, a path recedes into the distance toward a vibrant moonstone "moon," symbolizing the possibilities that lie ahead. To make that path even prettier, the biodegradable paper that bears the necklace is embedded with the seeds of 15 flowers. Plant it and watch snapdragons, petunias, daisies, poppies, and more grow skyward as you reach toward your goals. 

17. Cosmopolitan watch 

Keep it chic with this Swiss-made Cosmopolitan watch. Embellished with clear pavé crystals, this glimmering timepiece has an elegant rose gold-tone finish, and a stainless steel case with an adjustable bracelet. Wear it day and night for a subtle touch of glamour.

18. Popping Bottles Champagne Duo

Pop the Champagne because it's time to celebrate and toast sweetly with our celebration bottle bundle!! Sip, sip, hooray! 

19. Personalized Engraved Bracelet

This Engraved Bracelet is more than just an accessory. It's a personalized piece of artistry designed just for you or your loved ones. Crafted in lustrous silver or gold, the bracelet offers a unique opportunity for self-expression or a thoughtful gesture for someone special. Customize it with your chosen text or name, subtly hidden inside the bangle, creating an intimate bond between the wearer and the message. 

20. Ruckpack 60+ Recycled Travel Pack

The quintessential mothership/satellite travel set, the REI Co-op Recycled Ruckpack 60+ pack is a 60-liter pack to get you there and a 20-liter pack for exploring once you've arrived.

The graduation gift you select doesn't have to be wildly expensive. Often, it's the smallest yet most thoughtful gestures that make grads feel appreciated. Personalized keepsakes and heartfelt notes can mean more than pricey items. No matter what you choose, presenting a new grad with a gift celebrates their academic success and shows you're excited for what's ahead.