What to get someone for graduation

42 Useful College Graduation Gifts They ll Actually Be Excited About

The summer after graduation is the ideal time to go on an adventure—and even the moderately outdoorsy college grads will get a kick out of hanging a hammock in the local park on weekends. This one holds two people (up to 500 pounds total) and is made of super-breathable fabric, so cool summer evenings actually feel cool. Best of all, the colors range from in-your-face neons to easy-on-the-eyes darks.

12 best graduation gift ideas

It’s no secret that university can be very tough for a lot of students. Simply reaching the end of a degree requires a huge amount of work and dedication, so the efforts and successes of graduates should always be celebrated.

Whether they’re your friend, relative, girlfriend, boyfriend or just about anyone you know who’s graduating, acknowledging their achievement will mean the world. And if you decide to get them a little something to mark the occasion, this will definitely be appreciated.

If you’re looking for graduation gift ideas, we’ve got you covered. With this list of 12 great presents, you can find one that’s ideal for the lucky graduate.

Our deals page often includes reduced-price items that would make lovely graduation presents.

12 top graduation gifts

Here are the best graduation gift ideas:

Personalised stationery

Whether you’re buying a graduation gift for him or her, personalised stationery is such a fitting gift for graduates. If somebody’s spent a lot of their degree writing essays or noting down equations, a pen that’s engraved with their initials and/or the date of their graduation could represent all of the hard work they’ve put into their studies. It would be even more fitting as a gift if they’re also going into a career that involves writing. If you’re buying a graduation present for a future lawyer or journalist, a special pen would be genuinely useful in their day-to-day life after uni. Alternatively, a personalised calendar or diary would be both thoughtful and super practical for a recent graduate. It would help them organise their time after uni, whether they’re planning to start working, study for a postgraduate degree or even go travelling. Try sites like Not On The High Street (where the notebooks in the above picture are from) and Etsy for personalised stationery. Buy a personalised journal »

Watch or jewellery

Anything from rings to necklaces to watches can make great graduation gifts. These items last a lifetime and will always act as a reminder of their success at uni. While some fine jewellery will undoubtedly cost a lot, it is possible to find some good deals on pieces that are still beautiful. At the time of writing, the watch in the above picture costs around £55 from Etsy. But don’t worry if that doesn’t suit your budget. You should be able to find something lovely, whatever price range you go for. For jewellery that’s more in the upper price range of the high street, you could consider brands like Pandora and Kate Spade. Or, if you’re on a tighter budget, try Accessorize or have a look through the options on Amazon. You could also look for jewellery pieces in local independent stores and in charity shops to see if you can find any affordable yet eye-catching gifts. Buy a personalised watch »

Spa day

Getting a degree takes a lot of hard work. So, a recent or soon-to-be graduate will very much appreciate the chance to unwind and get pampered. And what better way than on a spa day? Depending on where you book and what treatments are included in the offer, spa days can be quite expensive. But luckily, there are plenty of great deals out there if you know where to look. You can find some good deals on spa day vouchers on sites like Virgin Experience Days, Red Letter Days and Buyagift.com (where the pictured gift is from). On these sites, try sorting the results by low-to-high price to find the cheapest offers. But, when looking through the deals, make sure the reviews are good. You should also check whether the voucher actually includes a spa treatment. Some vouchers only allow access to facilities like the pool and sauna. While that’s still great for a day out, it could end up disappointing anyone hoping for a massage or similar spa treatment. Buy a spa day voucher »

Champagne

If there’s ever a good time to pop open the champagne, graduation is it. While it’s definitely not the cheapest of drinks, it is possible to find good deals on champagne. Our food and drink deals page is a good place to start, as is your local supermarket. If you have a big food shop near you, they should have a wide range of drinks and would therefore be more likely to have reduced prices on their champagnes. Aldi is known to have a great wine selection for decent prices (you can often find champagne there for around £20). Similarly, you should be able to find some good deals on champagne at other supermarkets like Tesco. In the picture, you can see Tesco Finest champagne, which costs around £25. And, of course, prosecco, cava and other sparkling wines are excellent alternatives to champagne. They should cost a fair bit less, and will still taste delicious. Or, if you’re looking for a non-alcoholic alternative, Nozeco is a good shout. Buy champagne »

Houseplant

Houseplants make amazing graduation gifts. Not only are they long-lasting presents that can be enjoyed for (hopefully!) years to come, but they’re especially delightful because they’re a gift that the recipient can nurture and watch grow. Bloom and Wild is better known for its flowers, but they also have a small yet great selection of houseplants for sale. The Chinese Money plant in the above picture is from Bloom and Wild and costs around £35 at the time of writing. Another popular online plant store is Patch Plants. They have a range of plants with rather brilliant names such as Val (a sweetheart plant), Gus (an Asparagus Fern) and Big Ken (a kentia palm which is, in fairness, pretty big). Buy a houseplant »

Art print

A personalised art print is such a wonderful and unique graduation gift. We love the one pictured here from Etsy. Prices start at around £10 at the time of writing, and the print can be custom-made for the person you’re giving it to. Or, if you’re a talented artist yourself, you could consider drawing or painting something. Knowing that you took the time and effort to make an artwork for them is bound to mean a lot to any graduate. Plus, it’s a great eco-friendly gift. Buy art prints »

Sweet treats

There’s a huge range of biscuits, chocolates and other sweet treats on sites like Etsy (where the pictured biscuits are from), Biscuiteers and Not On The High Street. Prices for these gifts can vary quite a lot and will generally be higher for personalised ones, but they shouldn’t cost you a fortune. It’s also worth checking out the Life Changing Bakes from Yellow Submarine. This is a social enterprise that supports people with learning disabilities and autism. Their cakes taste incredible, and 100% of the profits go to charity. Buy graduation cookies »

Graduation scrapbook

Scrapbooks themselves are usually pretty affordable. You could customise them for free if you already have arts and crafts materials at home. Find some photos of you and them and maybe add some notes along the way about the good times you’ve spent together. It’s even better if you have photos and stories that are directly related to their time at uni, but it’s not a problem if not. And you don’t even have to spend money. There are lots of free photo deals you can use. Ultimately, a scrapbook can be a perfect graduation present. It’s thoughtful, well-presented and full of happy memories that will put a smile on their face. Buy a scrapbook »

Afternoon tea

Like with spa days, websites like Buyagift.com (where the pictured gift is from) have some great deals on afternoon tea experiences. You might even be able to find vouchers for spa days with afternoon tea. However, this isn’t the only way to treat a lucky graduate to delicious tea, cakes and sandwiches. You could prepare some indulgent sandwiches and cakes at home, making sure to get their favourite tea and maybe even a glass of bubbly. It would be the most cost-effective way to give the gift of afternoon tea, and quite possibly the most thoughtful way too. Buy afternoon tea »

Perfume or aftershave

A nice bottle of perfume or aftershave is a lovely graduation gift. Maybe think about what kind of scent they normally wear, or whether they might like to try something new. There are so many options available. But, at full price, they can be quite pricey. Luckily, we have loads of tips on how to get cheap perfume or aftershave. As an example, The Fragrance Shop have a huge range of scents on discount. Buy perfume/aftershave »

Planted tree on their behalf

Handwritten letter

If you’re looking for more gift ideas to suit a small budget, see these surprisingly thoughtful gifts for £5 and under.

WRITTEN BY Laura Brown

Laura Brown, Head of Editorial at Save the Student, is an award-winning writer with expertise in student money. She project manages influential national student surveys and has presented findings to MPs in Westminster. As an expert on student issues, Laura has been quoted by the BBC, the Guardian, Metro and more.
Read more

42 Useful College Graduation Gifts They’ll Actually Be Excited About

An advice-wielding deck of cards, shot glasses that double as conversation starters. and those are just two of the unique gift options on this list.

Lauren is a former editor at Real Simple and currently serves as a senior digital editor for Better Homes and Gardens.

Lisa Milbrand has more than 20 years of experience as a lifestyle writer and editor, writing thousands of articles on topics that help people live better and healthier lives for Real Simple, Parents, and dozens of other top publications.

College graduation gifts are the perfect way to wish the young adults in your life good luck as they start life after college. Cash gifts are always welcome (and pretty common), but thoughtful gift-givers might want to pick a college graduation gift that’s a little more personalized—but still just as useful.

The best college graduation gifts solve problems for the new grad—and these gifts solve all sorts of problems, from how to prepare for work life to organizing and decorating that first apartment. And this carefully curated list of graduation gifts will help your favorite college grads thrive, wherever their paths may lead.

Uncommon Goods Recycled Stemless Flutes

Help them raise a glass to celebrate their accomplishments with these stylish recycled glass stemless flutes (and pair them with a nice bottle of bubbly that they can enjoy).

Minted Custom Map Letterpress Art

Consider this sleek letterpress map an upgrade from their wall posters for a more grownup post-grad apartment, Choose a special location that they’ll want to keep close at hand, whether it’s their hometown, their college town, or a beloved vacation location.

Nimble Champ Portable Charger

This top-rated, petite charger can power up two devices at once—making it the perfect thing to keep them going wherever they roam. (And bonus: The housing is made of eco-friendly recycled plastic.)

Homesick Candle College Town Candle

If they’re already missing their college lifestyle, this scented candle can give them a little taste of it (and help their first apartment smell a little more like home). If their college town isn’t represented, try one of Homesick Candle’s city or state scented candles.

Multitasky Vegan Leather Laptop Bag

This clever laptop case will keep the new grad’s computer under wraps when they’re on the move, then serve as a stand when they’re ready to get to work.

Shaker and Spoon Cocktail Subscription Box

Help them move on from keggers with this top-notch cocktail subscription box, which will give them everything they need to make fun cocktails at home. (If you really want to make their graduation gift even more wow-worthy, announce the subscription with a bar shaker and jigger so they’re ready to go when the first box arrives.)

Monos Metro Backpack

Take their college backpack, and make it professional. This sleek backpack has plenty of room for everything on their commute, with a hidden laptop sleeve, a waterproof interior, and tons of little pockets for organizing everything they have.

Sand Cloud Terra XL Bath Bundle

These ultra-soft Turkish towels are a super space saver, without losing any absorbency—and they’re perfect for replacing their grungy dorm towels.

Universal Yums Snacks Subscription Box

Who doesn’t love a good snack? Help keep them well-stocked with this beloved snack subscription, which offers them a taste of sweet and savory treats from around the world in every box.

Our Place Always Pan 2.0

Save the new grad valuable kitchen space in their first apartment with this super-versatile, graduation gift-worthy pan, which comes with a steamer basket/colander, a spatula that fits into the handle, and is the perfect size to handle whatever they’re cooking up for dinner.

“1,000 Places to See Before You Die (Deluxe Edition): The World as You’ve Never Seen It Before”

Give them more inspiration for their post-graduation bucket list (or help them armchair travel until they’re ready to go) with this gorgeous coffee table book filled with potential destinations for their post-grad adventures.

Conair Handheld Travel Garment Dual Voltage Steamer

Help them look their best, no matter where their post college graduation plans take them. Our top-rated clothing steamer will keep them looking impeccable for every interview, special occasion, or date—at home or on the road.

iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum

If their dorm or apartment upkeep leaves a little to be desired, a robot vac can be a game changer (and a much-loved graduation gift. The iRobot Roomba 694 was our top robot vacuum pick in testing—and will help them keep their new place in ship shape.

Uber Appliance 4.2 qt. Digital Programmable Air Fryer

Bed Bath and Beyond

Air fryers have been the go-to appliance for anyone looking to make things hot and crispy. This petite version is perfect for whipping up their post-work meals fast and easy.

Allbirds Men’s Wool Loungers

These loungers will be their go-to for everyday chilling, as a cozy, easy-to-wear shoe. And they’re super-eco-friendly, made with ethically sourced merino wool and castor bean oil inserts instead of petroleum-based products. (They come in multiple colors for men or women.)

Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine with LatteGo

Help them save a little dough on their daily latte with this splurge-worthy coffee maker that makes a stellar graduation gift. It’s super easy to mix up a cappuccino, espresso, latte, or other high end coffee drink (and it makes a great basic cup, too).

Uncommon Goods Adulting Merit Badge Mug

They’ll love sipping their morning coffee from this funny mug that celebrates all the ways they’re winning at adulting, from paying the bills to not ordering takeout.

Elvis and Kresse Messenger Bag

A standout work bag will come in handy as they start their job hunt or their first day at work. This stylish (and super-sturdy) take is made from decommissioned British fire hoses, with a lining made from reclaimed Burberry cotton and military-grade parachute silk. It comes with free repairs for life, so it’ll take them through to retirement.

Anthropologie Old Havana Pitcher

A chic pitcher can serve double duty in their new apartment—for serving sangria or margaritas at a party, or as a pretty vase for a bouquet.

EasyPlant Money Tree

Get their plant parent life off to a promising start (and perhaps give them a little good luck on their road to success) with this money plant, potted in an ingenious planter that’ll help keep even the biggest black thumb from killing it off. (They’ll just need to pour water into the internal reservoir every couple of months.)

Uncommon Goods College Cityscape Rocks Glasses

Let them raise a glass to their alma mater with these stylish rocks glasses, adorned with sketches of their favorite quad.

Black+Blum Lunch Bag

Let them skip the brown bag for something a little more eco-friendly. This insulated folding lunch bag is made of recycled PET from plastic water bottles and features sealed edges that help keep their lunch from leaking.

Brooklinen Classic Core Sheet Set

Now that they’re graduating from the dorm twin XL, the college grad may appreciate a set of upgraded sheets for their new bed. Brooklinen’s highly rated, 270 thread count cotton sets stay cool—even if their new place doesn’t include air conditioning.

Hello Fresh

Ensure they’re not living on boxed mac and cheese and ramen with a subscription to Hello Fresh, which gives them pre-prepped ingredients and easy step-by-step instructions to make home-cooked meals easier to execute—and reduces food waste if they’re just cooking for one. (No more letting produce wilt in the fridge if they need a single carrot and have to buy a whole bunch!)

Baggu Standard Baggu Nylon Ripstop Tote

Simplify their errand-running with one of Baggu’s much-beloved, ultra-light bags, which can handle the same amount of groceries as two to three plastic grocery bags, and folds up to a tiny 5-by-5 pouch.

Uncommon Goods Make Your Voice Heard! Card Deck

Let’s face it: They may not have the time (or inclination) to plow through a book of career advice. But this set of handy cards will make it easy to get short, sweet, and smart advice for whatever quandary they face on their path to success.

SodaStream Terra Sparkling Water Maker

If your favorite college grad is a big sparkling water or seltzer fan, this gift will get daily use—letting them create their own sparkling water with a quick touch of a button.

Bluefeel Montanc Rechargeable Mini Vacuum

This stylish take on the handheld vac will manage their kitchen disaster messes handily—and help them look stylish while they do it.

Crate and Barrel Bamboo Mixing Bowls Set of 5

This ecofriendly mixing bowl set, made of surplus bamboo fiber in soothing shades of blue and green, is a perfect new grad gift. They take up minimal space in a tiny kitchen and work beautifully for cooking, baking, and serving.

Uncommon Goods Talking Pints

If the new grad is moving to a new town, help them get to know their roommates, neighbors—or a first date—over a beer or their drink of choice with these clever conversation-starter pint glasses. Pair them with a few great beers to get them started.

How to Cook Everything

This classic cookbook by former New York Times food writer and cookbook author Mark Bittman features plenty of guidance and recipes to help make them a more competent cook, whether they’re looking to whip up pancakes or tackling a live lobster for the first time.

Yeti Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler

Upgrade their picnics at the park, beach excursions or off-the-beaten-path adventures with a top-of-the-line cooler to keep their snacks and drinks cool—the tough Yeti is waterproof, airtight, and leakproof to help protect whatever’s inside from whatever’s outside.

Grovemade Wood Headphone Stand

This desk- or dresser-top stand will show off their prized headphones—and make it harder for them to misplace them. If their first work experience after college takes place at home, they’ll appreciate this beautiful, sturdy storage tool (and whoever gifted it) at the start and end of every work day.

Vellabox Candles

Their new, grown-up apartment might not always be clean, but you can help make sure it always smells clean: This monthly subscription delivers fresh, artisan candles to their door, so they can swap out scents and keep the good smells lingering, even if they haven’t gotten around to taking out the trash. Subscriptions start at one small candle per month, with options for more and larger candles also available.

Nintendo Switch Lite

They may be finished with college, but that doesn’t mean they have to leave all fun behind. Remind them to take it easy every once in a while with this compact, portable gaming system, which has tons of fresh, engaging games that are fun for video gamers of all levels.

Supernatural Cleaning Starter Set

Venturing out on their own means they’ll have to figure out everything for themselves—even which cleaners go on which surfaces. Help them out with this four-piece cleaning set, which includes gentle, natural cleaning concentrates that they can mix with water to create sprays for counters, glass and mirrors, tile, and floors.

Food52 Five Two Essential Knives

As they’re getting comfortable in the kitchen after college, you’ll want to make sure they have the best tools of the trade—and nothing they don’t need. This set of three essential knives ensures they have all the blades they need for basic meal prep and cooking, with good-looking (and colorful) handles and reliable Japanese steel blades.

Stitch Fix Gift Card

The leggings-and-a-tee uniform she wore to those afternoon classes isn’t going to cut it for her new corporate gig. Send her off into the real world with this smart styling service. She’ll fill out a style questionnaire and be matched with a personal stylist, who will send her an assortment of items to choose from. Give a gift card to cover what she decides to keep.

Away The Carry-On

This chic, unbreakable polycarbonate carry-on has an ejectable battery for charging a cell phone, a TSA-approved combination lock, and a hidden laundry bag. The company also offers a 100-day free trial and a lifetime guarantee. Did someone say “home for the holidays?”

Crate and Barrel Wood/Marble Inlay Serving Board

Nothing says, “I don’t live in a dorm anymore” like a piece of marble servingware. This serving board will dress up any wine-and-cheese night, even if the evening is more wine than cheese, and will be a college graduation gift any young adult will keep for years to come.

Kammok Roo Double Camping Hammock

The summer after graduation is the ideal time to go on an adventure—and even the moderately outdoorsy college grads will get a kick out of hanging a hammock in the local park on weekends. This one holds two people (up to 500 pounds total) and is made of super-breathable fabric, so cool summer evenings actually feel cool. Best of all, the colors range from in-your-face neons to easy-on-the-eyes darks.

Weatherman The Stick Umbrella

Ward off drenched walks home and ruined work shoes with this college graduation gift, a sturdy, weatherman-approved umbrella that repels water and is built to withstand breaking and inverting. Best of all, there’s an app that will let the new grad know when he or she needs the umbrella—and remind them to grab it as they’re running out the door.

]]>