phd graduation present ideas

• Majors & Careers
• Online Grad School
• Preparing For Grad School
• Student Life

Top 15 Best PhD Graduation Gifts in 2024

I found the very best PhD graduation gifts. Below, I’ll discuss each. This article includes specific PhD graduation gift recommendations. I did my best to include a little bit about why new doctors appreciate each, and I link to where you can find them.

Note that The Grad Cafe is supported by our audience, I regularly use affiliate links throughout. That means I could get a small commission when you order something on this list. Thanks for your support!

Ready to discuss PhD graduation gifts? Read on.

Table of Contents

You Can’t Go Wrong With…

If you’re at a loss thinking about what to buy a Ph.D. graduate as a present, you can’t go wrong with cash, checks, and gift cards.

There’s no denying that PhDs can be incredibly expensive. Just look at the data from EducationData.org , which states that federal graduate student borrowers have $91,148 average loan balances. It doesn’t matter if they earned their degree in person or online — debt is debt. Cutting a check for any amount can help a PhD graduate buy what they need (or want). They can also choose to pay the amount toward their debt.

Of course, giving cash or a check isn’t everyone’s idea of a good present. In that case, you can always give a gift card .

Amazon Gift Cards come in nice packaging, like this graduation gift box.

Amazon allows you to choose your gift card amount,  starting from $25 and going all the way up to $2,000. You can also send your gift card digitally if you’d rather skip the box altogether.

On Amazon, you can also choose gift cards from specific brands. For example, if you’d like to give the gift of tech, you can opt for an Apple gift card between $25-$500. And if you’re looking for PhD graduation gifts for her , try a Sephora gift card  between $25-$250.

Buy a Graduation-Themed Amazon Gift Card

Buy an Apple Gift Card

Buy a Sephora Gift Card

15 Best PhD Graduation Gifts [2024]

Check out these unique, fun gift ideas for a doctoral graduate near and dear to your heart!

1. A Care Package – CRAVEBOX Gourmet Specialty Snack Box

Care packages are an excellent yet practical way to show you care. The CRAVEBOX Gourmet Specialty Snack Box is a 50-piece collection of gourmet snack samplers.

Why a PhD Graduate Would Like It:

Unless your recipient is a picky eater, they’re bound to like something in this package. After all, who wouldn’t want to try new types of snacks? They might even find their new favorite snack in this box!

Of course, you may want to ask about food sensitivities and preferences before choosing a box like this.

Buy the CRAVEBOX Gourmet Specialty Snack Box

2. Presentation Clicker and Pointer – Logitech R500s

The Logitech R500s is a presentation pointer and clicker that works from a 65ft range(20m). It has a red laser and customizable buttons. The R500s connects via a USB dongle/receiver, but it’s also universally compatible, including with Bluetooth.

PhD graduates, especially ones going into an academic or research-based career , will have to give a lot of presentations. A good clicker like this can make their presentations go more smoothly.

Buy the Logitech R500s

3. RocketBook Smart Reusable Notebook Set

The RocketBook has been around for a while, but it’s still a pretty cool product all around. RocketBooks are essentially notebooks with special pages that let you scan and digitally convert notes. They come in various sizes and have reusable pages if you use the Pilot Frixion pen. That’s a win for the planet!

PhD graduates will likely write a lot  of notes in their lifetime. The RocketBook blends old-school handwritten notes with technology, allowing easily scannable and text-convertible notes with the app’s OCR (optical character recognition) feature. Some may find this gift a novelty, but it’s a great way to help the environment!

Buy the RocketBook Smart Reusable Notebook Set

4. Boogie Board Basics Reusable Writing Pad

The Boogie Board is a reusable writing pad for quick notes and reminders at work or home. You can use anything to write on it, as long as it has a dull pointy end. This board is good for 50,000 resets (board clears) — endless use!

This is one of the coolest gift ideas for PhD graduates because it reduces desk clutter and wasted paper.

Buy the Boogie Board Basics Reusable Writing Pad

5 . Mechanical Pencil + Stylus: rOtring 800+

This rOtring mechanical pencil and stylus hybrid lets you switch seamlessly from paper to screen. It’s a well-designed writing instrument that prevents writing fatigue thanks to its hexagonal barrel.

This mechanical pen and stylus combo is one of the best PhD graduation gifts for students . For many, pencils are the writing instrument of choice. rOtring is a known and reliable pencil brand, so there’s no doubt it will provide an enjoyable writing experience — and it’s a breeze to use!

Buy the rOtring 800+ Mechanical Pencil and Stylus

6. Hobonichi Techo 5-Year Diary

The Hobonichi Techo is a well-known planner/diary loved for its sheer quality and flexibility. The Hobonichi Techo 5-Year Diary allows the user to plan and organize up to five years of their lives.

The Hobonichi Techo 5-Year Diary offers PhD graduates an easy way to keep track of their appointments and events — especially if they prefer pen and paper to phone apps.

Buy the Hobonichi Techo 5-Year Diary

7. HidrateSpark PRO Smart Steel Water Bottle

The HidrateSpark PRO Smart Steel Water Bottle keeps you hydrated with its reminder glow. You can even track your water intake through its free app and customize the bottle’s glow lights and light patterns. The best part? It keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours!

The HidrateSpark PRO bottle makes a great gift for a PhD graduate, especially if they are so busy that they forget to take care of themselves. Dehydration is no joke!

Buy the HidrateSpark PRO Smart Steel Water Bottle

8. Leather Briefcase and Laptop Bag by KomalC

This leather briefcase and laptop bag uses buffalo leather and durable YKK zippers to ensure years and years of use. It fits laptops without being too bulky while still having plenty of room for files, folders, and notebooks.

This KomalC leather briefcase is a high-quality bag a PhD graduate can take with them anywhere. It’s roomy and protects their laptops and important items without being too bulky or uncomfortable.

Buy the Leather Briefcase and Laptop Bag by KomalC

9. Custom Engraved Steel Business Card Case

This beautiful two-tone business card case holds up to 15 business cards. It comes with free personalization, allowing three text lines with up to 25 characters for each line.

PhD graduates often carry business cards. So why not have a nice, engraved case to keep them all in great condition until it’s time to hand them out?

Buy the Custom Engraved Steel Business Card Case

10. Mechanical Retro Style Flip Clock

This retro-style flip clock has a minimalistic design while still displaying the time down to the minute. It has a durable stainless steel frame and ABS plastic cards to ensure longevity. However, it has delicate inner mechanisms, so it’s not the best gift for someone with cats or young children.

This gift is a great conversation starter for your PhD recipient!

Buy the Mechanical Retro Style Flip Clock

11. Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock with Bed Shaker

This alarm clock was made for those who sleep through just about any other alarm. It comes with a shaker that users can put underneath their pillow (or anywhere else where it would make a racket) so the vibrations will wake them up when the alarm rings.

This Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock with Bed Shaker is one of the best PhD graduation gifts for students who sleep like the dead. This alarm clock might help the recipient avoid tardiness, though their sleeping partner might not appreciate it so much!

Buy the Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock with Bed Shaker

12. FlexiSpot Laptop Desk Riser

This laptop desk riser is 27×19 inches — a relatively large desk surface when raised. It has five adjustment settings from 1.8 to 15.9 inches. This Flexispot product allows the user to turn any surface into a standing desk. Make sure you also check the Best Desks for Students .

Sitting all day while working is detrimental to your health. This laptop desk riser is an excellent choice for PhD graduates who spend way too much time at their workstations. And if they don’t want to stand, even the slight elevation of gaze reduces neck strain and back pain.

Buy the FlexiSpot Laptop Desk Riser .

*You can also add the FlexiSpot Anti-Fatigue Mat .

13. FlexiSpot EN1 Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk

The En1 electric height adjustable desk has a 55×28 inch table top for a spacious work area. It runs quietly while adjusting height smoothly. Users can set the table’s height between 28-47.6 inches. It supports up to 154 lbs, which accommodates even the heaviest workloads.

The EN1 makes is a great PhD graduation gift for the same reason a laptop riser would — it helps your PhD graduate to stand more often, minimizing stress and back pain. This fully electric desk is also quite convenient, without requiring manual adjustments. What better way to kick off your graduate’s high-paying PhD job  than a fabulous new desk?

Buy the FlexiSpot EN1 Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk

14. Sony WH-1000XM4 Noise Canceling Headphones

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are legendary for great audio quality, comfort, and portability (they fold up to a smaller profile when not in use). It offers ANC (active noise cancellation) and even has built-in Alexa voice control.

If you want to give the gift of peace and focus, this pair of headphones is an incredible choice. While this one’s pricey, you can find other ANC headphones that are more affordable. The XM4s also have a newer version, the XM5 (but these don’t fold up into a smaller profile).

Buy the Sony WH-1000XM4 Noise Canceling Headphones

15. Microsoft Surface Go 3

The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is a tablet that can replace a laptop. It runs on Windows, has a touch screen and decent battery life, and works with a stylus. You can also charge it with a power bank if you run out of juice.

The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is an excellent and pragmatic PhD graduation gift for students because of its productivity capabilities, including responding to emails and word processing. And, of course, it also works well for entertainment purposes. Save this for a loved one — it’s pricy!

Buy the Microsoft Surface Go 3

How Much Should You Spend on PhD Graduation Gifts?

The cost of your PhD gift depends on your relationship with the graduate. It can be anywhere from $10-$300, or maybe even more if you wish — but never spend more than you can afford. Here’s a general guide for how much you might want to spend:

• Acquaintances : <$30
• Friends : $25-$50
• Closest friends and relatives: $50-$100
• Significant others, children, and close loved ones: $100-$300+

Avoid superfluously expensive gifts for people you aren’t close with — that’ll just make them uncomfortable!

Finishing a doctorate is no easy feat — even the online PhDs  take endless hours to complete. Bottom line? Graduating with a PhD is a cause for celebration! And what better way to celebrate your new PhD-holder loved one than with a thoughtful present ?

PhD graduation gifts don’t have to be expensive or luxurious. They can be something as simple as a mug or a shirt with a witty PhD-related message. Doctorate graduation gifts can even be sentimental, like an engraved business card case.

If someone you know recently achieved a PhD (or even an MBA ), this list of the best graduation gifts for PhD students might offer some gift inspiration.

It can be challenging to come up with ideas for PhD graduation gifts, but there’s always a fantastic option out there waiting for you. But remember: if you can’t come up with any ideas that feel right, everyone loves cash or gift cards!

Do you have any other PhD graduation gift suggestions? Leave them in a comment below!

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you give a phd graduate.

The perfect PhD graduation gifts for doctoral graduates depend on your preference — unless the recipient specifically requests something. Cash, checks, and gift cards are popular options but may seem impersonal. Instead, you might give the graduate something pragmatic, like food, or something heartfelt, like a craft. Of course, the 15 suggestions on this list are also great PhD gifts.

What Are Good PhD Graduation Gifts for a University Graduate?

It truly depends — you can give something generic like a mug or shirt with a witty PhD-related saying or something more aligned with your recipient’s interest if you know them well.

What Is the Going Rate for PhD Graduation Gifts?

It really depends on your relationship with the recipient. Gifts can cost anywhere from $10-$300 and sometimes even more. If you’re more an acquaintance than a loved one, choose something on the lower price end to avoid making the recipient uncomfortable.

Is it OK to Give a Check as a PhD Graduation Gift?

Absolutely! Although some people may find checks or cash impersonal, a PhD graduate could probably use the money. After all, they can put it toward student loans or buy something they really need.

Related Reading:

• Top 12 Best Laptops for Graduate Students
• Top 10 Best Jobs for MBA Graduates

5 Ways To Work While Studying And Get Ahead Of The Competition

• How To Prep Your Resume For Success 
• 5 Tips For An Amazing Video Interview

Chriselle Sy

Chriselle has been a passionate professional content writer for over 10 years. She writes educational content for The Grad Cafe, Productivity Spot, The College Monk, and other digital publications.  When she isn't busy writing, she spends her time streaming video games and learning new skills.

• Chriselle Sy https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/chriselle-sy/ Graduate Certificate vs Degree: What’s the Difference? [2024 Guide]
• Chriselle Sy https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/chriselle-sy/ The 18 Best Scholarships for Black Students in 2024-2025
• Chriselle Sy https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/chriselle-sy/ The 25 Best Gifts for Nursing Students in 2024
• Chriselle Sy https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/chriselle-sy/ Dissertation vs Thesis: Your 2024 Guide

Top 30 Scholarships for Women for 2022/2024

Related posts.

• 12 Best Laptops for Computer Science Students

Graduate Certificate vs Degree: What’s the Difference? [2024 Guide]

ACBSP Vs AACSB: Which Business Program Accreditations is Better?

25 Best Gifts for Law Students for 2024

The 25 Best Gifts for Nursing Students in 2024

7 Best Laptops for Engineering Students in 2024

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

12 Best PhD Gifts for Doctoral Students (in 2024)

by Derek Miller 6 min read

If you just try searching "PhD Graduation Gifts" on Amazon, you'll get a page full of mugs, shirts and keychains. They deserve better. I’ve been through grad school, got my PhD, and have a good idea of what they would truly appreciate as a thank-you gift. Here’s my hand-picked list below. 

This list is a compilation of my favorites from around the internet. Some are our own Genius Lab Gear inventions and some we’re just jealous we didn’t think of first! Some external links in this page are from affiliates, which means that any purchase of the items after clicking the link will result in a small monetary referral fee paid back to Genius Lab Gear at no cost to you. We appreciate your support which allows us to continue inventing and testing the best tools for scientists on the planet!

1. Academia Word Magnets

Academia is chock full of inside jokes, mannerisms, and cringeworthy habits that grad students and professors love to laugh about. These word magnets are designed specifically to let academics rant about their hardships, relish their big wins, and have a good laugh. These are perfect for the office refrigerator or the magnetic whiteboard, where colleagues can leave passive-aggressive phrases for lab mates to find later.  Get them on our site here  and bundle them with  other field-specific sets  based on the graduate's field of study.

2. The Pocket Scientist pocket ruler and equation reference

Whether they're climbing the academic latter or heading out to the "real world", they can carry this credit card-sized ruler and scientific reference every day. We even laser-engraved the backside full of basic science equations and physical constants.  See the product page  for a full list of features we've packed in!

Available from  our website  or  from Amazon .

The Pocket Scientist at Genius Lab Gear

The Pocket Scientist on Amazon

How to use The Pocket Scientist – Full Feature Guide

P.S. We also have versions specifically for  Chemists ,  Physicists  and  Engineers  if those are a better fit for the person you have in mind!

3. Rocketbook Matrix cloud-connected reusable paper notebook

PhD students do a lot of work both on paper and with software. Rocketbook finally solved the problem of merging your hand-written notes into your favorite digital services. You simply use their app to take a photo of your pages of notes and the QR code and marked symbols on each page trigger the app to send the digitized page to any of the 9 pre-set digital destinations you choose. This includes OneNote, Evernote, Google Drive, Dropbox, and even specific emails. Want a shortcut to send notes via email straight to your colleague or boss? This is what you’re looking for.

The Rocketbook Matrix is my personal favorite because it's designed for more technical scientific work. It's got 30 pages of graphing paper and one regular lined page for taking notes, plus a built-in ruler on the inside cover. Did I mention they are reusable? Use their " Pilot Frixion " pens and then wipe the page with a damp cloth after uploading your notes to use it all over again (and win one for the environment!). 

Usually, the best price is  on Amazon .

4. Wireless Laser Pointer and PowerPoint Presenter

Laser pointers are one thing you never think about until the moment you don’t have one that works. I personally  own this one  because it’s got everything you need, from the pen clip to volume buttons and slide control buttons. DinoFire has several tiers with different features, but you can’t go wrong with any of them. 

5. rOtring or Staedtler Mechanical Pencil

Mechanical pencils are an essential daily tool for researchers in STEM on the job and in the classroom. But in the new digital age, they often find themselves using touchscreens as well. 

That’s why my new favorite is the rOtring 800 Retractable Mechanical Pencil, (0.5 mm) . This one turns from a pencil to a stylus on the fly, and also ensures the tip isn’t poking holes in your pocket all day like most other models. This is truly the top-end mechanical pencil and will make a special gift. 

Check price on Amazon

Staedtler is another brand much-loved by scientists and engineers. This model is cheaper and will last a long time, but just isn’t convertible to a stylus. You can’t go wrong with either one.

6. Oh, the Places You'll Go! By Dr. Seuss

This might seem like it’s only for kids, but Dr. Seuss’ whimsical wisdom is often applied to the biggest moments of our lives. As a graduation gift, it’s perfect. The timeless message focuses on the success that lies within, as your graduate readies for a new phase in life. Plus, it’s a small book they can keep forever to pass the wisdom on to their kids.

7. Funny Coloring Book for PhD Students and Graduates

These adult coloring books are a hit in many fields, and this one is meant specifically for those who know the struggle of getting a PhD . It’s snarky, fun, and an amazing creative outlet. The satisfaction of just coloring inside the lines versus writing a 300-page thesis is a welcome relief.

8. Scientist Quote Desktop Canvas

We're super proud of our  little series of famous scientist quotes on canvas prints . These are 5"x7" and sit up easily on their own or can be mounted to a wall. This one sits next to me as I write, and helps me keep a sense of humility as I explore the unknown! 

9. Modern Lab Coat Pocket Protector

This is how your PhD grad will know they’ve finally made it. The venerable Pocket Protector became a cultural icon in the 1960's and 1970's, but somewhere along the way the newer generation of STEM researchers forgot about them. Scientists need these back in their labs to stay organized, stay efficient, protect their lab coats, and finish their experiments without being late to lunch. So we researched and tested every type ever made to methodically solve each problem and come up with this refreshed design . Available in spruce green, sapphire blue, and faded pink - the top 3 colors voted on by our fans! You can even get it from our Amazon page if that's easier.

10. PhD Graduation Diploma Frame

They will definitely want to show off their hard work by displaying their newly minted Ph.D. diploma. This frame fits both 8.5”x11” and 11”x14” diplomas, which covers most institutions, and is the highest-rated frame on Amazon with many color choices. If they picked up a Masters degree along the way, you could grab the 2-pack so they can hang them both in their next office. 

11. Amazon.com Gift Card in a Graduation Style Gift Box

If you want them to make their own decision on a graduation gift, the easiest way is to just grab an Amazon gift card in this graduation-themed gift box . Pick any custom amount and they’ll usually get it to you within 2 days.

12. PhD Graduation Gift Bundle

If you can't decide by now, I can still help! Consider this decision made. I put together a  PhD Graduation Gift Bundle  just to make it easy for you. It includes PhD Self-Care and Academia-themed Word Magnets from above, plus a few fun science stickers. You'll save over 20% by bundling them together, so consider this decision made!

• PhD Self-Care Word Magnets
• Academia Word Magnets
• Science Basics Word Magnets
• Starter Word Magnets (144 tiles of connector words)
• Marie Curie sticker
• Science is for Everyone sticker
• Einstein quote sticker

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS):

What is the best graduation gift for doctoral students.

Getting a bachelor's degree is one thing, but getting a PhD takes a lot of hard work and dedication. PhD students deserve the best gifts and if you're looking for one, you should check out the following.

• The Pocket Scientist pocket ruler and equation reference
• Rocketbook Matrix Cloud-connected Reusable Paper Notebook
• Wireless Laser Pointer and Powerpoint presenter
• Rotring or Staedtler Mechanical Pencil
• Oh, the Places You'll Go! By Dr. Seuss
• Funny Coloring Book for PhD Students and Graduates
• Scientist Quote Desktop Canvas
• Modern Pocket Protector for lab coats
• PhD Graduation Diploma Frame
• Amazon.com Gift Card in a graduation style Gift Box
• PhD Graduation Gift Bundle

Gifts Lists by Major

Scientist Gifts

Astrophysics Gifts

Biology Gifts

Biochemistry Gifts

Chemistry Gifts

Ecology Gifts

Geology Gifts

Genetics Gifts

Immunology Gifts

Mathematics Gifts

Marine Biology Gifts

Neuroscience Gifts

Microbiology Gifts

Pharmacy Student Gifts

Physics Teacher Gifts

Physicist Gifts

Chemistry Teacher Gifts

Professor and PhD Advisor Gifts

Graduate and PhD Student Gifts

Women in Science Gifts

Science Teacher Gifts

Biology Teacher Gifts

Stay up to date

Drop your email to receive new product launches, subscriber-only discounts and helpful new STEM resources.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Favorites for life scientists

Related Blog Posts

Plus-sized and Petite Lab Coats: Fit and Buying Guide

7 Differences between Scientist and Doctor's lab coats

Lab Coats with Knit Cuffs vs. Open Cuffs (What’s best for scientists?)

Recently viewed products.

GET UPDATES

Leave your email to get our monthly resources for scientists, plus new discounts and community projects!

• About Unique Gifter
• Help! I need a gift idea!
• Site Tools & Resources
• Web Stories

The gifts they actually want!

30 Gift Ideas for a PhD Graduation

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in this post may be "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Disclosure in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's  16 CFR, Part 255 . This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon .

PhD students – how long have they been at school?  Too long to count.  During those final formative years, PhD students basically live and breathe their dissertation .  It’s a long slog and when they’re finally done – they deserve a celebration! That’s why we put together this list for gift ideas for a phd graduation. Celebrate their hard work in style with a gift that says congrats. 

Gifts Fit For a PhD Grad

Not just anything will do, this person is a doctor now! Going through a PhD program is a huge endeavor, and definitely an occasion that should be celebrated. These gifts for a PhD graduate are perfect pick-me-ups after stressful school days and dissertation writing and perfect accessories to help them get started in their new career, whatever that will be. 

It’s Dr. Actually Personalized Mug

This personalized mug says “It’s Dr. Actually” on one side and the PhD graduate’s name and title (Dr. Name) on the back. Perfect for that first morning coffee after graduation! You can customize the interior color, too, to match their preferences.

PhD Wine Label

A PhD graduation is definitely the right occasion to break out a great bottle of wine or champagne. Make it even more celebratory by adding a custom wine label like this one; because this wine definitely pairs well with a PhD.

Nespresso Coffee Machine

Now I know the PhD graduate will probably be wondering why you didn’t get this during the program to help with the long nights. That’s valid, but at least now that they’ve graduated they can afford to buy the pods, so… Anyway, if you want a big graduation gift for someone moving into a career, anything to make mornings easier is a win.

Dangerously Overeducated T-Shirt

A hilarious t-shirt fit for a dangerously overeducated PhD graduate! What better way to show off all those painful years of higher education?

High Quality Diploma Frame

Not all frames are created equal when protecting important documents like diplomas. Especially if you want to hang them on the wall! This one has a business-style matting and frame style, plus preservation features like UV protection so the degree inside won’t fade over time.

Personalized Acrylic Sign

The PhD graduate you gift this to could display it at home, in their home office, or at work. Customize it with their name, specialization, and best of all, silhouette. This one has masculine figures, but the seller also offers a female version.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

We can help make your gift giving easier!

Join our mailing list to receive curated gift ideas, recipes, and celebration inspiration delivered right to your inbox.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Scratch Off Bucket List

It’s well known that undergoing a PhD program is pretty much all encompassing. Chances are, a new doctor hasn’t had the time or spare cash to go on too many adventures. If your PhD grad loves to travel, help them start this new chapter with something to look forward to like this scratch off bucket list poster that features popular tourist stops.

The Power of a PhD Career Book

Not everyone who graduates with a PhD knows exactly how they’ll be using it in their future career. If you’re shopping for a doctor who’s still unsure about career goals, this book can help them find meaningful work by utilizing their in creative ways.

Spa Supplies or Spa Day

Now that they finally have some time to rest, help the recent grad relax by gifting some spa or relaxation related gifts. You can’t go wrong with a foot bath, or go bigger and purchase a day at the spa gift certificate for some real R&R.

PHinally Done Mug

The huge relief someone feels when they finish their PhD dissertation?  This mug exclaims it.  

Personalised Silver Star Paperweight

For a fun and unique gift, this silver star paperweight can be personalised with a congratulatory message.  

Business Card Holder Gift Set

They’re a doctor now –  they’re going to need a business card holder.  This genuine leather gift set also comes with a fancy pen and a key chain.  

Deluxe Lavender Spa Gift Set

The feminine PhD graduate will love a long session of relaxation or two with this fragrant lavender spa gift set.  They just might never get out of the bath. And even if their not a mom, this list of gifts that promote relaxation has something on it for everyone.   

PhD Definition Picture Frame  

Here’s something for their mantle.  A definition of PhD that will resonate with someone defending their dissertation.  

Funny Badge Button

There’s nothing like a pun to make people laugh – this funny ‘She wants the PhD’ button will do just that.  

‘Not That Kind of Doctor’ Shirt

Yes, once you get your PhD you become a doctor, but let’s be clear on what kind.   Funny t-shirts are cute gift ideas for a PhD graduation to lighten the mood. 

PhD Cufflinks  

For something a bit more subtle and elegant, these stainless steel cufflinks are a perfect little reminder of all the hard work they’ve gone through.  

Folded Book Art Sculpture  

This unique art sculpture will be a neat addition to their bookshelf.  We guarantee that they’ll have nothing quite like this.  

‘Achieve Your Dreams’ Engraved Gift Pen with Light and Stylus Tip

This stylish pen comes in a keepsake presentation case and makes a great graduation gift.  It is engraved with the words ‘Achieve Your Dreams’ as a gentle reminder of never giving up.  

Going Places Compass Necklace

This delicate necklace makes a nice gift for a girly PhD graduate – a reminder that there are so many places and so many possibilities to go from here. If you’re shopping for someone close to you high end jewellery that they can wear to a new job or enjoy as a keepsake also make great gift ideas for a PhD graduation.

One Line a Day: Five-Year Memory Book  

Yes we remember the big events, but it’s the little things that make a life.  This five-year memory book is a great gift to encourage record keeping and revisiting previous thoughts and memories.  

Wine Gift Set

After a few long years (or sometimes more) of a PhD, the graduate deserves a good hard drink after their graduation.  This wine gift set coupled with a bottle of their favourite will definitely be appreciated.  

Chocolate Fondue and Treat Maker

Fondues are something that people love, but that they rarely purchase for themselves.  Satisfy their sweet tooth with this chocolate fondue and treat maker set.  

Funny Doctor Graduation Candle

Sometimes you just have to commensurate a big moment with a funny gift. Becoming a doctor is no easy feat; remind them with this funny candle gift set.

Indoor Water Lily Fountain

Indoor water fountains are a great gift for any occasion, but especially for a graduate.  It is something special that they will treasure in their home for years to come.  

Tabletop Zen Garden  

PhD’s are stressful but once done it’s time for some in-home relaxation with this tabletop zen garden.  

Celebratory Gourmet Gift Basket  

No one in their right mind would scoff at a gift basket, and since this graduation is a big deal – gift them a big one!  

PhD Ceramic Tile  

For someone who likes to decorate their home with memories of their life, this ceramic tile is ideal and clearly states that a PhD was accomplished.  

PhD Funny Graduation Card  

Know someone who graduated in English Literature? Get them this card, but only if you are familiar with their sense of humour!  

Graduation Cap ‘Big Shot’ Glass  

As previously mentioned, a PhD graduate needs a stiff drink at the end of their dissertation.  Help them out with this nifty ‘Big Shot’ glass!

Hopefully you found the perfect gift ideas for the next PhD graduation you go to! Whether you’re shopping for a friend or family member there are so many fun ways to celebrate this amazing achievement in someone’s life. Don’t forget to address all cards to “Dr. Name” to acknowledge this new chapter (and title) in their life.

About The Author

More Gift Giving Inspiration

The 111 Best College Graduation Gifts that are Better than Beer Money

Gifts for College Graduation

20 Gift Ideas for Culinary Students and Future Chefs

20 Gifts for a College Senior

Best Graduation Gifts for Disney Fans

8th Grade Graduation Gifts for My Daughter

20 Master’s Degree Graduation Gift Ideas

20 Gifts for Grad Students

Start typing and press enter to search, privacy overview, pin it on pinterest.

Research Voyage

Research Tips and Infromation

23 Gift Ideas for Recent PhD Graduates : Celebrating Scholarly Accomplishment

Earning a PhD is a significant achievement that represents years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. When someone you know has recently been awarded their doctoral degree, it’s a perfect opportunity to celebrate their success and show your appreciation for their accomplishment.

Finding the right gift for a PhD graduate can be challenging, but with a little thought and consideration, you can find something that will truly resonate with the newly minted PhD.

In this article, we’ll explore twenty three thoughtful gift ideas to help you mark this milestone in their academic journey.

1. Personalized Stationery: Best Gift for a PhD Graduate

2. leather-bound journal : an appropriate gift for a phd graduate, 3. gift card to a bookstore : gift for a doctorate degree, 4. professional development opportunities, 5. customized frame : phd gift for him / her, 6. subscriptions to academic journals : gift for a doctoral graduate, 7. wellness and relaxation gifts, 8. technology upgrades:, 9. gift certificate for professional services:, 10. noise-canceling headphones:, 11. portable espresso machine:, 12. smart notebook:, 13. laptop stand:, 14. inspirational wall art:, 15. digital subscription to a research platform:, 16. professional attire:, 17. compact exercise equipment:, 18. kindle e-reader:, 19. online course subscription:, 20. smart watch:, 21. mobile holder with wireless charging:, 22. microphone for recording youtube or podcast:, 23. celebration and recognition:, exclusive phd gifts for her, exclusive phd gifts for him, before we close, unique gifts for phd graduates.

After completing a PhD, one often embarks on a new chapter of their career. Personalized stationery, such as custom-designed business cards or letterheads , can be a practical and sophisticated gift. It allows them to showcase their professional identity and make a lasting impression.

A beautiful, leather-bound journal makes an elegant gift for a newly minted PhD. Encourage them to reflect on their academic journey or use it as a tool to document their post-doctoral research or teaching experiences. The journal can become a cherished keepsake for years to come.

PhD graduates are passionate about knowledge and lifelong learning. Treat them to a gift card from a local bookstore or an online retailer specializing in academic books . This will give them the freedom to select titles that align with their research interests or explore new topics.

Consider gifting a ticket or registration fee for a conference, workshop, or seminar related to their field of study. Such events provide valuable networking opportunities and allow the PhD graduate to stay updated with the latest advancements in their area of expertise.

Displaying the hard-earned doctoral degree is a source of pride for any PhD holder. A customized frame not only protects their valuable document but also adds a touch of elegance to their office or living space. Opt for a frame that can be engraved with their name and the date of their achievement.

Access to academic research is crucial for PhD graduates. Consider gifting a subscription to a prominent academic journal or an online database relevant to their field of study. This will enable them to stay up to date with the latest research findings and gain insights into current scholarly conversations.

Completing a PhD can be mentally and physically demanding. Help the newly graduated PhD relax and rejuvenate with wellness gifts like spa vouchers , a massage chair , or a subscription to a meditation app . Encouraging self-care will be greatly appreciated during this transitional period.

PhD graduates often rely on technology for their research and professional work. Consider gifting them a new laptop , tablet , or other technology upgrades that can enhance their productivity and facilitate their future endeavors. Research their preferences to ensure the gift aligns with their needs.

Post-PhD life often involves job hunting or transitioning to new career opportunities. A gift certificate for professional services like resume writing, career coaching, or interview preparation can provide invaluable support during this phase, helping the PhD graduate stand out in a competitive job market.

Help the PhD graduate stay focused and minimize distractions with a pair of high-quality noise-canceling headphones. They can enjoy immersive audio experiences or create a quiet environment for studying and research.

For those who rely on caffeine to fuel their intellectual endeavors, a portable espresso machine can be a game-changer. It allows them to enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee wherever they go, whether it’s in the office, the library, or during conferences.

Combine the traditional charm of handwriting with the convenience of digital organization with a smart notebook . These reusable notebooks allow users to digitize their notes, sketches, and ideas using a companion app, making it easy to store, search, and share their work.

Promote ergonomics and comfort with a laptop stand . This adjustable stand helps maintain a proper viewing angle, reducing strain on the neck and shoulders during long hours of work. It also improves airflow around the laptop, preventing overheating.

Give the PhD graduate a daily dose of inspiration with motivational wall art . Choose a print or canvas featuring quotes or images that reflect their academic journey, goals, or aspirations. It will serve as a constant reminder of their achievements and the path ahead.

Provide access to a comprehensive digital research platform, such as JSTOR or ScienceDirect , with a subscription gift card. This enables the PhD graduate to explore a vast range of academic journals, articles, and research papers in their field of interest.

Help the newly minted PhD make a polished impression in their professional life with a gift card for professional attire . They can choose from a wide range of formal clothing, suits, or accessories to suit their personal style and the demands of their career.

Encourage a healthy and active lifestyle with compact exercise equipment . Items like resistance bands, adjustable dumbbells, or compact elliptical trainers allow the PhD graduate to stay fit and energized even during busy research or work schedules.

For the avid reader and knowledge enthusiast, a Kindle e-reader provides a convenient way to carry a vast library of books in a single device. They can access academic publications, research papers, and leisure reads, all in one compact and portable device.

Support the PhD graduate’s continuous learning journey with a subscription to an online learning platform, such as Udemy or Coursera . They can explore courses in various disciplines, expand their skill set, or delve deeper into their research interests.

A smartwatch can be a useful companion for a PhD graduate, helping them stay organized, track their fitness goals, and receive notifications on the go. It can also serve as a stylish accessory.

Make multitasking easier with a mobile holder that incorporates wireless charging capabilities. This allows the PhD graduate to keep their smartphone at a convenient viewing angle while ensuring it stays charged throughout the day.

If the PhD graduate has aspirations for content creation, a high-quality microphone can be a valuable gift. It improves the audio quality of recordings for YouTube videos, podcasts, or online lectures, enhancing their communication and presentation skills.

Don’t underestimate the power of a heartfelt congratulatory message or a celebratory gathering. Organize a small get-together or dinner to honor their achievement and gather friends and family to acknowledge their hard work and dedication. A personalized, heartfelt note expressing your pride and admiration can also be a cherished gift.

Bonus Gifts :

These woman-specific gift ideas are designed to honor and celebrate her accomplishments while recognizing her unique identity as a female academic leader. Choose a gift that resonates with her interests and preferences to show your sincere appreciation.

Customized Jewelry with Academic Symbolism : Commission a piece of custom jewelry featuring academic symbolism such as a DNA helix pendant, a neuron-inspired bracelet, or a constellation ring representing her research interests. It’s a stylish and meaningful accessory that reflects her academic passion.

Yoga or Meditation Retreat : Gift her a weekend getaway to a yoga or meditation retreat where she can rejuvenate her mind, body, and spirit. Choose a serene location with scenic views and expert instructors.

These additional gift ideas offer a range of options to celebrate the achievements of a male PhD graduate and cater to his interests and preferences.

Gourmet Coffee or Whiskey Set : Curate a gourmet coffee or whiskey set featuring premium blends or spirits from around the world. Include unique flavors or rare varieties to elevate his drinking experience.

Outdoor Adventure Gear : If he enjoys outdoor activities, consider gifting him premium outdoor adventure gear such as a high-performance hiking backpack, a rugged camping tent, or a top-of-the-line fishing rod.

I have written several articles in my blog related to academic research. Please include it as a bonus gift. My website www.researchvoyage.com contains articles on Research Conference, Research Journal, Patent, Research Grants, PhD, Research Tools , Research Internships and Research Careers.

Please convey my best wishes and suggest it ( www.researchvoyage.com ) as bonus gift with free of cost for the PhD graduate.

Celebrating the achievement of earning a PhD is a special occasion, and finding the perfect gift can add to the joy and recognition. In this article, we explored a variety of thoughtful gift ideas for someone who has recently been awarded their doctoral degree. Whether you choose personalized stationery, a leather-bound journal, or a gift card to a bookstore, each gift option demonstrates your appreciation for their hard work and dedication.

Upcoming Events

• Visit the Upcoming International Conferences at Exotic Travel Destinations with Travel Plan
• Visit for  Research Internships Worldwide

Recent Posts

• EditPad Research Title Generator: Is It Helpful to Create a Title for Your Research?
• Are Postdoctoral Fellowships Taxable? A Guide to Understanding Tax Implications
• How to Get Off-Cycle Research/Academic Internships
• How to End Your Academic/Research Internship?
• PhD or Industry Job? A Comprehensive Career Guide
• All Blog Posts
• Research Career
• Research Conference
• Research Internship
• Research Journal
• Research Tools
• Uncategorized
• Research Conferences
• Research Journals
• Research Grants
• Internships
• Research Internships
• Email Templates
• Conferences
• Blog Partners
• Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2024 Research Voyage

Design by ThemesDNA.com

Fast Shipping + 1 Tree Planted

Best Sellers

Custom Maps

Last Minute Gifts

Valentines Day

Always Free Personalization

Fast Turnaround 1-2 Days

Swift Delivery

No waiting games. Enjoy fast turnaround and shipping!

Eco-friendly Shopping

Every order plants a tree. Shop green, shop today!

Exceptional Quality

Premium materials for lasting memories. Experience superior quality today!

Your cart is empty

Cart updated ( )

The 21 Best Graduation Gifts for Doctoral Students

Surprise your graduating loved one with a star map blanket. This graduation gift is perfect for the Ph.D. graduate in your life, as it features a custom star map that marks the night sky on their graduation day. With this graduation gift, they can remember this special milestone for years. Not only will the blanket provide comfort and warmth, but it will also be a reminder of their success.

Why I like it 

Customize to their style

Write a special message

A memorable keepsake

Create a personalized PhD graduation gift for the new or soon-to-be doctor in your life! Compile their favorite photos, unique quotes, and other special memories into a graduation photo book. Pictures from their other graduation ceremonies , images of them teaching and fulfilling their other PhD requirements, and messages of congratulations . Play with various designs. Choose a paper type and unique cover image!

Professionally designed templates

Five different dimensions

Ships in 1-2 days

The graduation milestone is a big one, and it deserves to be celebrated with the perfect gift. The Boogie Board Basics Reusable Writing Pad is an ideal present for any student embarking on the next chapter of their life. With its lightweight design, digital pen and paper technology, and ability to erase content with a button, this graduation gift allows the recipient to easily jot down notes, take sketches, and capture ideas on the go. It’s a great graduation present for anyone who needs to stay organized but also wants to keep their creative ideas in one place — perfect for research projects or any other undertaking. And with its compact size, it can easily.

If you’re looking for gifts for women in their 20s , then look no further than Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebooks. This amazing product combines a traditional writing experience with modern technology to create an innovative and efficient way to take notes and stay organized. With its unique design, it can be reused over and over again, making it a great long-term gift. The Rocketbook Smart Notebook utilizes a unique cloud storage system, allowing you to store your work and access it anywhere easily.

Are you looking for the perfect PhD graduation present for your favorite graduate student? The Rotring 1900181 800+ Mechanical Pencil Stylus is an excellent choice. This multi-functional tool is designed to help budding professionals reach their full potential in school and out. With a combination of traditional mechanical pencil functions and modern stylus technology, this gift is sure to help the newest PhD reach their dreams and earn actual money. Crafted with an ergonomic design, it's both comfortable and stylish, providing a great gift lasting for years.

Graduation is an exciting time for the grad and their loved ones, and it’s only fitting to celebrate this special milestone with a Phd gift. The KomalC 16 Inch Leather Briefcase offers a timeless, classic look that makes it the perfect graduation present for any student looking to make a professional impression in their new career. This briefcase features an adjustable and removable shoulder strap, two main zip compartments, and several pockets for extra storage. It's made of full-grain buffalo hide leather, which is strong and durable while maintaining a stylish look.

Graduation is an important milestone that deserves to be celebrated! Show your support for the special graduate in your life with a great gift that will stand out from the rest. The FITUEYES Height Adjustable Standing Desk is the perfect gift for anyone looking to improve their work-from-home setup. This innovative desk adjusts height and angle to provide users with a comfortable, ergonomic working posture. The desk also has a USB port and cup holder for added convenience.

Treat the special graduate in your life to the ultimate gift with FLEXISPOT Ergonomic Office Standing Desk Mat. This ergonomic desk mat is designed to provide a comfortable, anti-fatigue workspace that helps encourage healthy posture and proper body alignment while standing. Its non-skid surface ensures the mat stays securely in place, while its durable construction holds up to everyday use. The gift includes an adjustable footrest that can be adjusted to fit any desk height and a separate storage pocket for holding small items like pens, paperclips, and journals.

Graduating with a PhD is an incredible milestone, and what better way to celebrate than with the perfect gift? The Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless ANC Headphones are an excellent choice for any graduate looking to take their music listening experience to the next level. These headphones offer superior sound quality, noise cancellation capabilities, and advanced features, making them the ideal gift. With long-lasting battery life and superior comfort, these headphones will surely be your grad's go-to music companion in the coming years. So purchase the special graduate in your life the gift of quality sound: get them Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless ANC Headphones today!

This funny present celebrates the struggles and hard work of phd students and those who have graduated. The uplifting illustrations bring a lighthearted spin to the journey of earning a PhD, with whimsical drawings that make for an enjoyable coloring experience. There’s also plenty of humor throughout, providing some much-needed comic relief during this stressful time. Get your graduate a copy of this graduation gift and help them relax and de-stress after their long journey to graduation. It’s sure to bring a smile to any recent grad's face!

Are you looking for the perfect gift for your favorite PhD graduate? Show them you appreciate their hard work and dedication to academia with this witty shirt—the “Not That Kind Of Doctor” Shirt. Featuring a clever play on words, these fashionable t-shirts will bring smiles all around. Made of high-quality materials, these t-shirts are great celebration gifts. Show your support for their graduation success with this fun and stylish gift!

Are you looking for a grad gift for your friend or family member who has just achieved their PhD? Look no further than the MaxGear Business Card Holder! This sleek, stylish card holder is perfect for carrying essential business cards and identifying documents. The holder is made of premium quality stainless steel, providing a luxurious feel while protecting important items.

The PhD graduation season is upon us, so it's time to think of the perfect gift. If you're looking for something truly special, then the Nordgreen Native Scandinavian Silver Watch makes an ideal choice! This stylish watch's sophisticated design will remind you of your graduate's hard work and accomplishments. With premium materials and a beautiful finish, this watch is the perfect graduation gift that will last for years. Whether you're looking for an impressive gift or a timeless addition to your graduate wardrobe, the Nordgreen Native Scandinavian Silver Watch will make any special occasion even more memorable.

Gunnar - Gaming and Computer Glasses are an ideal gift for the gamers and tech-savvy individuals you love. These glasses provide distinctive style, comfort, and protection from eye strain while gaming or working on digital devices. With its adjustable frame design, advanced lens technology, and ergonomic fit, Gunnar makes a great present for the tech-savvy PhD graduate. The glasses come in various styles and colors to suit the recipient’s look. Not only will your present keep their eyes safe, but it will also make them feel stylish simultaneously!

The Onebttl Cap Mug is the perfect gift for those with a discerning taste and an appreciation for quality. This stainless steel mug features a unique lid design that helps keep your beverage hot or cold, while providing additional insulation to reduce condensation. Its sleek and stylish look makes it great for any occasion, making it the ideal gift idea for the discerning PhD graduate. The mug is available in multiple colors and can be personalized to match graduation or school colors. It's also dishwasher-safe and easy to clean, making it a great choice for a gift that will last.

Book Darts Line Markers are a perfect gift for the PhD graduate in you love. Whether they’re on their way to PhD graduation or freshly graduated, these line markers are the perfect way to show that you appreciate all the hard work they have put into completing their degree. With Book Darts Line Markers, graduates can quickly mark and review their texts, papers, and other materials. Their unique triangular shape allows for easy navigation through text and the thin lines they create won't obscure important information. They are also perfect for bookmarking multiple pages or bookmarks at once, helping to keep all of the graduation recipient’s notes organized.

Looking for Japanese gifts for a PhD graduate? Look no further than this Japanese Tabletop Meditation Zen Garden Gift. This beautiful and unique gift is perfect for anyone who loves to relax and meditate. The garden includes stones, sand, plants, and a candle, providing a peaceful ambiance to create an atmosphere of meditation and relaxation. It also comes with a brush and rake so the recipient can arrange and rearrange the pieces as they please. It’s a great way to show your appreciation for the grad's hard work, and it will be something that they can use in their new life after graduation. Show your support with this thoughtful gift!

When it comes to graduation gifts, there’s nothing like an inspirational book that will help guide a soon-to-be-PhD through the next big step in their life. The Big Leap is a book about overcoming fear and self-doubt so you can achieve success and live a fulfilling life. It’s filled with stories and insights from thought leaders like Oprah Winfrey, Arianna Huffington, and Tony Robbins that will help motivate your grad to take on life’s biggest challenges. It’s the perfect gift for any new PhD looking to make their mark in the world!

This grad season, PhD graduation gifts have never been more thoughtful and meaningful than this Handmade Graduation Cap Pop Up Card. This unique card is the perfect way to send your best wishes to the PhD graduate in your life and give them a keepsake they can cherish for years to come. The intricate design of this pop-up card features an adorable graduation cap with delicate tassels and a graduation gown, along with a congratulatory message inside. The recipient of this card can add their grad photos, notes, or messages to make it even more special. The bright colors and intricate details make this the perfect card for any PhD graduation celebration.

Are you looking for the perfect present for the recent PhD graduate? Look no further than the SimpleHouseware Mesh Desk Organizer! This desk organizer is a great gift that will help your PhD graduate stay organized and focused as they embark on their next journey. It provides multiple compartments of varying sizes to store all of their essential items, such as pencils, pens, markers, paperclips, and whatever else they need. The desk organizer is made from durable mesh metal construction that will last years.

This graduation season, give your PhD student a unique gift that shows you know their hardcore gaming interests! The PhD Level Gamer T-Shirt is perfect for the grad celebration. This comfortable shirt features an elegant grad cap logo and a witty quote from Plato: “Necessity is the mother of invention.” Show your grad that you recognize the hard work they’ve done and reward them with this stylish graduation gift! Available in sizes S-XL, this graduation shirt is sure to please. Get your grad the graduation gift they deserve with this PhD Level Gamer T-Shirt! Shop for more from our gift ideas for gamers guide!

The product experts at Printed Memories have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Printed Memories on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok or Flipboard for the latest deals, product reviews, and more.

Product prices were accurate at the time of publishing. However, they may change over time.

30 Ring Bearer Gifts To Show Him How Much You Appreciate Him

Best gifts for parents christmas.

A Japanese Gift Guide Guaranteed Offer Something for Anime and History Lovers

30+ Top Gifts to Ask for When You Don't Know What You Want for Christmas

23 Unique Gift Ideas for the Woman Who Wants Nothing

Perfect Gift Ideas for Physics fans and Young Physicists

The 18 Best Science Gifts for STEM lovers

21 Perfect Geology Gift Ideas for Rock Lovers

Buy 4+ stickers and get 10% off. Buy 8+ stickers and get 15% off.

Best Doctoral Graduation Gifts Ideas | For Her & For Him (In 2024)

Less than 2% of the world's population has a doctorate degree. And they just earned one, through tireless sweat and tears. Celebrate and keep their long-awaited graduation moment alive through a special and memorable doctoral graduation gift. It’s a sweet reminder of how far they’ve come and how capable and strong they are! Scroll down for a list of our favorite graduation gift ideas for doctoral graduates.

1. Personalized graduation gift –  mug

Have you been gifting your doctoral graduates with books? Ready to switch to a unique, fun and meaningful gift? Meet the personalized doctoral graduation mug - the perfect keepsake to celebrate your graduate while leaving a lasting fond memory of you. 200+ customizable options are available in these products.

2. Personalized Graduation Dissertation/Thesis Mug

What better way to capture and celebrate this moment than with this premium mug that is customized to display your dissertation/thesis? Simply upload a PDF of your dissertation/thesis and we use high-quality printing to deliver a clear, easily readable mug that celebrates your accomplishment every time you have a sip! The perfect gift for doctoral graduate who completed their thesis!

3. Custom LEGO® Lab Sets

If your graduate majored in life sciences and worked in a lab, these custom LEGO® lab sets serve as a beautiful reminder of all the hard work, failures, successes, and friendships made during their time in the lab. These  custom LEGO®  lab sets   are the perfect way to express their love for science and feel a sense of nostalgia and connection to the scientific community. 

For those who will be entering the professional world and starting their first job, a classic/timeless, professional-but-cute leather work bag would be the most needed and practical gift to be used on a daily basis.

5a. For Her

This waterproof lightweight (1.9lb) spacious and stylish leather laptop bag (fits all 13-15.6’’ laptop) is a perfect choice. More importantly, it has 6 compartments in different sizes to fit your laptop and essential personal belongings, from a wallet, cell phone, glass, water bottle, book, and cosmetics, to an ipad.  

5b. For Him

This similarly stylish waterproof leather work bag for men has similar features and characters as its counterpart recommended above. Again, timeless, high quality, useful and practical gift for male graduates.

6. Space Pen

Yes, as you may have guessed, this is the original astronaut space pen. Even though nowadays people do not use pens as often as we used to, we still do need it from time to time. Plus, pens are always keepsake gifts. What’s cool about this space pen is that it writes at any angle, even in zero gravity. What space means in other conditions? Yes, extreme temperatures! This space pen can write in temperatures from -30F to 250F. It’s a piece of art that comes with a lifetime guarantee against all manufacturing defects. Yes, the pen is not cheap, but it is a gift worth keeping for lifetime.  

7. Book “Never eat alone”

For those who will enter the professional world for the first time, they’ll need a lot of good advice on how to build up relationships and network in their career. “Never eat alone” is a book that teaches you exactly that. The author Ferrazzi is a master networker. His personal career path is a perfect example of what he teaches in the book. He networked his way into Yale for his undergraduate degree, then Harvard for his MBA, and later nailed several top executive positions. He lays out his exact steps for reaching out to people in his career and collected tips from other successful individuals in the business and political world.  

8. High Quality Jewelry For Her

College graduation is the perfect occasion to start or enhance a young woman’s classic jewelry wardrobe. For the graduates who will be immediately entering the professional workforce, a strand of pearls or high quality stud earrings would be appreciated. Depending on your budget, there is a big range of high quality work-worthy jewelry to choose from. Consider a mid-range brand such as Kay Jewelers for a strand of elegant pearls or a pair of stunning and classic diamond stud earrings featuring a round-cut diamonds set in 14k white gold. These classic and timeless jewelry will be a gift to remember for the rest of her life…

9.   TRAVANDO Mens Slim Wallet For Him

Guys like slim wallets because they are easy to carry around. This stylish wallet is not only slim, but also very functional with 11 card pockets for carrying credit and debit cards, business cards, bills etc., On the security side, it was proved to be able to block the 13.56 MHz band and protect against data theft by RFID scanners.

10. YETI Rambler 20 oz Tumbler

This Yeti bottle was picked as the best water bottle of 2022 by CNN underscored. This Yeti Rambler is an outstanding BPA free water bottle that keeps drinks cold (ice unmelted) or hot for hours until the last sip. In addition, this bottle is incredibly durable – 18/8 stainless steel construction stands up to even the toughest of conditions. The special durable coating keeps the bottle from fading, peeling, or cracking. This Yeti bottle is a gift that any graduate will most certainly keep close at all times.

As a young adult, seriously, they most likely would need this, if they have not had it. It is a Bluetooth tracker to help you keep track of things that you want to keep track of regularly, such as your keys, wallet, phone, or even your cat! It is durable, water-resistant and loud.

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

Find anything you save across the site in your account

The Best Graduation Gift Ideas Will Ease Them Into Whatever’s Next

By Lori Keong

The best graduation gift ideas for every kind of graduate are nice enough to help usher them into their next phase of life, realistic to their needs, and ideally something slightly beyond the grasp of a cash-strapped student’s budget. Amazon or Ikea gift cards and wads of cash will never cease to be great gifts for the new grad you don’t want to shoehorn with personalized jewelry or a tie. And yet, it never hurts to turn up to a graduation party with something physical that you’ve thought out.

For grad gifts, now’s the time to shell out for an elevated version of something they need, like new linens and tech accessories, or some high-quality life investment that they may never have considered, like a souped-up steamer or charging device that they can pack up and carry from place to place. Celebratory niceties and life-enhancing subscriptions are also well-deserved for any graduate, especially if they’ve been footing the bill for student loans.

Here, we’ve assembled some of the best graduation gift ideas for everyone on your list, whether they’re leaving the nest after their high school graduation, a recent college grad who’s heading into the real world or back into school, or perhaps just toiled their way through a secondary degree—from travel essentials for post-grad gap years to useful home and cooking tools that can upgrade any dorm room or sad first sublet.

All products featured on GQ are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

HAY tavern glass set of six

An absurdly good deal on one set of chunky, durable glasses that even the most hamfisted college students (or recent grads) can use to serve beers, wine, or mixed drinks.

Baggu packing cube set

Oh, the places they'll go!

'Cooking at Home: Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying About Recipes (And Love My Microwave),' by David Chang and Priya Krishna

Even big time chefs like David Chang embrace the microwave lifestyle. With this, they'll know how to actually use it to their best advantage without getting scurvy by the end of the first semester.

Clear 6-month gift subscription

It's less anxiety for everyone involved that has to drop them off at the airport dangerously close to their boarding time.

By Calum Marsh

By Avidan Grossman

By Oren Hartov

Aesop "Resurrection Aromatique" hand wash

Nothing screams "I'm an adult now" more than your first bottle of fancy hand wash.

Rooted Chinese money plant

It symbolizes good luck and fortune, while being extremely low-maintenance for youths who are unaccustomed to taking care of things.

Appointed For the Graduate Set

Pop a monogram on it so they'll know it's not just another planner.

Baloo 20-pound weighted comforter

You can't give them a hug in person all the time, but you certainly can gift them the sensation of one.

Poketo Art Hat

Pattern Brands

Mazel tov to your incoming liberal arts student. May their impending student loans never keep them down!

Material The Iconics Set

So they can upgrade all their mismatched utensils in one fell swoop and become the roommate that everyone else in the house is beholden to.

Monos Metro Folio

The handsomest of mini tech kits that'll come in handy long after their school days are over.

Google Nest WiFi Pro

High-speed internet for the recent grad who would perish (spiritually, at least) without WiFi access.

Craighill Discerning Gift Box

A three-parter gift that polishes up a desk or entryway, plus provides them with some important (and sleek) survival tools. So many layers!!

GQ annual print and web subscription

Keep their minds sharp and their fits even sharper.

Miansai leather folder

It certainly adds some polish where a basic manila folder fails. Just, uh, make sure that they're not handing this over willy-nilly to hiring managers when they present their resume.

Bern F-1 libre bike helmet

Subtext: "Protect your noggin, we are paying so much for your tuition!!"

Filson Dryden ballistic nylon briefcase

Anyone can look the part of the trusted TA, after all, with our favorite laptop bag . An early life lesson: Fake it 'til you make it.

Brooklinen classic move-in bundle

Upgrade their dodgy linens with one luxe sateen bundle.

Our Place home cook duo

A cookware twofer that handles most of the cooking needs you could conceivably have in a tiny apartment.

Artifox large desk stand

In theory, ergonomic desk enhancements will come in handy from their dorm room to their first desk job, or even just their new WFH situation.

Character essential toolbox set

For setting up (or disassembling) that clunky futon, hanging up the heady new wave film posters, and measuring out for a new shelf in their first apartment without getting mom and pop involved.

Knickerbocker horse shoe ring

Knickerbocker

"Wishing you the best of luck on whatever's next," is the fine print on this gift.

Braindead x Modernica Leomi Sadler fiberglass shell chair

The coolest dorm room desk chair, hand's down. Now, the biggest issue will be figuring out where to store that ugly pre-issued version for the remainder of the term.

Leatherology deluxe bookmark

Leatherology

Something quick, easy, and embellished with a tassel (!) to throw them as a physical token (with a monogram, perhaps?), as you send them along with a digital gift card or some cash into their next few years of academia.

A24 desk tray set

The perfect gift for the kid you're putting through film school, once you throw in a Mubi or Criterion subscription.

Vitruvi stone diffuser

Give their new apartment an aromatic makeover.

Apple Air Pods Pro Max

Upgrade their old crusty earbuds to this noise-cancelling audio powerhouse.

Beast blender & hydration system

The best smoothie, we've always maintained, is the one you make at home. Beast's blender can do it all—its compact build takes up less counter space than its competitors, it's powerful enough to chop any food ingredients you throw its way, and it boasts a portable bottle to take the finished product on the go. Oh, and the super photogenic design doesn't hurt either.

Ninja AF101 air fryer

Air fryers are super convenient, affordable, and can cook most foods—from chicken to salmon to veggies—in no time. In other words: they're perfect for your already-harried graduate.

Ember Mug 2

Ember's miracle-working mug controls the temperature of their cup of joe, giving them one less thing to worry about in the morning.

Fujifilm Instax SQ1 instant camera

So they can document it all.

Sunnei yellow BBPR candle

A sentimental keepsake to slip them as you drop them off at the airport for their big New York City job, or move them into their downtown dorm.

Blue Apron subscription

The culinary subscription gift that lovingly says, "You can't rely on our own cooking anymore. You're on your own now," then gives you the tools to master the kitchen.

Bose portable home Bluetooth speaker

Now that they're out of the house, they can play their music as loud as they want to.

Porter-Yoshida & Co. Boston bag

Todd Snyder

The high-quality duffel you'd never think to get them, but that they actually really want.

Cuyana tech carryall

The polished graduation present they need to tote their tech into the real world.

Oculus Quest

2 VR Headset

The right time to gift your kid a VR gaming system is after their studies are over. It's a gesture that says “Congratulations for all the hard work, you deserve to blow off some steam.”

Trade Coffee subscription

Trade Coffee

For those last minute deadlines and adrenaline-fueled days, they'll always need more coffee. This subscription of the good stuff ensures that their bean supplies are always topped up.

My Form Design desk storage

Useful whether they're tacking it onto their first cubicle, or adding space to a tiny dorm room desk.

Baron Fig squire stainless steel pen

A check-signing, smooth gliding roller pen for the recent grad who just landed their first big time job.

Smythson passport cover

For all of the stamps they'll rack up on their post-grad adventures.

Momofuku noodle variety pack

Dorm room instant noodles, but not the ones your college student is used to.

State Bicycle Co. pigeon bike

State Bicycle Co.

A set of wheels (maybe not the ones they've envisioned) to get them to class or the new job on time.

Artifact Uprising everyday photo book

Artifact Uprising

If you're going the sentimental route, Artifact Uprising makes some of the best-looking scrapbooks for stuffing with all the school photos and memorabilia.

Apple Airpods Pro wireless earbuds

Noise-cancelling to block out noisy roommates, with Bluetooth connectivity for easy pairing, and small and slim for transport.

Arlo Skye zipper carry-on

The blacked-out carry-on they'll have for years after their gap year is over.

East Fork "you're all set" 7-piece set

All of the sleek ceramics that a person wants to pad out their dorm or first sublet.

Off-White Cirrus No. 3 Iron Steamer

The lazy person's alternative to ironing lets them steam wrinkles into submission, without taking up too much real estate in the closet (and transfers into an iron when needed).

JWDA table lamp

MoMA Design Store

A sustainable way to burn the midnight oil, that's fully transportable, dimmable, and rechargeable.

'Atomic Habits,' by James Clear

Some would say it's life-changing for getting your shit together.

Shinola power supply 5-port dual USB

The perfect balance of practical and "a helluva lot better looking than standard power strips" that a new apartment needs. For easy charger options, it also comes with a built-in USB slot for lightning cables.

Advertisement

• Graduation gifts

The 34 Best Gifts for College Graduates

By Samantha Schoech and Mari Uyehara

Off comes the cap and gown and on comes the daunting task of being an adult. For the college graduate, that usually entails starting a job and moving into their own place. But it can also mean traveling or moving home to figure out next steps. Whatever their path, help them celebrate this next stage and set them up for success with gifts that are both fun and useful.

An illustrated campus

GArtgraphy Custom University Campus Illustration

Printed on museum-grade paper with archival ink, this nostalgic illustration is available for more than 300 colleges and universities.

Buying Options

Saying goodbye to college can be tough, but you can memorialize your grad’s time there with a GArtgraphy Custom University Campus Illustration , available on Etsy. The vendor offers designs, created by artist Joshua Grey, for more than 300 colleges and universities of a smattering of iconic campus buildings with the name of the school at the bottom. Just ping the seller to find out if the school you want illustrated is available. The two-tone artwork is printed with archival ink on museum-grade, semigloss paper in your choice of four sizes and either framed or loose.

Travel inspo

Lonely Planet’s Where to Go When

This visual travel guide suggests events and destinations for every month of the year. It’s as much an inspiration as it is a planner.

If the grad in your life is chomping at the bit to see the world, help them out with Lonely Planet’s Where to Go When . While the internet is teeming with all kinds of travel advice, it’s often unwieldy and overwhelming. This book is tidily organized by month, so your grad can just flip to their intended travel month to figure out what destinations might be best—such as wandering through Iran’s ancient ruins in June or trekking through Montenegro in July. Each month also categorizes potential trips by budget (vital for many young travelers), lists major cultural events around the world, and includes fun travel flow charts of possible itineraries.

Party plates

Poketo Bamboo Salad Plate Set

Available in beautiful abstract shapes and rotating patterns, these nonplastic, durable dishes do scratch easily.

Sure, the grad may do a boring stock-up trip to IKEA for their first apartment, but that doesn’t mean they have to be bound to all-white plates. One of our favorite outdoor dinner sets , the Poketo Bamboo Plates (Set of Four) come in five cheery and colorful designs, with fun graphic shapes and lovely, modern colors. They’re made from certified organic bamboo fiber and cornstarch and printed with food-grade ink. Best of all: Unlike some other bamboo plates, these are dishwasher-safe.

A bracelet with meaning

GracePersonalized Hammered Handwriting Cuff Bracelet

A high-res scan of a handwritten message is engraved on the inside of a dainty cuff, available in a range of affordable metals.

It can be tough to find the right moment to communicate sentimental thoughts with young adults. The GracePersonalized Hammered Handwriting Cuff Bracelet will do the job for you in your own handwriting. Choose from sterling silver, 18-karat rose or yellow gold vermeil and send along a photo of your handwritten message (up to seven words). The company will engrave your message as you’ve written it onto the inner or outer side of the bracelet.

A tough luggage tag

Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag

Rugged silicone and a metal cable mean this tag (which comes two to a pack) may well outlive your luggage. The brightly colored case displays its owner’s name but keeps other personal information out of sight.

Cash or travel gift cards (those from Delta and Hilton don’t expire) might be the most helpful gesture for a young adult. But you can gift yours with a small token, too, namely our pick for best luggage tag for a grad with wanderlust. The Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag has a sturdy silicone body outfitted with a metal grommet and cable to prevent any ripping. And its narrow window only makes the name visible, so your young adult won’t be flashing their contact information to any strangers on the go.

A TikTok-famous tote

Longchamp Le Pliage Original L Tote Bag

This roomy, lightweight bag packs up small when not in use, and the tough nylon is easy to clean and protects its contents from most scuffs.

This preppy cult classic is undergoing a youth revival on TikTok . And why not? The Longchamp Le Pliage Original Tote Bag is lightweight, roomy, and supremely versatile—useful for a new job, weekend errands, or the beach. It’s also one of our top picks for personal-item carry-ons . Created in 1993 by the luxury French brand, its origami-like design can be packed into a neat square (pliage translates to “fold”), barely taking up any space in the cramped closet of a new studio apartment. Made of recycled polyamide canvas coated on the inside for extra protection, its sturdy nylon body easily wipes clean, and its rolled leather straps sit comfortably, without cutting, on shoulders. Though the Le Pliage tote has only one small interior pocket for keys and lip balm, it has a zippered top with a foldover leather snap enclosure, which keeps wallets safe while bopping around cities, near and far.

Portable drinks

RTIC Soft Pack Cooler 20 Can

This simple lunch-box-style cooler, made from a durable coated nylon, is insulated with thick closed-cell foam.

For a future of newfound freedom and responsibility (hopefully), the RTIC Soft Pack Cooler 20 Can — our favorite soft cooler —has grads covered for beach days, road trips, park hangs, and tailgates. With thick walls and a lid constructed with more than 2 inches of closed-cell foam (an efficient but more-expensive insulator), this cooler can keep drinks and other items cold for up to 24 hours. From an earthy brown to a dusty pink, it has 11 colors to suit a variety of styles, and the cooler’s tough, thickly coated nylon is waterproof.

A glittery coin purse

Rose and Rose Boutique Metallic Leather Coin Pouch

About the size of a deck of cards, this affordable, soft leather pouch has three compartments, and it’s handmade in Italy in more than 20 sparkly colors.

Entry into adulthood doesn’t mean living in shades of gray. Handmade in Italy, the Rose and Rose Boutique Metallic Leather Coin Pouch comes in more than 20 glittery hues: hot pink, denim blue, and emerald green, among them. The 4-by-3-inch coin purse has three compartments, and its leather is supremely soft. It’s also available in a larger size measuring 6 by 4 inches, which can hold unfolded bills. Staff writer Samantha Schoech has one for herself and uses it every day; her high school teenage twins approve.

Expanding horizons

Penny Bee Art World Push Pin Map

Printed on unbleached cotton canvas with a foam-board backing, this handsome, hand-drawn, personalized world map comes with your choice of pins (gold, wood, or multicolor).

You save $20 (20%)

Before they’re (likely) yoked with pets, house upkeep, or kids of their own, young adults have more flexibility to see the world. Encourage them to look beyond their borders with this World Push Pin Map , available on Etsy, a hand-drawn black sketch of the world printed on unbleached cotton canvas. You can select the size, MDF wood frame, and one of eight pin options (gold, wooden, multicolored). There’s also a personalization box in the upper right corner, in which you can send text via Etsy and the maker will respond with a proof for approval before printing.

Easier packing

State Bags Bensen Toiletry Kit

This bag opens flat and offers organizational options (including a detachable pouch, handy for quick trips) that should work for light and heavy packers alike.

The proud owner of a college diploma should also be the proud owner of an actual toiletries bag—not a grimy ziplock bag. This hangable canvas State Bags Bensen Toiletry Kit is one of our picks for a host of functional reasons, and it looks great, particularly in the metallic pink . The two roomy mesh pouches (big enough for a regular bottle of shampoo or a canister of shaving cream) make it easy to see what they have inside, and the small snap-off pouch allows them to take necessities on the go.

A forever tool

Leatherman Skeletool CX

Even the repair-impaired need a good basic tool. Smaller and lighter than the original Leatherman multi-tool, our favorite version has a sharp knife, a few other necessities, and a 25-year warranty.

Set them up for a life of self-sufficiency with our pick for best multi-tool . The Leatherman Skeletool CX is a classic, worn on the belts of many a handy person. This lighter model is a fantastic starter tool, with a sharp knife, needle-nose pliers, a wire cutter, a bottle opener, two Phillips screwdrivers, two flat screwdrivers, and a carabiner clip—and it fits comfortably in your pocket. It’s backed by a 25-year warranty, and our testers have been using theirs for a decade with no sign of breakdown.

Vegan messenger bag

Matt & Nat Martel Vegan Messenger Bag

This sleek and simple vegan messenger bag is roomy and professional without being stodgy.

It’s time to chuck the worn-out college backpack for something a little sleeker. This canvas Matt & Nat Martel Vegan Messenger Bag is low profile and professional but not briefcase-level stuffy. It’s one of our favorite messenger bags , and our testers noted a roomy interior with space for a laptop plus the collection of other daily essentials like water bottles and lunch bags. Note that taller or broader grads might not find the 50-inch strap long enough to wear crossbody comfortably; it is removable, though, and the bag has a handle.

A lifetime of learning

MasterClass

With more than 180 classes to choose from, topics ranging from business to screenwriting, and instructors such as Amy Poehler and Tony Hawk, this is the best online platform for a lifetime of continuing ed.

Your recent college grad most likely needs a break from macroeconomics and the 18th-century novel, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to learn songwriting from Alicia Keys or study photography with Annie Leibovitz. A year’s subscription to the online learning platform MasterClass is about $120 and will enable your grad to explore new subjects and learn from the best. It offers filmmaking with Martin Scorsese, beat making with Timbaland, philosophy with Cornel West, and 180 other classes to choose from.

The gift of good advice

Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice from Dear Sugar

A collection of smart, funny, and deeply compassionate advice columns from best-selling author Cheryl Strayed.

Before Cheryl Strayed became famous for her memoir, Wild , she wrote an advice column on the website The Rumpus using the pseudonym Dear Sugar that quickly became a full-blown phenomenon. Tiny Beautiful Things , a collection of the best Dear Sugar columns, was first published 10 years ago and recently reissued as a special edition with additional columns. What makes this book so beloved is Strayed’s heartfelt, honest, and compassionate advice on everything from art and self-discovery to sex and relationships. A TV show based on the book is on Hulu, too.

Endless dumplings

MìLà VIP Soup Dumpling Club

This subscription delivers two bags of delectable frozen Chinese soup dumplings and a jar of sauce every two months and comes out to about $5 per meal.

As graduates wean themselves off the dining-hall meal plan and late night takeout, a subscription to MìLà’s VIP Soup Dumpling Club would be welcome. The Seattle-based company ships two bags of frozen soup dumplings plus sauce in dry ice every two months. The resulting 100 dumplings are juicy, pillowy, and flavorful, and nothing like grocery store options. You have the choice to add a bamboo steamer included in the first shipment; it makes steaming them up easier, but each bag also contains paper liners that will prevent the dumplings from sticking to metal steamer baskets, too.

The best travel backpack

REI Co-op Ruckpack 60+ Recycled Travel Pack (Men’s)

Our favorite travel backpack is roomy, comfortable, and rugged. With its removable daypack, it’s the only luggage your new grad will need for wandering the world.

REI Co-op Ruckpack 60+ Recycled Travel Pack (Women’s)

Our runner-up travel backpack is perfect for the graduate planning a grand tour after matriculating. The REI Co-op Ruckpack 60+ Recycled Travel Pack has a spacious interior, a tough exterior, a removable daypack, comfortable, adjustable straps and a hip belt, and even a laptop sleeve (which could alternately be used as a hydration reservoir). It’s too big for carrying-on, especially with strict European airlines, but with the zip-off daypack it’s pretty much all you need for a longer journey. Note that the men’s and women’s versions have the same capacity but are built for different torso lengths.

Tools for adulting

Anvil Homeowner’s Tool Set

This set has all the essentials in a small package at a reasonable price, making it the best choice for common home repairs and upgrades.

You’re not really a grown-up until you have the tools (and bare-minimum skills) to put together your own furniture and hang your own art. Buy your grad a toolkit and save them the stress: The basic Anvil Homeowner’s Tool Set has all the essentials in a small package and at a great price, which is why it’s been our favorite for years. Not only is the set particularly compact—excellent for small new digs—but it has a wide range of bits and handy clamps, and each tool has a steady, solid handfeel.

Give them a charge

TravelCard Plus

This 2.7-ounce power bank has a powerful USB-C PD port, built-in USB-C, and Lightning cables; it charges a little more slowly than bulkier power banks, but it’s portable and light.

Since we rely on our phones for nearly everything these days, being caught with a dead battery is a real bummer. Make sure the grad in your life has a little extra power in their pocket. We picked this charger , the TravelCard Plus , because it’s compact and lightweight, so it’s easier to actually carry around every day. Plus it comes in a variety of colors.

Alma mater medallion

Kyle Cavan College Sunburst Necklace

These school-specific sunburst medallion charms are available in three metals, but not every college is represented.

If your grad loved college, the Kyle Cavan College Sunburst Necklace would be a welcome and sentimental gift. At the time of publication, the jeweler offers over 120 school seals—the list skews a little East Coast—engraved in three finishes including sterling silver, Cavan gold (gold-plated sterling silver), and 14k gold. The charms look expensive and hold up well, even with daily wear.

Our favorite mental health app offers guided meditations aimed at relieving stress, insomnia, and even trauma.

Moving on from their comfortable campus, established friends, and familiar routine, some grads may find themselves a little more stressed than usual. Help them find a little calm with a year-long membership to our top-pick meditation app , Headspace . It has a wonderful selection of courses that aim to combat stress and insomnia, as well as several meditations with goals especially useful for grads, like managing work stress and improving creativity.

Chic luggage

Away The Carry-On

This chic-looking and resilient piece of hard-sided luggage has top-of-the-line components, including shockingly smooth-rolling wheels.

For academic conferences, business trips, or leisure travel, your graduate will need proper luggage. We have many great picks for carry-on backpacks , carry-on suitcases , and duffles . But our travel team deems this sleek Away The Carry-On well worth the hype . The durable polycarbonate hardshell case weighs only 7.6 pounds and has the best 360-degree rollers of any suitcase we tested. The 40-liter carry-on (enough room for three to five days away) comes with an ejectable, TSA-approved USB charger that can charge your phone up to four times, a laundry bag, a built-in combination lock (also TSA approved), and, best of all, a lifetime warranty. Away suitcases are available in four sizes for those taking longer trips.

A gentle alarm clock

Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light HF3520

A kinder, gentler alarm clock that starts with a sunrise-like glow before emitting one of five non-jarring sound options.

Everyone knows it’s hard to get up early and head to work. Ease your grad’s morning struggle with a sunrise alarm clock . In contrast to the soul-crushing buzz of a regular alarm clock, this Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light HF3520 wakes your grad up with an ersatz sunrise designed to resemble a bright day. When the Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light reaches the zenith of its brightness, it emits one of five nonaggressive alarm options, such as chirping birds or gentle piano music. And in the evening, it creates a faux sunset to help your graduate wind down.

Espresso at home

Nespresso Essenza Mini

The Essenza Mini makes the same espresso as more-expensive Nespresso machines but has a smaller footprint and no unnecessary features.

Our coffee-obsessed testers concluded that the Nespresso Essenza Mini  is the simplest and most affordable way to make ristrettos, espressos, and lungos at home. The lack of bells and whistles is a big part of its charm and makes the learning curve next to nothing. We also love its small footprint. It uses Nespresso coffee pods, but if your grad wants to branch out and explore the world of coffee, it’s also compatible with pods from brands like Lavazza and Starbucks.

Grown-up sheets

Brooklinen Classic Percale Core Sheet Set

Crisp and cool, these percale sheets feel lovely against the skin. The sharp prints change every few months and suit a range of styles.

It’s time to graduate out of those dorm-room twin XLs and into a proper adult bed with proper adult sheets. If they prefer soft, cool, crisp sheets, the Brooklinen Classic Percale Core Sheet Set , one of our top printed-sheet picks , are a great bet. The set comes with a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. You can also upgrade to the Classic Percale Hardcore Sheet Bundle , which adds a duvet cover and two extra pillowcases to the mix. Another bonus: Brooklinen sheets are Oeko-Tex certified to be free of harmful substances.

Roommate-proof drinking glasses

Duralex Multicolor Picardie Tumblers

We love the refined look and feel of these classic French bistro-style glasses. They occasionally stick together when stacked, but the colors are a joy.

Yes, your graduate can continue drinking from the assorted mugs and Mason jars they’ve spent years accumulating. However, the more adult option is to use a proper set of glasses. A bistro classic, the stackable Duralex Multicolor Picardie Tumblers (our upgrade pick in our drinking glass guide ) now come in six fun colors. Made by the French manufacturing company that actually invented the glass tempering process, they’re dishwasher safe, can hold warm and cold drinks, and they’re durable enough to hold up against careless roommates.

Smoothie maker

NutriBullet Pro 900

Powerful, easy to use, and convenient, this personal blender encourages nutrition and saves time.

For a quick, delicious breakfast that can be consumed on the go, it’s hard to beat making your own smoothie. The NutriBullet Pro 900 can turn fresh or frozen fruit and vegetables into a smooth, blended treat, and its travel lid lets you easily take your breakfast with you. Even after testing the many NutriBullet models available, we determined that the Pro 900 should remain our top pick as the best personal blender for its powerful motor, convenient design, and low price. And compared with a full-size blender , it is much easier to clean and doesn’t take up nearly as much space in a shared kitchen.

A grown-up wallet

Leatherology Thin Bifold Wallet

A good wallet is a grown-up essential, and this one is classic, well made, and constructed from nice, pliable leather. You can even get it engraved.

It’s not a cashless society yet. With a slim wallet , your grad won’t have to sacrifice precious space in their bag or pocket. We suggest many excellent picks in our guide, but for a classic look that matches most styles, the Leatherology Thin Bifold Wallet is easy to slide cards in and out of, it features pliable leather, and you can even get it monogrammed.

Noise-cancelling headphones

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

The Bose 700 over-ear headphones deliver excellent noise cancellation in a comfortable, lightweight design that’s traveler friendly—but they carry a high price.

Plucked from the idyllic woods of their sprawling campus and thrust into the chaos of city life, your graduate will be grateful to receive a pair of top-of-the-line headphones. Our top pick , the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 , is a wireless pair that gets 20 hours of use on a single charge and lets your giftee enjoy music and movies without disturbing a roommate.

A bento lunch box

Takenaka Bento Bite Dual

This adaptable, multi-compartment bento box makes packing a lunch easy (and, weirdly, more fun). They are microwave- and dishwasher-safe and come in many adorable colors, but they are not for liquids.

Without their dining-hall meal plan, your college grad is in for a rude awakening if they try to eat lunch out every day. Save them the struggle by encouraging packed lunches in an adorable bento box . The Takenaka Bento Bite Dual ’s microwave- and dishwasher-safe compartments offer infinite snack storage options. And its geometric shape and poppy colors are so cute that your grad might even look forward to using it. But be warned: Staff writer Dorie Chevlen has used hers for about three years and learned the hard way that it’s no good for transporting liquids. Think sandwiches, not saucy dishes.

A backpack upgrade

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

A sleek and secure laptop backpack that’s high on style. For its relatively low price, we were impressed by its quality build.

A laptop backpack is the best bet for a grad who needs to look professional but prefers toting their stuff hands free. Everlane’s The ReNew Transit Backpack has sleek lines and a low-profile shape, so it won’t be bulky on a rush-hour train. We also love that it’s water resistant, has all-metal hardware, and keeps their computer in a pocket right up against their back for extra security. This option is perhaps less durable than some of our other heavy-duty laptop backpack picks, but for price and style, it’s a clear winner.

More than a timekeeper

Apple Watch Series 9

The Apple Watch Series 9 has a large, bright screen, it’s plenty fast for apps, and it includes some health-related features that the less expensive models don’t.

You save $60 (17%)

Giving someone a watch for graduation is a classic idea for a reason: It’s a sophisticated accessory they can wear to work, and the relentless passage of time is now vital for them to track. The smartwatch has gone from futuristic to omnipresent, and one that syncs to their phone is an even more useful gift for this brave new world. It can show the wearer who’s calling or texting, track their fitness, and control their other smart-home devices. For iPhone owners, we recommend the Apple Watch Series 9 ; for Android owners, we recommend the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 .

All the news that’s fit to print

The New York Times Gift Subscription

The best way to stay informed is with a paper of record. We like the New York Times, but a subscription to any reputable paper is a great gift.

Part of being a real adult is being informed on what’s going on in the world: Your graduate needs a subscription to a reputable daily paper (a paper of record, if you will). You can’t go wrong with a New York Times Gift Subscription ; The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post would also be great bets.

Weighted comfort

Baloo Weighted Blanket

At a comfortable 12 pounds, this weighted blanket feels calming and soothing and is supremely soft. Plus the cushy cover is machine washable.

As your graduate leaps from the comforts of their campus into the cold reality of the working world, they need all the coziness and comfort they can get. We love the 12-pound Baloo Weighted Blanket , one of our favorites out of the 19 we tested . Soft and sturdy, it feels like a combination of a quilt and a comforter. It’s one of the only machine-washable blankets we recommend, and it comes with a lifetime guarantee on materials and workmanship.

We love finding gifts that are unusual, thoughtful, and well vetted. See even more gift ideas we recommend .

This article was edited by Hannah Morrill and Jennifer Hunter.

Meet your guides

Samantha Schoech

Except for the time she gave a boyfriend her mother’s old toaster for Christmas, staff writer Samantha Schoech has a reputation as an excellent gift giver. She lives in San Francisco with two teens, two cats, a geriatric betta fish, and a bookseller husband. Her first book of short stories, My Mother’s Boyfriends, is coming out in 2024.

Mari Uyehara

Mari Uyehara is a staff writer for Wirecutter’s gifts team. She was previously an editor at GQ, Saveur, and Vice, and she won a 2019 James Beard Award for her column on American cooking in Taste. The daughter of a potter, she has long been a believer in the power of a well-made thing.

Mentioned above

• From festive melamine and bamboo plates to classic enamelware, our favorite outdoor tableware pieces are perfect for outdoor dining. The Best Outdoor Dinnerware  
• We chose five luggage tags that will help you identify your belongings in a sea of similar suitcases. The Best Luggage Tags  
• There’s more to a great in-flight personal item than being small enough to stuff under a plane seat. Here’s how to choose the right one for your travel needs. The Best Underseat Luggage and Personal-Item Bags  
• After years of research and gallons upon gallons of melted ice, we have picks for hard and soft coolers, plus backpack and high-end roto-molded options. The Best Coolers  
• After stuffing, shaking, and dunking 23 toiletry bags, we chose six that can serve as your bathroom-in-a-bag in many travel scenarios. Here's what we recommend. The Best Toiletry Bags  
• Here’s our advice on multi-tools, the all-in-one problem-solvers. The Best Multi-Tool  

Further reading

The 27 Best High School Graduation Gifts

by Samantha Schoech

And just like that, the kid you love is all grown up! Honor your beloved high school graduate with our favorite practical, special, and, yes, cool gifts.

The 59 Best Gifts Under $50

The very best of our favorite finds under $50, all in one place.

The 34 Best Gifts for Coffee Lovers

by Dorie Chevlen and Samantha Schoech

We recommend kettles, grinders, carafes, and cups for your favorite caffeine fiend.

The 31 Best Gifts for 5-Year-Olds

by Kelly Glass, Caitlin Giddings, and Wirecutter Staff

Gifts that tap into art, science, sports, or construction are often great choices for 5-year-olds, since many of them are developing personal interests.

63 best graduation gift ideas in 2024

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Graduating is a huge milestone, whether it's from college, high school, or any other type of program. This year, we're collecting the best graduation gift ideas so you can show your grad how special they are. 

Our list of top picks runs the gamut, from the latest tech gadgets to useful home appliances and trendy, fashionable items. For more personalized choices, check out our dedicated guides to the best college graduation gifts for her and him , as well as the best high school graduation gifts for her and him .

A plush bathrobe

Brooklinen Super Plush Robe

This plush bathrobe from Brooklinen is absorbent enough to step in for a towel after a shower, and plush enough to want to lounge in long after you're done. If your grad is about to be living in a dorm or sharing an apartment with roommates, they are going to need something to wrap themselves in when walking to the bathroom. 

An instant camera upgrade

Polaroid Film Camera

If they love taking instant photos, this camera lets them do that, plus print out photos from their phone via a Bluetooth app. And if that's not enough, it comes with two lenses (standard and portrait), so they will truly never miss their shot at a great pic.

A reliable pair of socks

Bombas Ankle Socks

There's a reason we love Bombas socks — in the several years we've tested socks, they've consistently ranked as the most comfortable and durable. Your graduate will be grateful for these socks. Find out more in our Bombas socks review . 

A comfy weighted blanket

Portable Plush Weighted Blanket

A weighted blanket is one of the best items to have in a new dorm room or apartment. Get this comfy, portable blanket so your graduate can get cozy and lounge in whatever space they're in. For more options, check out our guide to the best weighted blankets.

A reliable, convenient suitcase

Away is a cult-favorite luggage brand for good reason. Help your graduate jet-set to wherever they need to go in style with some of our favorite suitcases – and throw in packing cubes  if you really want to go the extra mile.

Our Away luggage review has more details on why we love these suitcases. 

A Nintendo Switch for much-deserved game time

Nintendo Switch

Whether they want to play solo or with their friends, they've earned some uninterrupted game time. The Switch remains a bestseller for its simplicity and versatility (plus, it won't take up too much space in a small apartment). Pair it with a crowd-pleasing game like Mario Kart or Minecraft .

A gift card to put towards a concert

Ticketmaster Gift Card

Have they been talking about snagging tickets to a favorite artist for months? If so, a Ticketmaster gift card to put towards those tickets is a really thoughtful gift. You can choose any amount from $25 to $500. 

A classy bouquet

Urban Stems Floral Bouquet

Send flowers to your graduate — whether you're sending them in lieu of being there yourself or as a supplement a digital gift or card. We highly recommend UrbanStems; the company's bouquets are among the best flower delivery services . 

A water bottle to stay hydrated

HydroFlask 32 oz. Wide Mouth Water Bottle

Whether running around for work or class, it can be easy to forget to hydrate. Gift your graduate a nice water bottle to carry around all day. HydroFlask bottles are very durable and won't leak in his backpack. And let's face it we're all happier when we're hydrated. 

Custom college pouches

Collegiate Pouches

Whether your grad is going to college or leaving, they'll want a handy pouch to show their school spirit. We love these customizable pouches from Uncommon Goods, as they are functional and artistic items. 

A custom birth chart book

Astrology Birthdate Book

For fans of astrology — or anyone who's on a serious post-college path to self-discovery — this customized birth chart book is sure to be something they turn to time and time again. All you need is their birth location and time to snag a 70-page hardcover tome of who they are and what to expect in their future. If you only know their birthday, you can also opt for a Birthdate candle or necklace .

A nice bottle of bubbly

Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label Champagne

If they drink (and are old enough to drink), send them a nice bottle of bubbly to celebrate their big achievement. Drizly will deliver it for you.

A minimalist backpack

Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack

Dagne Dover's neoprene backpacks are a sleek, safe bet if you want to get them something for their future travels or commutes. Beyond their trendiness, they're super comfy, are made from recycled materials, and offer lots of compartments and pockets for optimal storage.

A pair of noise-canceling headphones

Sony Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones

A nice pair of headphones make a great gift for just about anyone, but especially graduates. The noise-cancelling technology is essential for getting work done. But these will come in handy for a plethora of occasions, like watching Netflix when roommates are asleep or listening to favorite tunes while walking.

A dainty necklace

Catbird Tiniest Name Necklace

Nameplate necklaces are timeless, this one even more so for its tiny, all-lowercase font. You can fit up to 10 letters (the cost goes up after two), so you can customize it with their name, nickname, city, or anything else.

A sleek electric kettle

Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Pour-Over Kettle

Fellow has one of the most beautiful electric kettles around. It doubles as an art piece on your kitchen counter, as well as an easy and convenient way to make morning coffee or tea. 

A chic lamp that warms candles without lighting them

Luzdiosa Candle Warmer Lamp

Beyond looking cute, this lamp serves a unique function: Activating candles without lighting them. Using its warming technology, the candles "burn" and release any scents, but at a much slower pace and without setting off any finicky fire alarms.

One of our favorite work bags

Cuyana System Tote 13-inch

This work bag from Cuyana is a great option for a graduate who will be commuting to work. We've tested it and decided that it's the best pick for customization in our guide to the best work bags for women , as there are various pouches and a laptop sleeve inside. 

Adorable coup glasses perfect for hosting

Anthropologie Ramona Coupe Glasses

Even if they're already stocked up on kitchen items, they likely don't have these colorful coup glasses. Whether they use them for homemade cocktails, mocktails, or bubbly, they're sure to get a million compliments on them every time they host.

A mini waffle maker that fits in their kitchen

Dash Mini Waffle Maker

Even the most cramped kitchens can fit this mini waffle maker, which comes in a variety of fun colors and iron shapes. It's an affordable, adorable way for them to make breakfast throughout their post-grad years.

A fluffy throw blanket

Anthropologie Sophie Faux Fur Throw Blanket

Every home could use a comfy throw, and this faux fur one is bound to keep them cozy throughout the year. It comes in a range of colors and looks great draped over a couch or used as a bed cover.

A trendy compact bag

Standard Baggu

If your graduate is moving to a new city, they might need a compact bag for grocery shopping, picnics with friends, or commuting to work. Baggu makes some of the best options, as the bag folds up into a small pouch, and there are tons of different artistic styles to choose from. 

A gift card for awesome bed sheets

Brooklinen Gift Card

Brooklinen is one of our favorite brands for all your bedding needs. To help your graduate get a good night's sleep, hook them up with a gift card to purchase sheets, blankets, or a duvet cover. For more information, read our Brooklinen sheets review . 

A durable cast iron skillet

Lodge Chef Collection Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

A cast iron skillet is an important kitchen tool that never gets old. In fact, as one of the more durable cast iron skillets on the market, this pick will help your graduate cook for years to come. 

Iconic hoop earrings

Mejuri Large Croissant Dome Hoops

If they've been eyeing Mejuri's Dôme hoops forever, you've found the perfect gift. These minimalist gold vermeil earrings go with everything, so you can be sure they'll wear them for years to come. Read our full Mejuri review for more options. 

A sleek smart mug that keeps their drinks hot

Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug

This mug will control the temperature of their coffee or tea, so they won't have to reheat or dump it out every few hours. A former teammate called the Ember "life-changing." You can also buy a travel-friendly version .

A warm pair of slippers

L.L. Bean Wicked Good Slippers

L.L. Bean makes one of our favorite pairs of slippers, as we rate this the top pick for warmth that we tested in the best slippers for men . Your graduate will appreciate this gift, especially if they're moving somewhere with colder weather. 

A luxe leather messenger bag

Leatherology Henderson Laptop Brief Bag 

Leatherology makes luxe leather goods and delivers them in gift-wrapped boxes. This laptop brief bag is one they can own for many years, and it's a luxe step-up from the backpacks of their past. You'll find a few more budget-friendly options at Herschel Supply Co.

A poster to remember a special place

Grafomap Personalized Map Poster

Grafomap makes cool posters with custom maps, so you can get your graduate one with a place that you know means something to them. It's a great way to decorate a new space with extra sentimental value. 

A cute carrying case for their phone

Bandolier Crossbody Case

For anyone who laments digging through their bag for their phone or wallet, this stylish phone case-wallet crossbody case keeps their essentials close without any hassle.

A multi-purpose pan

Our Place Always Pan

The internet-famous Always Pan is meant to replace eight pieces of cookware which, if they're living in tight quarters, can especially come in handy. You can choose from a few vibrant, matte colors and treat them to a pan they'll be excited to break in.

A mini projector with great picture

Anker Nebula Capsule

Though this projector seems small, it really packs a punch. Set up your grad for the perfect at-home movie night with this handy little portable projector, which has an impressive picture display for its size. 

School spirit gear

Fanatics College Gear

Get them excited for their college days or commemorate them with a wearable bit of school spirit. Fanatics is full of clothing, hats, bags, balls, games, and drinkware for NCAA schools. Your grad will be able to spot a fellow alum from miles away.

A funny, thoughtful card

Punny Llama Graduation Card

Grab a funny, sweet card and use it to tell them how proud you are of them.

A top-of-the-line air fryer

Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer

Listed as the top pick in our best air fryer guide, the Instant Vortex Plus is one of the most impressive models on the market. We tested a ton of air fryers, so you can be confident in arming your graduate with a fantastic kitchen appliance that will serve them well. 

A robe you'd find at a spa

Parachute Cloud Cotton Robe

Parachute makes some of the best robes for women , and this one is no different. It's light, breathable, and makes you feel like you're relaxing at a spa. 

A plant to spruce up their home

The Sill Snake Plant Laurentii

Plants are the best way to brighten up a room, and it's likely your grad will be moving to a new place — so why not help them out? This snake plant from The Sill is easy to take care of and hard to kill, making it a great choice for even an inexperienced plant owner. 

A tablet for Netflix and surfing the web

Since a number of companies give their employees work computers, it's not totally necessary to get one's own. But for streaming Netflix or surfing the web at home, an iPad can be a budget-friendly alternative that better suits their lifestyle. 

We still think the 2022 standard iPad is the top pick for general-purpose use, and it's surprisingly affordable. You can read more in our buying guide for the best iPads .

A slim Fitbit with plenty of features

Fitbit Inspire 2

Fitbit's affordable Inspire 2 tracker has no shortage of useful features to keep someone informed about their physical activity — tracking calorie burn, resting heart rate, and heart rate zones. It's also one of the least expensive Fitbit models.

You can find our ranking of the best Fitbits in our tested buying guide. 

A planner that helps map out long-term goals

BestSelf Co. Self Journal

The Best Self Co. Journal helps people map out their five- or 10-year plans in a tangible, easily managed way. It's a nice way to provide growth and direction after graduation, whether your graduate is on their way to college, a new job, traveling, or anything else.

A framed photo of their friends or favorite memories

Framebridge Gift

Most of us appreciate some nostalgia. Since your graduate may not feel like investing in a nice frame, frame a photo of their friends or some of their favorite memories from school or home, so they can take them anywhere.

A whiteboard-pinboard combo for notes and mementos

Pottery Barn No Nails Dual Function Board

A practical piece of decor for a dorm room or apartment, this whiteboard-pinboard combo can be used to scribble to-dos, leave notes for roommates, and show off pictures of friends and family. Plus, it hangs up easily with adhesive strips for damage-free installation.

A portable massage gun

Theragun Mini Massage Gun

We love the Theragun Mini for workouts — it's easy to bring to the gym or park, and it really helps loosen up your muscles before and after to help relieve pain and soreness. Help your graduate live a healthy, active lifestyle with this gift. 

A personalized business card holder

Leatherology Business Card Case

If they're entering a new career, they can hold their business cards in this polished cardholder. You can even opt to get it monogrammed, and it'll arrive ready in a gift box.

A classy candle

Le Labo Santal 26 Classic Candle

A candle is always a great gift for any graduate. Whether they're moving into a dorm or new apartment, this scented candle from Le Labo is sure to make their room smell better and fresher. 

An office-ready blazer

Of Mercer Prince Blazer

A nice, reliable blazer that can be worn for everything from interviews to days in the office (if that's what your graduate's next chapter includes) is a classic wardrobe staple.

Or, if you'd rather leave the decision-making up to them, give them a gift card to a store like Everlane , Banana Republic , J. Crew , Nordstrom , or Universal Standard so they can shop for their own post-graduate clothing.

A gift card for the nights when they want an Uber home

Uber Gift Card

Whether they're heading into a new college town, starting a new job, or taking a gap year, there will be nights when it's more convenient or safer for them to Uber home. Make it an easier decision with a gift card for a ride home.

Timeless advice on how to lead a compassionate life

"Congratulations, By The Way" by George Saunders

This short read is a transcript from author George Saunders' Syracuse University commencement speech, in which he focuses on one simple but significant message: The value of kindness. When so much of the post-graduate advice out there centers on career success or hustling to get ahead, this sweet and beautifully written book will remind them of what's most important in life.

A French press your graduate can rely upon

Bodum Chambord French Press

If their new job or college major requires lots of early mornings, they'll probably appreciate a good cup of coffee. The Bodum Chambord is our favorite French press ; it's timeless, compact, easy to operate, and entirely unfussy. It's also affordable to replace, so they don't need to be too precious with it.

A Disney+ gift card

Disney Plus Gift Card

We all occasionally want a break from being a grownup — and Disney Plus is a good place to do it. Disney Plus lets subscribers stream movies and shows from Disney, Pixar , Marvel , and more. You can also bundle it with Hulu and ESPN+ .

A college pillow

Embroidered College Pillow

Want another way to help your graduate show their school spirit? These throw pillows are a lovely choice, and once again, customizable with lots of college options to choose from. 

A gift card for ordering takeout

Grubhub Gift Card

They may not have the energy to cook every night after work or classes. Get them a gift card for the impending evenings in which takeout feels essential.

An excellent, personalized coffee subscription

Trade Coffee Subscription Gift

If they like a great cup of coffee, they'll enjoy Trade. The coffee subscription service has a huge variety of coffee, and it's easy to customize based on their tastes. We ranked it as the best coffee subscription service you can join .

If they're a tea drinker, we'd also recommend checking out an Atlas Tea Club subscription.

A great speaker

Ultimate Ears WonderBoom 3

A great Bluetooth speaker is a must for every graduate. They'll want to take their tunes on the go, whether they're meeting new friends at a park or going to the beach. 

A gift card to find their favorite workout

ClassPass Gift Card

No matter what their work schedule looks like, it's important that your graduate still gets healthy exercise. Lower the barrier to entry and gift them a ClassPass gift card. With it, they can try tons of boutique fitness classes in their area — or, if they need to unwind, meditation sessions or spa days.

A smart reusable notebook

Rocketbook Core Reusable Smart Notebook

If your graduate goes through notebook after notebook, this reusable option offers a long-lasting solution. They can use the included pen to take notes, scan each page with an accompanying app to save the pages digitally, and then wipe away the notes to use the same page over and over again.

Sweet treats from a famous bakery

Milk Bar Treats

Who doesn't love a sweet treat? Celebrate your graduate with cake or cookies from Milk Bar, a famous New York City bakery that is sure to be a hit. 

Groceries delivered to their door

Instacart Gift Card

Starting a new chapter can be exhausting, and they may be pulling long hours studying or working. We recommend a gift card to Blue Apron ( our top pick for meal kits ) or Instacart ( our top pick for online grocery services ) to do their grocery shopping for them. Both will show up at their doorstep.

A custom photo book

Artifact Uprising Everyday Photo Book

Get them a photo book that can be filled with memories of friends — because they just graduated, they'll want to remember all the amazing times they had and who they shared it with. 

A membership to a meditation app

Headspace Meditation App 

Give them the gift of a meditation app that can help give them the tools to destress, practice mindfulness ( which has positive effects on personal happiness ), and possibly improve their focus. 

A toolkit they will need

Cartman 148 Piece Tool Set

No matter the handiness of your graduate, they will definitely appreciate having this toolkit in their new dorm or apartment. It will be used, inevitably, when something breaks or goes wrong — and they'll have you to thank for saving the day with the necessary equipment to fix it. 

A trendy wallet

Coachtopia Wavy Zip Around Wallet

Your graduate will need a cool, colorful wallet for their adult life. Get them this trendy green option from Coachtopia, a new line as part of Coach. 

A gift card for home decor

Target Gift Card

When in doubt, Target never fails. Hook up your graduate with a Target gift card for all their home and kitchen needs, as well as groceries, snacks, and even clothes. 

You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here . Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at [email protected] .

• Main content

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then   View saved stories .

• Backchannel
• Newsletters
• WIRED Insider
• WIRED Consulting

Brenda Stolyar Gear Team

The 36 Best Gift Ideas for the New Grad in Your Life

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more . Please also consider subscribing to WIRED

A Cash Gift Giftcast Read more

A Great Leather Purse Cuyana System Tote Read more

Or an All-Purpose Backpack Rains Backpack Mini Read more

Ambient Lighting for Their New Home Nanoleaf Shapes Triangles Smarter Kit Read more

Securing a degree is always worth celebrating, but the past few graduating classes have overcome more than the standard all-nighters and strict professors. After dealing with an ongoing pandemic, remote learning, and the rising prices of everything from food to fuel, the graduates of 2024 have succeeded against all odds.

It may feel tough to find a gift that perfectly summarizes how proud of them you are, but we've compiled a list that might help. There are gifts for their first grown-up job, a move to a new city, or some well-deserved summer relaxation as they plot their next adventure. Don't see anything here you like? Check out our other buying guides , like the Best Laptop Backpacks , Best Electric Scooters , Best Electric Bikes , and Best Cheap Headphones .

Updated May 2024: We added the newest versions of all our favorite recommendations.

Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off) . This includes unlimited access to WIRED. com and our print magazine (if you’d like). Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

A Cash Gift

There was nothing I needed more than cash after spending every dime on college textbooks and food for four years, with a lifetime of student loans to look forward to. If you aren't in the same place to be able to physically hand cash or a check to the new grads in your life, consider GiftCast. It's a simple app that lets you virtually gift-wrap your cash with a heartfelt video message and a promise to see them in person as soon as you can. WIRED reviewers have also used and liked services such as Givingli .

★  Gift cards are great, too: A gift card to somewhere like Amazon or Target lets them pick exactly what they want or need for the next phase in life. Other useful options include Grubhub for easy dinners, or a membership to a big box store like Costco .

A Great Leather Purse

Whether your college grad is starting a job in the big city or their local school system, they need a bag that functions as well as it looks and will actually last. Cuyana's System Tote is our favorite laptop tote . It has a simple but elegant design and works with a system of add-ons that snap in for customized organization, like a laptop sleeve , organizational insert , or zippered pouch .

Cuyana has a bunch of other designs, but all are quite pricey. For a little bit less, Longchamp's Le Pliage is a classic that's durable and spacious, and also zips shut. Our favorite one is made from recycled canvas. See our full guide on laptop totes and purses for even more designs and styles.

Or an All-Purpose Backpack

Rains' Backpack Mini is the most stylish pick in our Best Laptop Backpacks guide . It's available in a wide range of colors, and the 8.5-liter capacity offers enough room to stash a laptop in addition to accessories, chargers, and other odds and ends. The elegant design will ensure your college grad won't look like a kid when they commute to their new grown-up job—or that your high school grad won't look like a kid when they head to college classes. (There's also a large version if they tend to pack a lot.)

Ambient Lighting for Their New Home

Smart light panels are great for setting the vibe in a new dorm room. Our top pick , the Nanoleaf Triangles, can be rearranged to create all sorts of shapes. There are tons of color combinations and modes—for example, a party-friendly setting that'll pulse the lights to the beat of music, or a daylight setting to get grads through short winter days. Nanoleaf has tons of other designs we like, like the Nanoleaf Lines . Don't forget to check out our guide to the Best Smart Lighting for more options.

Reece Rogers

Adrienne So

Julian Chokkattu

A Plant Subscription Box

Flowers are a nice thought for events and milestones, but plants can potentially last years, as grads go from first apartment to second, and from entry-entry level job to executive office. Horti sends a plant and pot in each box, as well as other accessories occasionally. You can choose between pet-friendly or beginner plants or opt for Horti's pick. A subscription starts at $28 a month with a plain terracotta pot, or more if you want a painted pot. There are a few subscription options you can choose from if you'd rather pay upfront instead of month-to-month.

Subscription boxes make great gifts because it's literally the gift that keeps giving, with a new surprise every month you’re signed up for. We have a bunch of recommendations for all types of personalities.

For the Artist

Is your recent grad a photo editor, graphic designer, or digital artist who would really benefit from a dedicated drawing tablet ? The Wacom One 13 Touch ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) is our favorite for most situations. It has a bright 13-inch screen for accurate colors, and the stylus precision rivals that of more expensive drawing tablets. It's not wireless, though, and needs to be plugged in to a computer via USB-C cable.

A Luxury Hair Tool

Giving the gift of good hair means your new college graduate can start all meetings, appointments, and dates on the right foot. Dyson's Airwrap is coveted for its luxury and multiple uses—you can dry your hair , blow it out, or curl it (or do all three!). But that luxury also comes with the Dyson price tag, which is why it'd be a great gift to receive.

Literally Everything

Two things are genuine markers of adulthood these days: getting your own Netflix account and getting your own Amazon Prime subscription. The benefits of Amazon Prime are legion , from free shipping and access to Prime Video to exclusive savings on Prime-only products. Your recent graduate's student discount may be disappearing, but you can save the day by gifting them another year. This is the graduation gift that keeps on giving. They will likely save the money several times over.

A Modern-Day Typewriter

Writing is hard. Writing when you're barraged by distracting notifications is even harder. If your graduate will be writing for a living, the Freewrite Traveler ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) might make an excellent gift. It serves a simple purpose, offering users a blank text field and a keyboard. The recipient will be able to work on their novel or type up a cover letter, free from tempting web links or distracting advertisements. Unlike on typewriters of the past, drafts can be uploaded to services like Google Docs or Evernote with a simple keystroke. Another key difference is that the Freewrite Traveler doesn't weigh a gajillion pounds—the entire device folds down flat and weighs less than 2 pounds.

A Great Multi-Tool

Multi-tools aren't just for outdoorsy folks or handymen. They open up the world of ease to the rest of us, and Leatherman makes the best. The Wave Plus has two stainless steel knives and 16 other handy tools like a file, scissors, bottle and can openers, and an 8-inch ruler. With its 25-year warranty, the company will repair it too.

Luxury Headphones

The WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) have long been a favorite of ours . They have some of the best sound quality we've heard, with 30 hours of battery life and the ability to automatically pause the music if they sense you talking.

If you're gifting to an Apple fanatic and you can stomach the cost, the Apple AirPods Max ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) deliver great sound and style. But don't worry, we have plenty of cheap picks too.

A Pair of Smart Glasses

We admit that our first review of the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses was skeptical ( 6/10, WIRED Review ). However, several WIRED staff members have since purchased both the sunglasses and the clear prescription versions and love being able to take calls and listen to audio without having to put on yet another pair of earbuds or headphones. The glasses also now come in a wider variety of styles , can be ordered in a clear prescription version , and weigh (and cost) only a fraction more than than regular specs.

For Automated Cleaning

A vacuum is not the most exciting gift, but hear us out. It's likely that a new graduate will be moving into an apartment or house, and they'll probably be busy with a new adult job. In that case, a robot vacuum can pick up the cleaning slack.

Using the app, you can control the Tapo RV30C to start cleaning even if you aren't home, choose which room, or set schedules so it does a sweep each day. It returns to its base to automatically empty the dustbin. It's one of the prettiest new robot vacuums we've seen, too.

An Electric Bike

An electric bike or scooter can make a big difference to a recent high school graduate who has to figure out how to move around a new campus or city. The Trek FX+ 2 ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) is our pick for most people . It doesn't really look like an e-bike, thanks to the cables, battery, and motor hidden inside the frame, but it will get you through a commute without constant recharges. There's some fun extras like lights and a bell, too. It's not the lightest bike we've tried, but at 40 pounds, it also isn't heavy.

An Electric Scooter

If your recent graduate doesn't know how to bike, we also love electric scooters . The Unagi Model One Voyager ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) is our lightweight pick. It's just 30 pounds, but you can still cruise at 15 miles per hour. Riders will likely get a bit more than 10 miles out of a charge, but since it's not too heavy and folds up, it's easily paired with public transportation if necessary. Make sure you get them a helmet , too.

For Easy Meals

Sometimes cooking is exhausting. MìLà's soup dumplings are noodles are delicious and take precisely zero cooking skills to perfect. The founders of MìLà have a restaurant in Washington, and they ship their already popular soup dumplings, flash-freezing them while raw to keep the authentic taste. The quality is obvious. If you can, sending the full experience box allows your recent grad to try one bag of pork dumplings, a noodle variety box, three dipping sauces, a bamboo steamer, and rose lychee ice cream.

A Racing Setup

This is a lot of money to drop on gaming accessories (and it's even more expensive than when we first reviewed it). But if you can afford it and your giftee loves sim racing, then they'll very much love this . They can decompress after work by feeling like they're actually racing alongside their favorite F1 driver. You can use the wheels and pedals alone as long as they have a desk that the wheel can clamp onto, but adding the seat gives it more of a real-world feel.

A Coffee Upgrade

If your grad loves their cup of joe, give them a coffee upgrade. KitchenAid's Semi Automatic Espresso Machine is one of our favorites . The grinder is whisper quiet, and the machine makes great espresso with perfectly frothed milk. It looks great too, especially in white, and has extra features like wheels for moving it out of the way when you aren't using it.

If They Prefer a French Press

An espresso machine is luxurious if your giftee will use it, but a French press is easy, low-maintenance, and hard to mess up. It takes up less room and doesn't even need to be plugged in. We love the Clara because of its minimalist modern design that's shatter-resistant. It also comes with one more filter than most French presses. One pushes the grind down and the other catches any stray sediment. Our morning coffee tasted smoother, with not a hint of bitterness.

A Forever Suitcase

Set your new graduate up for a lifetime of travel with this suitcase that's lasted us well over 20 years. It's made from water-repellent and abrasion-resistant ballistic nylon, and the low-profile wheels and handles are still going strong. There's a lifetime warranty, so should anything go wrong, they can visit a Briggs & Riley–approved dealership for free fixes. It's heavy, though, at 9.3 pounds.

A Smartwatch for iPhone Users

At one time, fancy analog watches would have been a top graduation gift. They still can be for the right person, but your giftee might prefer the usefulness of a smartwatch. The Series 9 ( 7/10, WIRED Recommends ) is our favorite for Apple fans. It has wonderful health tracking features and a spate of safety tools, like fall detection and the option for automated emergency calls. This one also can quickly process Siri requests on the device. Read more about it in our Best Apple Watches guide .

A Smartwatch for Android Users

The Galaxy Watch6 and Watch6 Classic ( 7/10, WIRED Recommends ) will work for any Android user, but they're best paired with Samsungs, since certain health data only works with those phones. They look more like a traditional watch than Apple Watches do, and the Classic has a rotating bezel for scrolling through menus—it has the same satisfaction of putting in your school locker combination (without having to remember numbers).

For other Android users, we like the Google Pixel Watch 2 ( 7/10, WIRED Recommends ), which is beautiful, comfortable, and has a speedy processor to crunch all their fitness data.

Or a Mechanical Watch

Smartwatches do tend to be more popular, but an analog watch is a classic gift—even if it's just for the occasional dressing up. We like this watch for its military look with a stealthy black coating. It's water resistant up to 100 meters and it gets an impressive 80-hour power reserve.

If They Work From Home

When you work in an office, you're generally provided with monitors and keyboards, but if you work from home, you shouldn't have to suffer. The Keychron Q1 Pro mechanical keyboard is our gift recommendation for those who work from home. It has satisfying clickety-clackety switches for long typing sessions, and there's a programmable knob that your giftee can set for volume control, zooming in and out of projects, plus other options.

An Aesthetic Office Chair

The Herman Miller Zeph is an aesthetically-pleasing office chair upgrade, whether your giftee is working from home full time or needs a place to sit while they write their novel. The Zeph is shaped to mold around your body, so despite its lack of adjustability, both our 6'4 and 5'1 testers found it comfortable. We recommend adding the arms and seat pad for the most comfort, but that does raise the price.

Distraction-Free Reading

Bookish grads will appreciate the Kindle Paperwhite, which is the Best Kindle for most people. The e-reader interface is simple and straightforward. With no intrusive vibrations, notifications, or inane newsfeeds to scroll through, Kindle enthusiasts find these devices to be a much better option than phones for distraction-free reading. Analog books are still a thing, of course, but you can't carry 1,000 of them around in your pocket. The Paperwhite is waterproof for reading beside the pool or in the tub and the Signature edition gets adjustable warm light to ensure maximum visibility at night. There are many free or cheap ebooks available online, but if your grad is a particularly voracious reader , you may want to consider including an ebook or audiobook subscription .

Do they enjoy jotting down notes all the time? Consider the newer Kindle Scribe ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ), which is much more expensive but it doubles as a notepad and comes with a stylus. The Kobo Libra Colour ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) also has note-taking abilities with a great color E Ink screen.

For Digital Notes

If they need more digital notebook than e-reader, the ReMarkable 2 is our favorite option . The matte screen feels like paper, there's little lag while writing on it, and the battery lasts for several weeks. On the device, you can organize your work into notebooks and sort them all with tags and folders and then export them to Google Drive or Dropbox. There's also a keyboard attachment that we haven't tried, but it will help during particularly heavy note-taking sessions.

A Keepsake Pen

A good fountain pen is a classic graduation gift, and the Lamy 2000 is one of our favorites. Whether your giftee likes to hand write poems and journal entries, or keeps track of all their new daily tasks with a paper planner , they can do so with the luxurious 14-carat gold nib that surfs effortlessly across the page. Pair it with our favorite ink for a truly satisfying experience.

A Setup for Success

Everyone can benefit from a good paper planner, but that's especially true for young adults entering the workforce. The Happy Planner is one of our favorites . It's affordable, customizable, and suitable for beginners as well as experts. Whether they're keeping track of deadlines, interviews, monthly payments, or their five-year plan, graduates will be able to stay on top of life's endless to-do lists.

A Recycled Workout Mat

Establishing a new workout routine after graduating from high school or college doesn't have to be difficult. It can be as easy as a few pushups in the morning or a 15-minute walk around the block. Cassey Ho , from the wildly popular Blogilates fitness platform, recommends starting with a simple yoga mat to anchor your new grad's working-out-at-home routine. It will also dampen the sound of their footfalls for any downstairs neighbors.

A Simple Cookbook

Help your new college graduate embark on the next phase of their adult life by giving them a jumpstart in the kitchen with an easy, simple cookbook . Some days you just feel uninspired in the kitchen, and other day, you only have so much time. This collection of recipes has delicious, varied recipes that don't require much effort, and it includes estimated prep times as well as cook times.

A Picnic Blanket

Is your new grad planning a big trip for the summer? I own two of these, and they're particularly versatile and useful gifts. These unbelievably soft, warm blankets are made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled polyester material with a durable water-repellent finish to fend off dirt and prevent stains. I've used mine for everything from impromptu picnics and warming up on the couch to an emergency layer after the car broke down on a snowy day. WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu used it as a blanket on his road trip in Iceland. They pack down into a small compression sack for easy storage.

An On-Demand Hug

Nothing signals adulthood like random existential crises. Weighted blankets can help squish away bad feelings. There are tons of good choices available, but this is our absolute favorite . It's satisfyingly heavy, cooling, and one of the prettiest weighted blankets around. Read our Best Weighted Blankets guide for other options, as well as advice on what weight works best. While they can help with some symptoms, remember that weighted blankets are not a substitute for medical treatment.

A Compact Countertop Appliance

We love waffle makers . So will your grad. They've likely seen a tiny model from Dash already, since it went viral on TikTok , but even newcomers will have a blast making single-serve waffles with this gadget. For something a bit more robust, this Black and Decker Waffle Maker may suffice. Neither will take up too much space on compact counters, and both are capable of making magical creations out of everything from potatoes to pie. Pair the maker with this cookbook for an easy, surprisingly useful gift. 

A Coffee Subscription

Nickel and dime expenses like a daily café run can add up—especially for a grad living on an entry-level salary. A coffee subscription, like Mistobox, can make a difference. There are more than 500 coffee options to choose from, so even the most discerning drinkers will be able to enjoy this gift. Check out our Best Coffee Subscription Services guide for more.

Fancy Furniture for Their Cat

Cat parents might tell you that they wouldn't have gotten through those late-night study sessions and term papers without their felines by their side. Perhaps they too deserve a fancy graduation present. Mau's Cento cat tree is pricey, but it's one of the best cat trees we've tried. Not only is it very pretty—and when you live in a small space, everything's design matters—but it's well made, with replaceable parts . Our cats loved lounging on it.

Lisa Wood Shapiro

Medea Giordano

Nena Farrell

Eric Ravenscraft

WIRED COUPONS

Extra 20% off select Dyson technology w/ Owner Rewards

GoPro Promo Code: 15% off Cameras & Accessories

Get Up To Extra 45% Off - May Secret Sale

5% Off Everything with Dell Coupon Code

Sign Up To Get 25% Off With This VistaPrint Coupon

50% off Select Products - Newegg Promo Code

25 Practical Gifts for Grad & PhD Students in 2022

TheGiftYak curates unique gifts and is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn more .

You’re proud of your graduate and PhD students. Show them just how much you care, with gifts that are a bit fun and a bit practical. Whether they’re working on their dissertation or your doctoral students are simply elbows deep in research, you are sure to find just the right gift on a list that’s almost as smart as they are.

Related Gift Lists:

• Conditionally
• Newsletter Signup

52 Excellent Gifts for Grads of All Ages

By Malia Griggs , Sarah Madaus , and Sara Coughlin

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Between winter semester graduations and preparation for springtime ceremonies, you might be scrambling to find the perfect graduation gifts for the daughter, son, sister, brother, or friend in your life who’s growing up way too fast. No matter their age or level of education, graduating is an accomplishment that’s anything but easy. That’s why your coworker , classmate, young adult, or kiddo celebrating this major milestone deserves the best, exceptionally thoughtful grad gifts.

Whether they’re leaving middle school, high school, college, or even graduating with a professional degree, they’ll have many new responsibilities and challenges to navigate, from learning to drive or picking up more chores to cooking for themselves and building a career . The best graduation gifts are reminders of what they’ve accomplished, and they’re also items and services that help them transition into the future.

From meaningful presents that mark their achievements to bestsellers that will be useful in their next steps, we’ve rounded up a variety of traditional, creative , and practical graduation gift ideas for all types of graduates. And we found them, conveniently, from brands and retailers like Target , Amazon , Etsy, Nordstrom , Minted, and subscription services .

Below, we’ve broken down the best grad gifts by type: gifts for college grads , gifts for high school grads , gifts for nursing or medical school grads , gifts for law school grads , gifts for elementary and middle school grads , and gifts for preschool grads . 

For more present picks, check out all of the best gift ideas of 2022 .

Best College Graduation Gifts

When thinking about the perfect gift for young adults graduating college, look for things that will make their life easier as they navigate post-grad life. A meal kit or meal delivery service like Home Chef is an excellent way for them to sharpen their culinary skills, try new recipes, and save time on grocery shopping . If they already have the cooking skills, handy cookware like Our Place’s cult-favorite Always Pan or the Instant Pot is supremely helpful for prepping food after a long day in the real world. Or, if their top priority is caffeination, set them up with a coffee subscription to SELF Fave service Atlas Coffee .

Clothing subscription boxes like Stitch Fix make shopping for office-ready clothes (or work-from-home clothes) seamless. Amazon’s Echo Dot combines the benefits of an alarm clock and a speaker, plus everyone’s favorite, Alexa. For a more unique graduation gift that’s still useful for college grads, look to custom photo art they can display in their new apartment. A big blanket for movie nights or cuddling with their pet is perfect for nights in. And speaking of blankets, upgrading to a high-quality duvet set will help make their bedroom an oasis.

Subscription

All-New Echo Dot (5th Gen)

Instant Pot Ultra 10-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

Stitch Fix Subscription

West Elm HydroCool® Cooling Down Alternative Duvet Insert (Full/Queen Size)

AirPods Pro (2nd Gen.)

Minted Quintet Custom Photo Art

Our Place Always Pan

Atlas Coffee

Club Gift Subscription

Atlas Coffee Club

The North Face

1996 Retro Nuptse Down Jacket

Best High School Graduation Gifts

For the high school graduate who may be on their way to college, technical school, or a different path, say congrats with thoughtful items that recognize their responsibility as young adults. A coffee maker , air fryer , or other small home appliances are excellent ideas for soon-to-be college students gathering supplies for their dorm room. You could also go the route of an Amazon Prime subscription which provides a time-saving way for them to order everything from desk and office supplies to toilet paper, textbooks, and more. 

Noise-canceling headphones are always useful, and a set of keepsake photo cards will ensure their friends and family members are always close—even if they’ll be far from home. They might roll their eyes over a book about their new stage of life, but, trust us, they’ll read it eventually and will almost definitely glean some nuggets of wisdom. For a recent grad who’s embarking on a camping adventure or gap year, a gift-box subscription from Nomadik sends boxes that feature gear, snacks, and apparel from popular outdoor brands .

Life and Other Shortcomings (Stories) by Corie Adjimi

Bonavita One-Touch Coffee Brewer

Artifact Uprising Everyday Print Set (Set of 10)

Artifact Uprising

Sony WH-XB910N Extra Bass Noise Cancelling Headphones

Big Blanket Co. Original Stretch Blanket

Big Blanket Co.

Sonix Magnetic Link Wireless Charger

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 Wireless Speaker

Baboon to the Moon Fannypack

Baboon to the Moon

Urban Outfitters

Nomadik Subscription

Cosori Electric Kettle

Amazon Prime Gift Subscription

Best Nurse Graduation Gifts and Medical School Graduation Gifts

Graduation presents for future nurses , doctors, and other health care professionals should center around useful self-care products and gadgets that make everyday tasks more efficient. They’ll likely have early mornings and/or late nights, so a trustworthy alarm is a must. We love that the Philips sunrise alarm clock is a gentle wake-up call. A weighted blanket like Layla’s bestselling version and a heated foot massager can help ease tension after a long day. Perhaps you might gift them a high-quality tumbler to replace their leaky coffee mugs and disposable water bottle collection. The Yeti Rambler tumbler can be customized, and it fits into any tote with ease. You might also consider a sleek charging station that charges two devices at once (and serves as a stand for them to take FaceTimes). And, for a personalized gift for the future nurse or doctor in your life, we love a custom badge reel.

Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light

Yeti Rambler Tumbler (10 oz.)

Dick's Sporting Goods

Shiatsu Foot Massager With Heat

PrettyPictureGiftsCo Personalized Badge Reel

Personalized Nurse Tote Bag

Bombas Gripper Slippers

Courant Mag:2 Essentials Wireless Charging Stand

Weighted Blanket (20-lb.)

Layla Sleep

Hoka Women's Clifton 8

Kiehl's Since 1851 Hydrating Hand Care Set

Brooklyn Candle Studio Deluxe Candle Of The Month Subscription

Brooklyn Candle Studio

Personalized Nurse Tumbler

Best Law School Graduation Gifts

Future lawyers will appreciate timeless, high-quality, and stylish desk essentials and padfolios to keep all of their files organized and at the ready—as well as a personal air cooler to keep them comfortable at said desk. For a more personalized keepsake, a cute tote is both useful and thoughtful, whether they need a high-quality bag for their commute or to use as a compact carry-on . A sleep mask can help them wind down at night and, in the morning, an Ember Smart Mug will always ensure their drink is the temperature they like so there’s never lukewarm coffee or tea. A subscription box like Urbane Box will ensure that they always have on-trend, professional clothes on-hand, and you know they’ll love a neck and back massager after poring over cases all day at their new job.

Aimee Handmade Personalized Leather Legal Padfolio

Madewell Zip-Top Transport Carryall

Temperature Control Smart Mug 2 (10 oz.)

Manta Sleep Mask

Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager

Evachill Portable Conditioner

Best Elementary or Middle School Graduation Gifts

For the new grads who are still kids (cherish these years!), gifts can lean more heavily on fun and novelty . If their next stop is high school, a fun, vintage-style Instax camera will help them create lasting memories with their best friends, and a pretty personalized bar bracelet is affordable in case it gets lost (which, let’s be honest, it very well might). For younger kids, who among them hasn’t put the coveted Nintendo Switch on their list? You could also opt for a monthly subscription box that encourages curiosity and creativity. And customizable coupons make an excellent DIY gift that can be used over time.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera

JewelryHills Kids Bar Bracelet

KiwiCo Subscription

Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy-Con

PrintsofLifeEvents Children's Coupon Book

Hydro Flask Wide-Mouth Water Bottle with Flex Straw Lid

Backcountry

Best Preschool Graduation Gifts

For the little one who is heading into their first graduation, a keepsake stuffed animal like the personalized graduation bear below is a cuddly gift they might not understand just yet, but it’s soft and squeezable—and that’s what matters. An uplifting children’s book may inspire them to be the next astronaut, scientist, zoologist, or writer. Wearable items like a colorful tee or wish bracelet are also thoughtful, unfussy presents for the future kindergartener. 

The Gift Chicks Personalized Graduation Bears

The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be by Joanna Gaines

Salem Wishes Preschool Wish Bracelet

Stockberry Apparel Last Day of School Shirt

• 139 Actually Useful Gifts All Practical People Will Appreciate
• 87 Wellness Gifts for the Health Fan in Your Life
• 56 Thoughtful Subscription Gifts for Every Type of Person

SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

• Gift Guides

27 Trendy And Thoughtful College Graduation Gifts For Every 2022 Grad You Know

This site contains affiliate links, view the disclosure for more information.

Looking for the most thoughtful college graduation gifts? Here are 27 gift ideas that are guaranteed to be their favorite gift!

College graduation is one of the biggest milestones, and it needs to be properly celebrated with the perfect gift. This is such a fun gift to shop for because the grad is probably getting their own apartment , starting a new job, or maybe even going off to grad school, so there are so many directions you could go with your gift. 

I love gifting stuff for a new apartment because that stuff can get expensive, so the grad will really appreciate that they won’t have to worry about that when they move into their apartment. Here are some of my favorite college graduation gifts .

This post is all about college graduation gifts.

Top college graduation gifts:.

Best Overall:   Caraway Complete Pots and Pans Set

“I have had my Caraway set for three years now. Absolutely the best cookware I've ever had.”

Best Under $25:  One Line A Day Journal

“It's only been about a month, but already I know it's going to be so fun to look back over the years and remember the big and little things that have happened each day.”

Best Value: Nespresso Vertuo Machine

“If you've never had coffee from a Nespresso Vertuo machine, you owe it to yourself to try it out. It is a whole level beyond Keurig-type brewing.”

Most Popular: Apple Watch

“I love this product and it’s worth the investment. It’s low key life changing.”

Best Custom Gift: DIY Custom Wine Bottle Label

"The best thing about this little DIY is that it can be really budget friendly and it's a special gift they'll keep for forever."

Most Unique: New York Times Front Page Puzzle

“I absolutely loved doing this puzzle. I received this puzzle as a gift and had a lot of fun putting it together.”

Best Graduation Gift For Him: Yeti Cooler

“Great product. Stands up to typical Yeti quality. This is great for 1-2 days of ice. Quick road trips, tailgates, BBQ's, etc. Mobility and overall effectiveness is great."

THE BEST COLLEGE GRADUATION GIFTS:

1. beis carry on luggage.

Luggage is the perfect gift for a college grad because they will probably be traveling now that they’re out of school. Beis has the prettiest luggage, and I swear it’s made by people who actually travel.

“I’m OBSESSED!! Such a game changer for a luggage. I can’t wait to buy more! Such a simple by pretty exterior & design.”

2. Nespresso Vertuo

I am obsessed with my Nespresso! This machine is the gift that keeps on giving because you are saving your grad from spending all of their money at coffee shops but allowing them to make coffee that’s just as good.

This is one of the most popular college graduation gifts for son or daughter!

3. Trendy Wine Glasses

Nothing better for a college grad than an alcohol-related gift! These wine glasses are SO cute and trendy. You could also get some gorgeous coupe glasses from CB2 and give them a whole collection of cocktail glasses.

“Perfect fun wine glass set - a bit larger/wider than I expected, but I like that it's a fun + differentiated shape for having people over.”

4. DIY Custom Wine Bottle Label

When my friends graduated from college, this is what I gave them! I made the labels myself, and I shared exactly how to make them here on BSL. This DIY is a fun, customized gift that they will remember forever.

5. Mejuri Hoop Earrings

Mejuri jewelry is lovely, but it’s not something that your grad probably buys for themselves often. These croissant earrings are super trendy right now and definitely will be worn often!

“I’ve had these for about 6 weeks now and wear them almost daily. They are a great everyday earring that look nice without making too much of a statement."

6. Caraway Complete Pots & Pans Set

I am obsessed with these pots and pans, and I would be absolutely thrilled if I received them when I graduated from college. The set comes with handy accessories to store them, and they are so pretty they are practically kitchen decor .

7. Sleeper Party Pajamas Set

If you haven’t seen these pajamas all over your social media feed, where have you been? These “party pajamas” are THE gift of this year. There are so many fun colors and styles, so be sure to check them out!

“But feathers aside, my favorite part of this set was a huge surprise to me: The quality. I was utterly shocked to open the package and immediately see gorgeous seam finishes”

8. Engraved Layered Necklace

There’s nothing like a personalized gift, and this Gorjana necklace is so cute and simple but still has a touch of personalization. The little tag can be customized with the grad’s initials and comes in the cutest layering set. This could be one of the sweetest college graduation gifts from parents.

“I love that we can engrave a lil something special and customize it and make it that much more special!”

9. New York Times Front Page Puzzle

This puzzle is the most incredible gift ever for any significant milestone. You select the date you want, and then you are sent a custom puzzle with the front page of the New York Times on that day in history. It would be so cool to have this for years to come and remember what was going on in the world on the day of your graduation.

10. Necessaire Body Care Set

Necessaire has the most gentle, luxurious skincare products loved by many! I would be thrilled to receive this body set as a graduation gift, and I’m sure your grad will be too. Their packaging and brand aesthetic is a gift in itself.  

“Great gift for a great price. Wonderful scent"

11. Travel Jewelry Box

There are so many travel jewelry boxes out there, some of them almost $100, and that seems a little crazy. This jewelry case is inexpensive on Etsy and could be paired with some lovely earrings to make a more significant gift!

“Love this jewelry case! It’s so dainty and I’m really exited to put all of my favorite jewelry pieces in it!”

12. Homesick Candle (with their college town)

These Homesick candles are super trendy, so your grad will be excited to receive one! They have candles for almost every major city, so check their website and order one for your grad’s college town!

“Beautifully packaged and smells wonderful. Gifting this to a younger cousin who is enrolled in college on the other side of the country.”

13. The Tote Bag

If you haven’t seen this tote bag, you’ve been living under a rock. I just got this bag, and it is so convenient for carrying my laptop and all of my work essentials. A college graduate will be obsessed with not only the looks but the functionality of this Marc Jacobs tote.  

“I use this bag for work, and fits everything I need without having to dump the contents to find what I need.”

14. Apple Watch

If you don’t have an Apple watch in 2022, it’s time to up your productivity game and invest in one! An apple watch is a game-changer, especially for a college graduate (with their busy lifestyle). It’s the gift that keeps on giving!  

15. Winc Wine Subscription

If your college grad is a wine drinker, you need to set them up with a Winc subscription! They can take a wine quiz and then make a custom bundle that will get delivered to their front door! It’s so fun!  

“It’s easy and convenient. The wine selection is amazing! I have been satisfied with every suggestion and selection!”

16. Yeti Cooler

Many college grads will be taking trips and going on adventures after graduation. You can contribute to that by getting them a nice cooler bag that they can take everywhere with them! This is the perfect college graduation gift for him .

17. Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Kettle

I have had my eye on this kettle forever, and I want to buy it badly! This electric kettle would be a fantastic college graduation gift because they will likely have it for many years and continue to love it.

“We love it and it’s so fast. Doesn’t take up any room and it looks great.”

18. The Four Agreements

This book truly changes your perspective on life, and there’s no better person to receive some life wisdom than a college graduate. I recommend everyone read this book, especially young people looking for direction in life!

“The wisdom in this book has completely transformed my life, more than anything thing else I've ever read or meditated on.”

19. Bauble Bar Custom Phone Case

Lately, these phone cases have been all over my social media feeds, and I have been dying for one. They are a little pricey, but they are one of the best college graduation gifts for her because they're something your grad would have a hard time justifying buying for themselves. There are so many fun patterns and designs, so pick one that reminds you of your grad's vibe.

"They looked beautiful online, but they're even more amazing in person.”

20. Airbnb Gift Card

Like I said before, post-college graduation is when many people choose to take some trips before getting locked down in a job. If you want to help fund some of their adventures, get them an Airbnb gift card! If you wanted to go above and beyond, you could pair this with tickets to an attraction (where they could stay in an Airbnb).  

“This gift card was a perfect gift for my cousin! It came in under 2 days (with Amazon Prime), and it was in great condition!”

21. One Line A Day Journal

I got this journal at the start of this year, and it is so easy and unique. All you have to do is write one line a day for five years, and then you have the most fantastic memory book of all time. How perfect is this for a college graduate entering an exciting new life chapter?

Seriously, it's one of my favorite ideas for college graduation gifts. 

22. Acrylic Countertop Wine Rack

I was so excited to put together a trendy bar cart for my apartment after I graduated from college, and I'm sure your grad is too. This acrylic wine bottle holder would look so cute on a bar cart or countertop and would definitely be put to good use by a young grad in their twenties.

“Obsessed with this wine rack. I get compliments from guests all the time. It’s very sturdy and chic.”

23. Custom Wellness Journal

Everyone has their preferences in planners , but a wellness planner is general enough to please everyone! This "Jag" print is incredibly trendy, and the journal even comes customized with the grad's name printed on the cover. You can't go wrong with any gift from Papier.  

“I'm thrilled with my book, its beautiful and i enjoy writing in it every day. Will definitely buy more.”

24. Lululemon Belt Bag

The Lululemon belt bag is genuinely life-changing! I bring mine everywhere with me, and I couldn't love it more. Because I treasure mine so much, this has become not only my favorite college graduation gifts for friends but my favorite gift overall!  

“I love love love it! I usually carry a small crossbody, but I wanted something more accessible and it fits all my stuff from my crossbody.”

25. Custom Acrylic Wall Calendar

How cool is this? If you are looking for a useful custom graduation gift, this is super pretty and will, without a doubt, be the grad's favorite gift. I wish I had one of these, and I think it's so cool that you can have your name put on it!  

“Seriously in love with this calendar! Looks so great in our kitchen, such a nice clean style”

26. Baggu Bag Set

Baggu Bags are my absolute favorite thing, but they're not a super substantial gift. If you give your grad a set of reusable Baggu shopping bags and pair them with a gift card to their local grocery store, you will have a fantastic gift!  

“This silverware tray is very well made, love that it acrylic! It has high sides and lots of room.”

27. Gift Cards

You can never go wrong with a gift card! Everyone loves them, and you can even make them a little special (like the Airbnb gift card and grocery store gift card with the bags). If you don't know the grad super well, this might be your best bet! Men can be hard to shop for, so this is also one of the best college graduation gifts for guys.

COLLEGE GRADUATION GIFTS Q&A

What is an appropriate gift for a college graduation.

The best college graduation gifts are things that will help them in their daily lives! Get them some starter household goods, or maybe give them a gift card to go on a getaway at an Airbnb. Also, any alcohol-related gifts are usually well-received!

What do you get a college graduate in 2022?

Buy your college graduate a Nespresso machine, Wine, an Apple Watch, anything related to their college town, or luxurious items they wouldn't buy for themselves.

Are gifts expected for college graduation?

I think that gifts ARE expected for college graduation, as it may be an even more significant accomplishment than high school graduation (where gifts are definitely expected). It does not have to be anything extravagant, just something to acknowledge their achievement! 

Do parents give college graduation gifts?

Parents are already spending a ton of money during graduation season, but it is nice to acknowledge your grad's achievement with at least a little gift .

What should I give my daughter for college graduation?

The best college graduation gifts for daughter are a luxury pajama set, a wine delivery subscription, a wellness journal, a custom phone case, or a luxury bag! 

Whats a good graduation gift for my daughter?

Good graduation gifts for daughter are a Nespresso machine, an Apple watch, jewelry, luggage, luxury self-care items, and anything customized. 

This post was all about college graduation gifts.

Other posts you may like:.

27 Inexpensive High School Graduation Gift Ideas Grads Will Love

31 Insanely Good Graduation Gifts For Him

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Where To Next?

10 College Move-In Day Tips All Students Need To Know

My Christmas 2021 Gift List (what I am personally asking for!)

Money Tips for 20 Year Olds | 8 Things People In Their 20’s Need To Stop Spending Money On

College Apartment

This San Diego State College Bedroom Is the Epitome of Trendy

GBOGH House

The Cutest Nursery Decor I Ever Did See

Amazon Favorites

The BEST Mother’s Day Gifts of 2024 (for the cute + stylish mom)

By Sophia Lee is a blog created by designer Sophia Lee in 2016. From her dorm room to million-dollar restorations, Sophia is sharing the lessons she’s learned in the home space.

Make Yourself At Home

Don’T Miss A Thing

Get Inspired on Pinterest

Binge Episodes on YouTube

Discover Hacks on TikTok

Join The Club

Stay inspired with weekly house renovation updates, our favorite home finds, and exclusive emails right in your inbox.

• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy

By Sophia Lee is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

• Apartment Packing List
• Apartment Kitchen Essentials List
• Apartment Organization Tips 
• Apartment Cleaning Tips
• Apartment Decor
• All Posts on Apartments
• All Posts on College
• Dorm Room Essentials 2024
• Dorm Room Organization Tips
• Dorm Room Cleaning Tips
• Graduation Party
• Home Organization Tips
• Home Cleaning Tips
• “Go Big Or Go Home” House
• The Sophmore House
• All Reveals
• BSL Studios
• Sophia’s Favorites
• Sophia’s Home
• Restorations

15 Unique Graduation Gift Ideas for 2024

Graduation season  is upon us once again, marking a significant milestone in the lives of many. Whether it's high school, college, or graduate school, completing an academic journey is a momentous occasion deserving of celebration. If you're looking for the perfect gift to commemorate this achievement for your loved ones or friends, you're in the right place. In this article, we've curated  15 unique graduation gift ideas for 2024  that are sure to make this special moment even more memorable.

Here are 15 Unique Graduation Gift Ideas for 2024

1.bbobbler custom graduation bobbleheads: .

Kick off the celebration with a personalized touch by gifting a custom graduation bobblehead from Bbobbler . These quirky and fun figurines capture the graduate's likeness, making for a unique keepsake they'll cherish for years to come. Whether you want to recreate their cap and gown moment or add a touch of humor with their favorite hobby or activity, Bbobbler offers endless customization options to suit any personality.

2.Travel Voucher: 

After years of hard work and dedication, give the graduate the gift of adventure with a travel voucher. Whether it's a weekend getaway to a nearby destination or a dream trip abroad, experiencing new cultures and destinations is the perfect way to celebrate this milestone and create lasting memories.

3.Professional Portfolio: 

Help the graduate kickstart their career with a professional portfolio that showcases their skills, achievements, and work samples. Whether they're entering the workforce or pursuing further education, a well-designed portfolio can make a lasting impression on potential employers or admissions committees.

4.Subscription Box: 

Treat the graduate to a subscription box tailored to their interests and preferences. Whether they're a foodie, bookworm, or fitness enthusiast, there's a subscription box for everyone. From gourmet snacks and artisanal coffee to bestselling books and workout gear, a monthly surprise delivery will keep the celebration going long after graduation day.

5.Personalized Jewelry: 

Mark this special occasion with a timeless piece of personalized jewelry that the graduate can cherish for a lifetime. Whether it's a pendant necklace engraved with their graduation date or a monogrammed bracelet with their initials, personalized jewelry adds a meaningful touch to any gift-giving occasion.

6.Financial Planning Tools: 

Equip the graduate with the tools they need to navigate their financial future with confidence. Whether it's a budgeting app, investment guide, or retirement planning workshop, investing in their financial literacy is a gift that will pay dividends for years to come.

7.Online Course or Workshop: 

Encourage the graduate to continue their lifelong learning journey with an online course or workshop in their field of interest. Whether it's mastering a new skill, expanding their knowledge base, or exploring a passion project, online learning offers endless opportunities for personal and professional growth.

8.Customized Stationery: 

Celebrate the graduate's next chapter with customized stationery featuring their name, initials, or monogram. Whether it's elegant letterpress cards for handwritten notes or personalized notepads for daily to-do lists, customized stationery adds a touch of sophistication to any correspondence.

9.Fitness Tracker: 

Help the graduate stay active and healthy as they embark on the next phase of their journey with a fitness tracker. Whether it's counting steps, monitoring heart rate, or tracking sleep patterns, a fitness tracker provides valuable insights into their overall well-being and encourages them to prioritize self-care.

10.Digital Photo Frame: 

Capture and display precious memories from the graduate's academic journey with a digital photo frame. Whether it's graduation day photos, campus memories, or snapshots with friends and family, a digital photo frame allows them to relive these special moments anytime, anywhere.

11.Language Learning App: 

Equip the graduate with the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly globalized world with a language learning app. Whether it's mastering a new language for travel, work, or personal enrichment, language learning opens doors to new opportunities and expands their worldview.

12.Professional Headshots: 

Help the graduate make a strong first impression in their professional endeavors with a professional headshot session. Whether it's for their LinkedIn profile, job applications, or professional networking events, high-quality headshots convey professionalism and confidence.

13.Personalized Cookbook: 

Inspire the graduate to unleash their culinary creativity with a personalized cookbook filled with family recipes, favorite dishes, and cooking tips. Whether they're a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, a personalized cookbook is a thoughtful gift that nourishes the body and soul.

14.E-Reader: 

Fuel the graduate's love for reading with an e-reader that allows them to access their favorite books anytime, anywhere. Whether it's classic literature, bestsellers, or academic texts, an e-reader offers convenience and portability, making it easy to indulge in their literary passions on the go.

15.Adventure Experience: 

Celebrate the graduate's achievements with an unforgettable adventure experience that pushes their boundaries and ignites their sense of adventure. Whether it's skydiving, hot air ballooning, or bungee jumping, an adrenaline-fueled adventure creates memories that last a lifetime and reminds them to embrace the thrill of new experiences.

on a final note:

As the class of 2024 embarks on their next chapter, let's celebrate their achievements and aspirations with thoughtful and meaningful gifts that reflect their unique personality and passions. Whether it's a personalized keepsake, practical tool, or exciting experience, the perfect graduation gift is sure to make this special moment even more memorable. Congratulations to the graduates, and here's to the bright future that lies ahead!

This article may contain affiliate links that Microsoft and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links.

The 26 Best College Graduation Gifts for the Class of 2024 — Gift Ideas They'll Actually Use

Discover the best college graduation gifts to celebrate the class of 2024. Try one of these 26 thoughtful gifts.

Graduating from college represents a major achievement in a person's life. Whether someone is taking the next step towards their secondary education or finally finishing up their post-grad requirements, the milestone requires a lot of hard work and (rightly) also calls for a lot of celebration.

If you have a college graduate gearing up to walk the stage this season, that means you need to find an equally great gift that meets the big moment and will help them enjoy this special time. Deciding on a graduation gift that's thoughtful, practical and personal can be a challenge in itself, so let us help guide you. We understand this struggle all too well — which is why we've scoured the internet in search of the best graduation gift ideas for every kind of student.

From practical gift ideas like an Instant Pot  or a do-it-all Always Pan  for their new apartment to coveted items like AirPods and a designer handbag to help them tackle the workforce and adulthood in style, these great graduation gifts are all sure to be a huge hit. 

Ahead, shop the best college graduation gifts at every price point for your soon-to-be 2024 graduate.

Best College Graduation Gifts Under $50

I graduated t-shirt.

If you know a graduate who loves their sleep or could some sleep after working hard for their degree, this funny t-shirt can add some humor to graduation!

Amazon Gift Card in a Graduation Cap Box

An Amazon gift card is one you know any new grad will appreciate. We love the adorable box the card comes in that looks like a graduation cap to make it extra special. 

$25 to $2,000

Anecdote Candles Adulting Fig & Cashmere Candle

College graduation signifies the final step into adulthood for many students. They'll get a kick out of this Adulting Candle that smells like early nights and steady paychecks (and also cashmere and fig).

Papier Joy Undated Daily Planner

For a personalized gift, opt for a customized weekly journal from Papier. It's not only cute, it's a practical gift that will help them be their most productive self. 

Lovevook Laptop Backpack

Protect what's important during their morning job commute with this backpack. The professional-style, anti-theft bag has a USB charging port, so they can charge their phone and keep it safe while walking.

With Coupon

Bodum Chambord French Press Coffee Maker

Looking for the perfect gift for the ultimate coffee lover? Kickstart their wake-up routine with Bodum's iconic French press that quickly and effectively makes delicious coffee.

Doomlings Classic Card Game (Lightning Edition)

A perfect gift for graduates entering the real world, Doomlings is a hilarious card game about overcoming catastrophes and scoring the most points before the End of the World! With over 4,000 5-star reviews, Doomlings is great for game nights in their new apartment.

Best College Graduation Gifts Under $100

Apple airpods (2nd generation).

AirPods are great for on-the-go listening or chatting on the phone, with an excellent charging case to keep them powered up with. They deliver a seamless listening experience that doubles as a way to go hands-free with your mobile device. 

Uncommon Goods Custom Map Coaster Set

These Uncommon Goods coasters are heartfelt and useful. You can customize the four marble coasters to feature a map of your new grad's favorite neighborhood, whether it be their beloved hometown, college town or new city they're moving to.

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3

If they made it all the way through college without a Bluetooth speaker, they'll want one for all their new adventures--and this one that's waterproof with an outdoor boost is up for the challenge.

Kate Spade Morgan Colorblocked Card Case Wristlet

Give the gift of organization with a Kate Spade Morgan Card Case Wristlet that will help anyone carry all of their essential cards and cash in style.

Fenty Skin Start'rs Full-Size Bundle

For the one who loves beauty, gift a bundle from Rihanna's Fenty Skin, which includes skincare essentials for day and night.

Mark & Graham Vegan Leather Laptop Case

This laptop sleeve features light padding for added protection and is crafted from soft faux leather for a luxurious feel. Plus, it can be personalized with your grad's initials for an extra special touch.

Apple AirTags 4-Pack

A wallet stuck in the couch cushions or a misplaced set of keys is no match for these Apple AirTags: The trackers sync to the Find My app. This gift will help the new grad find nearby items by playing a sound through the AirTag's internal speaker. 

HelloFresh Gift Card

Keep them fed with healthy home-cooked meals and sharpen their cooking skills with delicious meal kits from HelloFresh.

Starting at $75

Best College Graduation Gifts Under $150

Kindle paperwhite.

Help your recent college grad unwind by gifting them a Kindle Paperwhite. It's easy on the eyes and waterproof.

Our Place Always Pan

The viral and versatile Our Place Always Pan will make cooking so easy for a busy graduate. The thoughtful gift braises, sears, sautées, steams, strains, fries and boils. The non-stick ceramic pan comes with a spatula, steamer basket and modular lid. 

$150   $110

Béis Weekend Travel Tote

Whether it's for a college grad or a high school graduate, the Béis Weekend Travel Tote from Shay Mitchell's lifestyle line is an awesome gift idea. It's perfect for short trips or long trips with a roomy design, multiple pockets, laptop sleeve and bottom shoe compartment.

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 Instant Camera

They'll love snapping fun, bite-sized photos together with this miniature Polaroid-like camera. It's super simple to use and there's no waiting around for pictures to develop as they print immediately for sharing. 

$120   $115

Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

Simplify the process of making meals for the soon to be college student or future grad with a classic Instant Pot.

Best College Graduation Gifts Under $200

Coach city tote.

The Coach City Tote is perfect to take to work or a job interview. It's sleek and can hold a 15-inch laptop.

$398   $119

Emporio Armani Men's Stainless Steel Dress Watch with Quartz Movement

Help them stay on time in style with a stylish watch from Emporio Armani.

$225   $136

Hatch Restore 2 Sunrise Alarm Clock

If it's the first time your grad is living on their own, this sunrise alarm clock which also functions as a reading light and sound machine will help them create their best sleep schedule all from one super cool device.

Theragun Mini

She can give those tired and sore muscles some love on the go with Therabody's ultra-portable massage gun, the Theragun Mini.

$199   $183

BaubleBar 18K Gold Mini Custom Nameplate Necklace

This custom necklace showcases a modern chain paired with a pavé or gold nameplate, making it a truly special present.

Starting at $138

Gravity Weighted Blanket

This weighted throw is super plush, soft and cozy — a great addition for a dorm room or new apartment. Available in 7 colors, you'll be able to find one in their favorite color.

$250   $163

Sign up for more gifting ideas!

RELATED CONTENT:

The Best Graduation Gifts Under $25 to Shop on Amazon

The 15 Best Jewelry Gifts for 2024 Graduates

The Best Under $100 Graduation Dresses for the Class of 2024

The Best High School Graduation Gifts to Shop for the Class of 2024

Sales & Deals

Apple Deals to Shop This Week: Save Big on iPads, MacBooks and More

The Best Suits for Men That Won't Break the Bank

Beauty & Wellness

Top Beauty Products for Teen Girls in 2024

Best Tech Products of 2024: Shop the Latest Tech for Home & Beyond

• Gift Guides

Latest News

Updates on celebrity news, tv, fashion and more.

When you use links on our website, we may earn a fee.

Best High School Graduation Gifts of 2024

If you’re on the hunt for high school graduation gifts, you want a present that’s as unique as that special young adult — something that will help set them up for a successful next chapter. Gifting an experience can be an excellent idea, as can finding the perfect product pick that speaks to the grad’s interests and resonates on a deep level. “Whether it’s a practical item that simplifies their daily routine, a book that ignites their imagination, or an experience that creates cherished memories, the right gift has the power to inspire, empower, and uplift them as they embark on their journey into adulthood,” says parent and teen coach Jenny Beckford.

Maybe your high school grad gift recipient is career-focused, or heading off to university, or taking a gap year to travel the world, or diving into any other adventures. No matter their next steps, we have just the right expert-selected best highschool graduation gift for them in the roundup ahead.

Table of Contents

• Best High School Graduation Gifts
• Things To Consider When Buying
• How We Chose

Bucketlist  »

List price:

“Sometimes, the most memorable and meaningful gifts are not tangible objects but experiences that create lasting memories,” says Beckford. “Consider gifting tickets to a concert featuring their favorite artist, a cooking class, or a mystery holiday to have fun, unwind and recharge,” she suggests. Bucketlist makes epic experiential gifting easy: It lets your grad choose between 8,000 exciting events and activities in over 100 countries. Bucketlist lets you gift cash that’s not just cash; it’s money that covers a unique “bucket list” experience of the grad’s choice. You can have your Bucketlist gift delivered via a gift box or an e-voucher, and the grad will get access to the brand’s menu of experiences and be able to book easily and on their own schedule. They can go big with skydiving or a hot air balloon adventure, or keep their feet on the ground with classes from falconry to cooking.

“These experiences not only provide a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of daily life but also strengthen your bond with the recipient, fostering connections that last a lifetime,” says Beckford.

Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation by Parker J. Palmer  »

If you’re gifting on a budget, a book is a fantastic pick because it packs major meaning and life lessons into a small (and affordable) package. This go-to tome by Parker J. Palmer does just that.

“ Most college and high school students have a lot of anxiety about whether they have done enough and are enough to find their dream job,” says Sarah Wigal, Assistant Professor of Publishing and student adviser at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. She notes that many of the grads she advises have worries about not having their future clearly planned out yet. For this reason, she says, “I love Parker Palmer’s seminal little book for graduates. It invites the reader to explore greater meaning and purpose through their quest for professional satisfaction, no matter their career.”

Govee Hexa Light  »

Erin Lawrence, an educator and YouTuber with over 80,000 subscribers who helps young adults make smart decisions about all the overwhelming gadgets out there, recommends a smart light panel kit for the tech-savvy grad. “My top pick is Govee's Hexa light because it goes up on the wall with easily removable adhesives, making it ideal for dorm rooms or temporary quarters, and it's bright enough to be a study or task light,” she says. “Plus, its color changing abilities — and the fact it can sync its light effects with music or video games — guarantees it will be a hit with anybody who's looking to amp up a room.”

Custom College Embroidered Sweatshirt  »

If your grad is off to college, chances are they’ll scoop up some of their next alma mater’s swag. But if there’s one thing that’s true of college gear in general, it’s that it’s not always, well, cute. Gift the soon-to-be college kid in your life with the capacity to customize their own college sweatshirt, thanks to the BestFamilyShirtt shop on Etsy. Choose from an array of color options, including palatable neutrals from sand to ivory. Then, add personalization including the university name, year established, department name if applicable, and thread color.

Monos Metro Backpack  »

Whether your grad is off to climb the corporate ladder, change the world at a nonprofit, or win coffee art barista competitions, help them show up for work in style. Monos’ elegant Metro Backpack leaves their old high school knapsack in the dust with an elevated look that says “hire me; I’m an adult.” Its modular system lets you snap on or detach the smaller Metro Kit as needed, and it offers an easy-access laptop compartment and slip-on sleeve for easy transport on top of a suitcase. Choose from 10 trendy colors in nylon or vegan leather, and they’ll be the star of their own commute.

Luxury Linen Watercolor Set  »

So they spent all of high school filling up notebooks with sketches, pinning paintings to their walls, or drumming up fashion designs. Show a grad you support their art with this serious — and seriously cool — luxury painting set. With 13 watercolors, paper, a water bottle, and three brushes all rolled into a gorgeous portable linen case from Italy, this set lets them take their skills on the road to paint en plein air wherever they may roam — whether that’s the college quad or the banks of the Seine.

Mini Travel Tool Set  »

A move-in tool kit is perhaps the most helpful (albeit unglamorous) gift you can give a new grad about to move into their own dorm or apartment, says Jill Grimes, MD, a board-certified family physician and the author of The Ultimate College Handbook: Your Guide to Everything from Hangovers to Homesickness . Buy a useful premade kit with a beautiful case like this one from Pottery Barn. It includes all the necessities in a portable, easy-to-access format: a hammer, a screwdriver and bits, pliers, socket extension, LED torch, tape measure, and other key tools. The case is easy to clean and it’s quite affordable, especially considering the combo of quality, aesthetics, and practicality.

Or, Grimes says, you can always DIY and pack a box or case of your own. “Include scissors, a hammer and screwdriver (for assembling things), Command Strips (because most dorms and apartments don’t allow nails in the wall), and a level.” You can even add “a few large trash bags and a roll of toilet paper” to make sure they’re really set up with everything they need!

Shutterfly Handwritten Letter Desktop Plaque  »

Omar Trevino of Moxie Grit is a passionate speaker who teaches students how to transform struggles into strength via practical tips for prevailing over life's hardest moments. He recommends a personal, heartfelt keepsake gift like this Handwritten Letter Desktop Plaque to help your grad feel seen and take precious memories with them to wherever they’re headed next. Shutterfly lets you upload a photo — of the grad, the whole family, a particular travel memory they loved — and preserve it alongside a heartfelt handwritten text message to your grad, all on a keepsake desktop canvas plaque,

This is what Trevino did for each of his five children. He gifted them canvas photo plaques that “had a photo of them and listed out what I see in them and who they are,” he says. “Their response was moving and emotional, and they all still have their plaques.”

High Note Digital Detox Gift Set  »

Because who doesn’t need a digital detox after high school finals? Let your grad kick off the summer — and the next phase of their academic or professional career — with some serious self care thanks to the High Note Digital Detox Gift Set. With tea and a multipurpose mug, cozy socks, a vegan leather journal, coconut matcha chocolate, and an essential oil blend meant to inspire renewal, they’ll be ready for some screen-free rest, relaxation, and reflection. The free handwritten note is a lovely personalized touch.

Bull Run Chelsea Boot by Danner  »

When adventure calls, your grad is ready to go. Set them up for their next steps — literally — with these sturdy, supportive, all-purpose and any-gender boots from Danner. (They come in men’s sizes, but the female writer of this article loves wearing them and can vouch for their comfort and chic factor — just size down two sizes for women’s. So a men’s 7 for a women’s 9). Hiking boots are great, but they can’t quite take you from class to work to a hike to an adventure on the town like these multipurpose boots can.

Better Every Day Journal  »

“Self-discovery and personal growth are fundamental aspects of the teenage years,” says Beckford. “Teens often grapple with questions of identity and purpose as they strive to understand themselves and their place in the world.” This is why a gift aimed at personal growth can be so impactful for a graduate — you’re giving them space to visualize who they want to be and unlock their own potential.

“Journals for self-reflection and goal-setting can empower them to confidently navigate life’s challenges,” Beckford adds. This Better Every

Day Journal is the best of the bunch and is filled with daily writing prompts that are inspiring but not overwhelming — all to encourage your grad’s self-reflection for their current and next chapter.

Things To Consider When Buying High School Graduation Gifts

Graduate's Interests and Hobbies:

“One of the golden rules of gift-giving, especially for teens, is to consider their interests,” says Beckford. Since grads and other young adults are often deeply passionate about specific hobbies or pursuits, “whether it's sports or technology, tailoring your gift to their passions can make it all the more meaningful,” Beckford explains.

Experiential gifts can be winners in this realm — if your gift recipient is artistic, consider a subscription to an online art class, or tickets to a sporting event for an athletic grad — but there are plenty of products that will speak to those special interests, too. Our list above is an excellent place to start.

Practicality and Usefulness: 

While keeping highschool grads’ interests in mind, hone in on something your grad will actually use. It could be for their new commute, their living situation, or just something that’s a nicer version of an item they obviously need (luxe towels can certainly make a young adult feel more Adult). And when in doubt, “No recent college graduate would turn away food,” says Wigal. “I have forced many leftover class or faculty meeting treats on seniors with roommates! So a gift card to a beloved local grocery store, bakery, or favorite restaurant is a really nice practical gift idea,” she suggests. “For a high school graduation, a gift card to a chain restaurant within walking distance of their chosen college campus would also work — just google for what’s local to where they head off to in the fall to make sure it’s going to be of use between study sessions.”

Graduate's Next Steps (College, Workforce, Travel) :

Remember: Not all grads are heading to the same place. In fact, their next steps can look wildly different from each other’s, and that’s part of the adventure! Honor your beloved grad’s choices with your gift — and avoid being that tone-deaf aunt who assumes their nephew is going to college when he’s actually starting his first full-time job.

Workwear can be a great gift if that’s where they’re headed; a backpack or tech carrying case will be a win for a grad taking a gap year to travel. For those headed to college, swag can get them psyched in advance. “Branded college swag would be a great gift for a teen headed off to college,” suggests Wigal. “Most colleges ship, so even if the school isn’t local, its shop can still send a plethora of items — coffee travel tumblers, candles, scrunchies, gym shorts, and blankets are a few that step outside of the standard T-shirt. Our Bruin Shop at Belmont even has items designed by fashion students, which I think is really cool, and they have new seasonal ‘fits for every even almost-holiday.”

How We Chose the Best High School Graduation Gifts

At U.S. News 360 Reviews, we know that high school graduation is both a big ending and a new beginning, and we want to celebrate that while honoring whatever comes next for your grad gift recipient. To select the best high school graduation gifts for 2024, we polled parents and teens alike and spoke with professionals who work with high school grads — those who head off to a career, a college or university, or somewhere else entirely.

We spoke with Jenny Beckford , teen and parent coach and founder of Greater Elevation, who works to bridge the emotional information gap between adults and the teens they love. We consulted Sarah Wigal , Assistant Professor of Publishing and student adviser at Belmont University, who advises current young adult students and works with them on easing the transition into college. We also tapped tech educator Erin Lawrence for her gadget recs for tech-savvy grads, and consulted young adult coach and motivational speaker Omar Trevino for his tips on gifting memorable mementos that will have a lasting impact on a young person. Last but not least, we spoke with physician Jill Grimes, MD , a board-certified medical pro and the author of The Ultimate College Handbook: Your Guide to Everything from Hangovers to Homesickness .

In addition to these experts’ recommendations and tips, we also tested many of these products ourselves for ease of use, comfort, durability, and other factors. Additional considerations were uniqueness, price points, aesthetics, current gifting trends, and that “wow” factor that a grad gift needs — after all, you only graduate high school once.

WHY SHOULD YOU TRUST US?

Amelia Edelman , the author of this piece, has been researching, writing, and editing articles in the lifestyle space — many including product testing — since 2008. For U.S. News 360 Reviews, she’s covered a range of product guides catering to a wide range of ages, stages, and family dynamics — from double strollers to the best gifts for mothers-in-law . For her high school graduation, she received the complete Joni Mitchell discography on CD and still listens to it all, 20 years later.

Megan Wood is U.S. News 360 Reviews Senior Editor, focusing on baby gear, a role that perfectly combines her decade of product review and editorial testing experience with her love of obsessively helping parents find the right products and gifts for their families.

About Our Team

Amelia Edelman

Contributor

Senior Editor

U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

30 Best Cheap Graduation Gifts Under $55 Any Grad Will Love

Shop inexpensive graduation gift ideas and small presents that don't skimp on thoughtfulness.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Woman's Day editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

It's officially graduation season, which means it's time to figure out what to buy the 2024 graduates in your life to celebrate their success and hard work.

Rest assured, even if $55 is over budget, most of the affordable, unique gift ideas on this list fall under $50. We also have plenty of great picks for gifts under $30 , under $20 , and even under $10 . We made sure to include a mix of practical gifts — like luggage tags, useful gift cards, and tech charging stations — and more fun gifts that'll make them smile, including snack care packages, personalized jewelry, and congratulatory roses.

After picking out the perfect present for your grad, the next part is much easier. Select an inspiring message for their graduation card (hint: a graduation Bible verse or funny graduation message are also great options!) and bring your thoughtful present to their graduation party this spring. We guarantee they'll love and appreciate your thoughtfulness (and will have no idea you saved money in the process).

TOZO Noise-Canceling Wireless Headphones

You can never go wrong with a pair of headphones. Your grad can wear them while studying in a noisy dorm, traveling home to see family, or on video calls while working from home. There are endless possibilities.

Collegiate Pouches

Whether they’re eager to start freshman year or enjoying their last days on campus, they’ll embrace their school spirit with one of these pouches. This seller has options for dozens of colleges, and created the designs based on the input of school alumni, fans, and locals.

3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station

If you're a practical gifter, a wireless charging station is the way to go. Between their phone, earbuds, and watch, there's a lot to keep track of and charge. Consolidate their gadgets into a single charging station, so they're never unprepared.

Graduation Mad Libs

These Mad Libs will provide hours of graduation-themed entertainment for an extremely affordable price. Families can “fill-in-the-blanks” together for these stories about final exams, the last day of school, and graduation parties.

CollegeBox Snack Pack Care Package

Your graduate will become the new favorite of their dorm, sports team, or study group with this snack-filled care package made up of cookies, candy, and savory treats. Although, they may finish it before arriving on campus.

Away The Luggage Tag

Along with a suitcase, it's great to have a luggage tag in case their bag gets lost while traveling. It's another small thing your recent grad may not think to purchase. You can personalize this one with their initials for $10 more.

Guiding Compass Bracelet

As a sentimental present, this guiding compass reminds the wearer to move forward and seek out their dreams while also remembering their way back home.

Richmond Spinner Luggage 20-Inch Carry-On

A suitcase under $50 is almost unheard of. Snag this amazing deal, and gift it to your grad whose next adventure is far from home. The carry-on comes in several different colors, so you can find one that suits their personality.

RELATED: 50 Unique Travel Gifts

'All Along You Were Blooming: Thoughts for Boundless Living' Poetry Collection

Morgan Harper Nichols is an Instagram poet with over a million followers, and her book of illustrations, prose, and poetry encourages readers to anticipate change and appreciate their respective journeys. Consider purchasing it from their favorite book shop, so you can help support a local business they care about.

Things They Don't Teach You in School Game

No matter what subjects they’ve mastered in school, chances are they could learn a lot from this mix of fun facts and obscure trivia. Past customers enjoyed using this as a game during road trips and dinner parties, and it could work equally well at a graduation party.

LECLSTAR Photo Clip String Lights with Remote

Help your recent grad decorate their new room with a string of LED clip lights. They can hang next to their bed, above their desk, or wherever they lounge to remember their favorite people and places. Bonus points if you include pictures with the gift as well.

PCB Home Personalized Zipcode Lumbar Pillow

This sentimental throw pillow will be a chic addition to their decor. Customize the zip code and location based on their hometown or college city. The simple black-and-white color scheme will match just about anything.

Amazon Gift Card

You can't go wrong with an Amazon gift card. It'll be useful in many different ways when buying dorm necessities, school supplies, food, and more. Plus, it comes inside a cute gift box shaped like a graduation cap.

Pinch Provisions Unisex Minimergency Kit

As they step out on their own for the first time, equip them with a pouch of 14 small essentials, such as a nail clipper, stain remover wipe, band-aid, and more. They can keep this pouch in their backpack, purse, or pocket for whenever it comes in handy.

RELATED: More Great Gift Ideas Under $30

'Oh, the Places You'll Go!'

This is a fun gift that's especially meaningful when given by a family member. The iconic Dr. Seuss book discusses the wonderful ups and downs of life. It's sure to pull on their heartstrings as they reflect on the endless possibilities that await their future.

Color Map Mug

This color-in map mug is a great gift idea for a grad who is traveling overseas or across the country. They can keep track of the places they visit while also using it for their morning coffee or tea.

Work, Space, Spark: Your Career Growth & Office Decor Subscription Box

Inspire them to conquer the workplace with a subscription to this Work Space Spark Box. The first month costs just over $50, and includes four to five trendy office items, as well as exclusive access to webinars to jump-start their career.

RELATED: Best Subscription Boxes for Women

Homesick Candles

High-school graduates heading off to college will be glad to have one of these homesick candles in tow. Choose their home state, and they’ll get a scent that’s tied to the natural landscape to evoke comforting memories.

'My Life Story - So Far'

A highly personal keepsake, "My Life Story - So Far" prompts grads to take stock of the wisdom they’ve gained, as well as what they’d like to accomplish next. It comes in a clothbound journal and can be cherished by the graduate well into their adult life.

Engraved City Map Pint Glass

Give the grad an engraved glass of their hometown or college city. With 48 map options, there is sure to be a glass that fits your grad's life.

RELATED: 30 Best Personalized Gifts and Unique Ideas

Kate Franke (she/her) is the editorial assistant at Woman’s Day . She loves all things lifestyle, home, and market related. Kate has a BAJMC in Magazine Media and BA in Writing from Drake University. She is a proud ASME alum whose work has appeared in Food Network Magazine , The Pioneer Woman Magazine , Better Homes & Gardens , Modern Farmhouse Style , Beautiful Kitchens & Baths , and more. Next to writing, Kate’s two favorite things are chai lattes and pumpkin bread!

Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.

.css-2lr79s:before{top:1.4rem;left:calc(-50vw + 50%);width:100vw;height:0.0625rem;z-index:-1;content:'';position:absolute;border-top:0.0625rem solid #CDCDCD;} Lifestyle

12 Summer Blessings for Summer Vacation

125 Short Inspirational Quotes to Motivate You

June Holidays and Observances in 2024

45 Cute Baby Shower Favors That Are Truly Unique

40 Mother's Day Bible Verses That Are Full of Love

100 Short and Sweet Father's Day Quotes

156 Most Unique and Fun Horse Name Ideas

110 Inspirational Buddha Quotes on Love and Life

Why King Charles Won’t See Prince Harry in London

112 Best Graduation Wishes and Messages for a Card

ACM Makes Major Announcement

Find anything you save across the site in your account

35 Best High School Graduation Gifts for the Class of 2024

By Jake Henry Smith

It might seem like you sent them off to school only yesterday, but here we are—somehow, it’s time to find the best high school graduation gifts. This is an exciting, confusing time for any young person, no matter where they’re off to next; the best thing you can do right now is make sure that they feel pampered and prepared for the future.

Getting it right depends as much on their plans as it does on their personality. Seniors who are taking a gap year to figure things out could use a handy sling bag for all the exploring they’re about to do. Anyone who’s off to college needs sturdy slides, nice sheets, and maybe even a skin care fridge for optimal dorm living. And every new grad will love a personalized gift (like a signet ring) or something more practical (like a portable charger or a good Bluetooth speaker).

No matter what your favorite grad is about to get up to, we went ahead and tracked down the gifts that will impress 18-year-olds —no eye rolls here. From noise-canceling headphones to trendy backpacks, these are the graduation gifts the class of 2024 actually wants.

The best high school graduation gifts, at a glance

• Best Overall : Mejuri Signet Ring , $198
• Most Practical : Lululemon Everywhere Belt Ba g, $38
• Most Cozy : Ugg Tasman Slippers , $110
• Best on Amazon : Sony SRS-XB100 Bluetooth Speaker , $48
• Best Beauty : Laneige Besties Skin-Care Set , $35
• Best Splurge : Gucci Animalier Leather Card Case , $320
• Best Under $25 : J Jimoo Mulberry Silk Pillowcase , $17

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Mejuri Signet Ring

Class rings can skew a little much . Signet rings, on the other hand, are a daintier, more personal alternative. Engrave your favorite high school graduate’s initial on this 14k gold ring and they’ll wear it forever.

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

Lululemon’s best-selling belt bag is the perfect size for everyday wear, featuring just enough compartments and interior space for essentials like phones, cards, keys, and sunglasses. A graduation card is appreciated, but this thing will be the rightful star of your present.

Save on the best high school graduation gifts with these Lululemon promo codes .

J Jimoo Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

Silk pillowcases help prevent bedhead and breakouts, meaning they’re pretty much miracle products for image-obsessed teenagers. And this affordable pick, despite being from Amazon, keeps up with competitors that are quadruple the price, per Glamour beauty editors.

Save on the best high school graduation gifts with these Amazon promo codes .

Fjällräven Kånken Backpack

Just like last year, the coolest backpack in the world is still Fjällräven’s iconic Kånken bag. Water-resistant, roomy, and practically begging to be covered in pins and patches, it’s perfect for college students and world travelers.

Save on the best high school graduation gifts with these Nordstrom promo codes .

By Sam Reed

By Neha Tandon

Dash Red Popcorn Air Popper

Dash Hot Air Popcorn Popper

What’s a better gift for a soon-to-be college student than an endless supply of popcorn? This dorm-friendly device will make your favorite grad very popular among their new classmates, especially during movie nights and cram sessions.

Ugg Tasman Slippers

Plenty of the best graduation gift ideas don’t reinvent the wheel. Sure, there are more original picks out there than Uggs—but we can’t think of any high school grad who wouldn’t want these comfy slippers on hand. (Plus, this pair is sturdy enough to survive trips to class and the dining hall.)

Timex Weekender Watch

Interviews, presentations, and other big occasions require the right kind of outfit—and this surprisingly affordable watch will make any button-down shirt look smarter. The leather strap and retro face feel vintage in just the right way.

Dusen Dusen Stripe Terry Bathrobe

Communal showers are a reality of dorm room life, so a great robe is nonnegotiable for new college students. This beyond-cute pick turns a practical gift idea into something completely unique. We can only imagine all the compliments your grad is about to get.

Sony SRS-XB100 Bluetooth Speaker

Sony’s tiny Bluetooth speaker packs a surprisingly loud, bassy sound that’ll have no problem filling a room, backyard, or tent. It’s resistant to both water and sand, on top of boasting an impressive 16-hour battery life.

Brooklinen Classic Percale Core Sheet Set

Part of the slow advance into adulthood is figuring out your bedding. Microfiber sheets might be the dorm-room norm, but Brooklinen’s crisp, breathable cotton is a cut above. Plus, this set is available in plenty of colors and twin XL sizing, making it ideal for future college students.

Save on the best high school graduation gifts with these Brooklinen promo codes .

Kate Spade Initial Here Pendant

This dainty pendant necklace serves as both a very wearable piece and a reminder that you’ll always love your graduate. In time, it’ll become a keepsake.

Save on the best high school graduation gifts with these Kate Spade promo codes .

Laneige Besties Set

Laneige is a favorite brand among young people right now, thanks to its viral overnight lip mask and its super-hydrating formulas. This travel-friendly set is a perfect intro to the brand—or a restock of their favorite products.

Recipes Every College Student Should Know by Christine Nelson

This isn’t just a cookbook—it’s a how-to guide for every kitchen hack college students need to know. It’s completely judgment-free, with knowledge on pantry essentials and cooking basics, plus recipes that students with limited space and budgets can accomplish.

Apple 20W USB-C Power Adapter

This might not be the most exciting gift, per se, but hear us out: This supersized brick offers exceptionally fast charging power. With new-model iPhones, it’ll charge 50% battery life in just half an hour. It’s a game-changer for young adults who live on their phones.

TMY Projector Set

This all-in-one projector kit has everything they’ll need to watch movies and play games, and it’s the perfect size for a dorm room. (It’ll also steal the show at their graduation party when they set it up in the back yard.)

Intelligent Change The Five Minute Journal

Now’s the time to instill healthy habits that they’ll follow through adulthood. This top-rated journal will help them increase mindfulness and contentment by helping them write out the good things in their life, five minutes at a time. (So yes, it’s a little more impactful than, say, a gift card.)

Cutieworld Skincare Fridge with LED Mirror

This is our pick for best graduation gift for her . Mini-fridges are all the rage among young people right now, but not for the reason you might expect; instead of drinks, they’re stocked with toiletries. (Why? Serums and skin-care tools are more refreshing when they’re chilled.) This one stands out because the front is a lighted makeup mirror , making it the ultimate mini-glam station.

Anker Magnetic Power Bank

This power bank magically attaches to the backs of new-model iPhones, providing wireless charging on the go. It’s the perfect gift for the teenager whose phone battery barely lasts a few hours without succumbing to TikTok.

Casper Hybrid Pillow with Snow Technology

Casper’s premier pillow isn’t exactly cheap, but that’s because it literally feels cool to the touch—it’s the most luxurious pillow we’ve ever had the pleasure of sleeping on. If your grad will be heading somewhere without much AC to speak of, consider this a necessary expense.

Save on the best high school graduation gifts with these Casper promo codes .

Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2 Smartphone Printer

Instant cameras make excellent gifts for teens , but that probably means your giftee already owns one. What they don’t own, however, is one of these printers, which prints digital photos on physical film. Pretty cool, right? They can use it to decorate their dorm room walls.

Robecurls Curling Headband

This viral headband creates bouncy curls with no heat and virtually zero effort. It only makes sense that teenagers are obsessed with it.

Benevolence LA Plush Velvet Travel Jewelry Storage Box

Keeping track of jewelry through a move or frequent travel can be tough, but not when this top-rated jewelry box is involved. It’s big enough for all the rings, necklaces, and earrings in their collection, and the plush material feels more expensive than it actually is.

Mark & Graham Cabana Stripe Beach Towel

Mark & Graham Cabana Stripe Beach Towel

Mark & Graham

Make sure your graduate’s towel doesn’t get mixed up with their roommate’s with this embroidered beauty. While it’s marketed as a beach towel, we like to think of it as an oversized pick that’ll also be a godsend when it’s warm enough to catch some rays on the quad.

Sony ZV-1F Vlog Camera

For the aspiring influencer, a proper camera is an absolute must. This bestseller from Sony is everything a vlogger or TikTok personality needs to capture content, with a wide lens and a directional mic. (And if they hit it big, it’ll pay for itself before long.)

Hermès Tutti Twilly Eau de Parfum Gift Set

Hermès just released Tutti Twilly, a younger take on the house’s iconic perfume. Lychee, ginger blossom, and musk form the backbone of the fruity, floral fragrance that’s perfect for summer ; here, it comes as a full-size bottle and a body lotion.

Intelex Warmies Sloth Jr.

If you’re shopping for a child at heart, this plush sloth is a great gift that’ll ward off homesickness and sleepless nights. It’s filled with lavender and can be heated in the microwave, making it an ideal bedtime companion.

Gucci Animalier Leather Card Case

We’re talking about one of your best friends in the world here—why not go with a showstopper of a gift? This genderless card case is exactly the kind of splurge they want, but would never buy themself, making it prime gifting material. This is one of the biggest accomplishments of their life so far, after all.

Glossier Fresh-Faced Set

Complete with three essentials—eyebrow pomade, a moisturizing serum, and lip balm —from Gen Z-beloved brand Glossier, this kit is everything they’ll need to look their best (even if they’re running late to their 8 a.m. English class).

Save on the best high school graduation gifts with these Glossier promo codes .

Cuyana Tech Carryall

This luxe leather case isn’t just a laptop sleeve; it also has room for chargers, cords, and notebooks. While the rest of their laptop backpack (or room, for that matter) might be a mess, at least their most important tech will be above the fray.

Apple AirPods Max

The reigning cool-kid headphones, these noise-canceling beauties are exactly the gadget every new graduate wants right now. (And yes, they make a great college graduation gift too.)

Catstudio Collegiate Pouch

Uncommon Goods

If they’re heading off to a major university, this vintage-inspired pouch makes a great grad gift. It’ll show off their school spirit whether they use it to organize beauty essentials in their tote bag or keep quarters in their laundry bag.

Shark SmoothStyle Heated Comb & Blow-Dryer Brush

Shark SmoothStyle Heated Comb & Blow-Dryer Brush

Fresh graduates most definitely do not have the money for weekly blowouts—but thanks to this internet-famous Shark brush , that doesn’t have to be an issue. Our editors put it to the test and agree: It’s a shortcut to healthy, great-looking hair, and well worth the investment.

Casofu Burrito Throw Blanket

Equal parts silly and practical, this tortilla blanket is absolutely necessary for lounging around a dorm. No one can be too stressed or homesick when they’re wrapped up in a giant human burrito, after all.

Giorgio Armani Acqua di Giò Eau de Toilette

Now that your favorite grad is a real-deal adult, he could use a signature scent—and this time-honored men’s cologne is a perfect pick. Notes of bergamot, green tangerine, jasmine, and rosemary feel masculine and sophisticated, a far cry from the canned body spray he’s probably currently using.

Mark & Graham Classic Refillable Journal

Mark & Graham Classic Refillable Journal

Customize this high-quality leather journal with a monogram and it’ll become a touchstone in the many years to come. Nothing says “grown-up” like a tailor-made notebook, after all.

By Isaac Bickerstaff

By Andrea Navarro

By Danielle Sinay

By Bianca Lambert