From gift cards to a relaxing spa massage, check out these awesome graduation gift ideas that are both useful and meaningful.
This gift guide intentionally does not push any specific brands.
So that you don’t feel limited to purchasing the product from that one particular brand.
For example, instead of saying Hydro Flask water bottle, I’m simply going to mention a water bottle.
As the shopper and gift giver, you have the power of due diligence and research to buy the item that’s personalized to your graduate.
Why You’ll Love This Gift Guide:
1. Practical Picks: Each gift serves a purpose or makes the recipient’s life easier.
2. Clutter-Free: All ideas are consumable, won’t add to the clutter, and are designed to be enjoyed without taking up space.
3. Love Languages Included: Thoughtfully considers love languages, offering gifts for those who appreciate quality time, acts of service, and receiving gifts.
Graduation Gift Ideas
If you’re searching for graduation gifts, whether it’s for a friend, family member, or ideas to add to your own gift wish list to share with others, this list is perfect for you.
1. Food Gifts
- The Grad’s favorite treat (donuts, cheesecake, fruits, cookies, chocolate, candy, etc.)
- Gift card to their favorite restaurant
- Meal delivery kit
- Wine/Champagne (age 21+)
2. Planner
Whether the Grad is off to college or entering the workforce, a planner is a great tool for staying organized and scheduling upcoming assignments, events, and activities.
3. Jewelry
Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, and jewelry, in general, make amazing gifts.
4. Water Bottle
From insulated to glass, a cute reusable water bottle is a great way to motivate anyone to stay hydrated throughout the day.
5. Coffee Maker
For the graduate in need of an extra boost in the morning or throughout the day, a coffee maker is a great gift.
As it allows them to easily and affordably whip up their favorite brew.
6. Shoes
If the grad has been eyeing a particular pair of shoes, consider gifting them the shoes.
Graduation Gift Ideas for Her
7. Makeup
For those who love beauty and makeup, gifting actual makeup or a gift card towards purchasing makeup is a great idea.
8. Water Filter
A water filter is a practical gift in providing clean and tasty water for the grad’s daily routine.
Plus, it’s much cheaper than frequently purchasing water cases.
9. Purse
A cute purse is not only a fashion statement but a functional accessory.
From a tote bag to a crossbody purse, gift a design that fits the grad’s taste and lifestyle.
10. Bible
Gift the graduate with a meaningful and timeless source of inspiration – a Bible.
It’s a thoughtful and life-giving gift that will provide guidance, wisdom, and comfort as they embark on the next chapter of their life.
11. Skincare Products
While gifting skincare can be sensitive due to individual skin concerns and needs, you can still give great skincare products.
If the graduate has an established skincare routine with products they love, consider gifting those items to help them save money on repurchasing.
12. Water Filter
A water filter is a practical gift in providing clean and tasty water for the grad’s daily routine.
Plus, it’s much cheaper than frequently purchasing water cases.
13. Candles
From warm vanilla to invigorating citrus, opt for candle scents that suit their preferences.
Since many college campuses have restrictions on candles; wall flowers, room sprays, and oil diffusers are some great alternatives for a grad heading off to college.
14. Books
Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or a specific genre, books are great gift for a book lover or the grad seeking more knowledge.
15. Desk Organizer
Whether it’s for their dorm or their work desk, a desk organizer is a wonderful gift.
It can help keep little knick-knacks and items in order and promote a calm space for productivity.
16. Travel Accessories
If the graduate has a long drive, plans to take a flight when moving to school, or has general exploration in mind, think about gifting practical travel accessories.
This might include reusable travel-sized bottles, a durable suitcase, or a compact travel pillow.
17. Hair Accessories
From scrunchies to claw clips, gift the grad some cute and trendy hair accessories.
Creative Graduation Gift Ideas
18. Gift Card to a Subscription Service
Allow your graduate to unwind, discover new music, or enjoy their favorite shows and movies on-demand.
Spotify, Apple Music, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, are some of the many great options that you can gift.
19. Photo Album
While storing photos on our phones is cool, there’s an unmatched charm to having a physical photo album.
Your grad can print and store their favorite pictures, creating a cute keepsake that they can look back on for years to come.
20. Tech
Whether they’re starting college or entering the workforce, gifting a tech gadget like headphones or a tablet would be perfect if the graduate has a specific item in mind.
21. House Plant
For the plant and nature lover, consider gifting a house plant.
From low maintenance options like succulents and snake plants, this gift will add a chill and naturery vibe to your grads dorm or home.
22. Perfume
From Bath & Body Works to Dossier, gift a fragrance-filled memory with an amazing perfume.
23. Quality Cookware
From pots to a waffle maker, level up your grad’s kitchen game with quality cookware.
Cute and functional kitchen tools not only add charm but might also inspire them to cook more often, and make the process more enjoyable.
Best Graduation Gift Ideas
24. Grocery Delivery Subscription
Balancing classes, a job, or extracurriculars can make grocery shopping a dreaded and time-consuming task.
Ease the load for the grad by helping them skip the grocery store lines and have groceries delivered straight to their doorstep.
Consider a grocery delivery subscription like Instacart for added convenience.
25. Speaker
Whether the grad is into music, audiobooks, or podcasts, a portable speaker is a great graduation gift for all of their listening experience.
26. Blanket
A super fluffy and cozy blanket is a fantastic gift for relaxing at home on those chill days.
27. Graduation Gift Basket
Create a personalized gift basket filled with products your grad will love.
For the person that loves making coffee at home, think about including different syrups, a cute cup, various coffee blends, and more within their gift basket.
Or, maybe you build your coffee lovers basket another way, with a gift card to their favorite coffee shop and a cute travel coffee mug.
Here are additional gift basket ideas for your grad:
- Self care basket
- Spa night basket
- Basket with their favorite snacks
- Movie night gift basket
- Wine/champagne basket
- Coffee/tea basket
- Chocolate or candy basket
Acts of Service Graduation Gifts
28. Graduation Party
Surprise the grad with a fun graduation party.
You may also like: Best Graduation Party Ideas for an Epic Celebration
29. Move-in
Help them move into their new place or help pay for moving costs.
30. Graduation Photoshoot
Gift a professional photoshoot to capture their achievements.
31. Money Towards School
Money towards paying for their journey such as: school tuition, textbooks, or rent.
Experience Gift Ideas
32. Concert Tickets
Treat your graduate to a live experience with concert tickets.
Whether it’s their favorite band or an artist they’ve been wanting to see, it’s a gift that promises a night filled with fun, entertainment, and excitement.
33. Massage Experience
From a facial to a deep tissue massage, help them unwind with a relaxing massage experience.
34. Sports Game
For the sports fan, tickets to a live game to see their favorite team or sport, is a great gift.
They’ll love getting the chance to witness the action live and cheer for their team in person.
35. Graduation Trip
Another fantastic experience based gift, is gifting your grad a graduation trip.
From a weekend trip to a full week long adventure, this gift will help create lasting memories for your grad.
36. Tickets to a Theme Park
For the grad that loves roller coasters or fun attractions, consider gifting tickets to a theme park.
37. Class Experience
Whether it’s a cooking class, art workshop, pottery making, or a fitness program, a class experience is a great graduation gift; that allows them to try something new.
High School Graduation Gift Ideas
When gifting a gift to a high school grad, take note of their interests, hobbies, and even their future plans.
Whether they’re taking a gap year, going to college, or entering the workforce, you can give a practical and meaningful gift that will help them in their future endeavors.
For example, great gifts for a grad heading to college could include:
- Money towards school
- Cleaning supplies
- Travel accessories
- Planner
Check out: Best High School Graduation Party Ideas For an Incredible Party
College Graduation Gift Ideas
Similar to a high school grad, when giving a gift to a college graduate, consider their interest, preferences, and potential needs as they start post grad life.
Maybe your grad is going back to school to pursue a masters, entering the workforce, or taking a gap year. Whatever the case, give a great gift that’s personalized to them and their situation.
