40 Clever Graduation Gifts They’ll Be Excited to Receive (2024)

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Uncertainty has been rife in graduations the last couple of years. With the absence of many in-person ceremonies, the celebrations surrounding this academic achievement have felt a bit lackluster. One way to keep tradition alive, however, is with one of the best graduation gifts, something that uniquely acknowledges their accomplishments and the direction they’re headed in.

For some graduates, college is the next stop—meaning, they’ll be needing something for their dormitory or to aid in their studies. For others, a new job or even a move to a different city (and apartment!) is up next, and thus items that are well-suited for that will be appreciated. In essence, the perfect graduation gift is custom to the person you’re giving it to. Ahead, 40 ideas for the best graduation gifts they’ll be excited to receive.

Dorm Bound

Whether they’ve just graduated from high school or are headed to a master’s program, for the graduate in your life who is beginning classes in the fall, consider a gift to enhance their new environment. A monogrammed laundry basket is a good place to start, or perhaps a modern desk lamp or cheerful bedding set? We also love the idea of a sleek electric tea kettle or vintage alarm clock to add character and functionality to their space.

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Mark & Graham laundry tote bag

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Hill House Home Pink Pond floral bed set

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CB2 limestone table lamp

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Open Spaces underbed storage

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Lake pima after-bath wrap in succulent

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Apple AirPods Pro

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Fellow Stagg EKG stone blue electric pour-over kettle with maple handle

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Cartier colisée gold-plated stainless steel desk clock

New Employee

Combining the celebration of graduation with the excitement of a new job is cause for celebration, and a gift they can use in their new role is a thoughtful way to show you’re proud of them. If you’re looking for something on the smaller side, a coffee mug or clever paperweight for their desk are both fun ideas, as is something polished like a chic work tote, tailored blazer, or a pair of loafers.

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Nanushka Mariko belted vegan leather blazer

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MoMA desert cactus glass paperweight

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Wonkiware mug

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Mansur Gavriel large tote

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Cuyana flap cardholder

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Trade Coffee gift subscription

Sabbatical Year

If the grad in your life is lucky enough to be able to take a year off to travel or recalibrate, consider a gift that leans into this theme of adventure. Suitcases, passport cases, and toiletry kits are all solid ideas. You can also nod to their hobbies; if they’re a novice photographer, why not gift them a new camera to document their trip?

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Rimowa original cabin S

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Holiday by Pamela Fiori

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Naked Cashmere travel set

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Leica D-Lux 7 4K compact camera

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Away hanging toiletry bag

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Cuyana classic passport case

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Airbnb gift card

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Alex Mill Perfect travel tote

New City, New Home

Most graduates will be moving to a new apartment and many of them will be relocating to a different city. Help ease this transition by gifting them items that will brighten up their space—plants, decor, and dishware should do the trick. Or, for the upgrade pick, go for a wishlist item like an espresso machine.

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Our Place Dinner for 4 set

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Hay pillar candle

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West Elm live monstera plant with grow pot

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Terra Kaffe TK-01 espresso machine

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Parachute Velo flatware set

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Marloe Marloe Stevie glazed ceramic vase

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Sur La Table stainless steel 6-piece bar tool set

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Hidden Gem hand-dyed tea towels

Summer Slowdown

If all else fails, you don’t have to gift your grad something that fits in perfectly with their current situation. Sometimes, a little luxury is the perfect way to show you care, so opt for an item that celebrates a slowed-down pace. A picnic basket and stylish bike helmet for summer afternoons, cult-favorite beauty buys they wouldn’t get for themselves, or even a customized piece of jewelry they can wear all of the time.

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Thierry Atlan Thierry's Favorites 12-piece macarons

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Stone and Strand initial gold diamond single earring

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Byredo Gypsy Water eau de parfum

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Kin Euphorics Bloom non-alcoholic strawberry rosé

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Williams Sonoma classic wine and cheese picnic basket

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Thousand Heritage bike and skate helmet

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Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRX Spectralite Faceware Pro LED-light therapy device

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Parachute Cloud cotton robe

40 Clever Graduation Gifts They’ll Be Excited to Receive (2024)

FAQs

What do most people give for graduation gifts? ›

High School Student(s): The majority of individuals will give cash as a high school graduation present with a range from $20 -$150.

Is $50 a good high school graduation gift? ›

For high school grads, the average gift is around $50 to $200. To decide an amount, consider if this is a close friend or family member.

How much money should I give my daughter for high school graduation? ›

Ideally, an appropriate monetary gift for graduates should range between $100 and $500,” he says. One reason money is so desirable is that the graduate may be facing daunting student loan debt.

What is a good high school graduation gift? ›

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

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.

What is the etiquette for high school graduation gifts? ›

While some parents splurge on a car or computer, many choose less elaborate, but still meaningful, gifts to commemorate the day. Jewelry (often engraved with the date), books, cash or stock certificates, luggage, a camera, or graduation rings are all presents the graduate will appreciate in the years ahead.

How much money should you give in a graduation card? ›

When it comes to high school graduation gifts, it's best to keep things modest. A good range to consider is: $20 - $50: For acquaintances or distant relatives. $50 - $100: For close friends and immediate family members.

Is $20 dollars a good graduation gift? ›

Distant relatives or friends usually send around $15 - $20, while close friends and relatives more commonly send around the $20 - $50 mark. Some families and family friends may choose to spend closer to $100 - $500, depending on their finances and the needs of the graduate.

What is a traditional graduation gift? ›

Classic Graduation Gifts

You might start by considering more traditional gifts, such as a frame for the diploma or college memorabelia. You won't go wrong with these traditional selections.

What do you get someone who just graduated high school? ›

Personalized jewelry makes for thoughtful high school graduation gifts. Consider a custom necklace with the graduate's name or birthstone, a charm bracelet to commemorate interests and achievements, or a class ring engraved with the graduation year. These serve as wearable mementos of the graduate's big day.

What to bring to a graduation as a gift? ›

The following unique graduation gift ideas are sure to let the graduate know just how much you care.
  • Graduation Photo Posters. ...
  • Custom Throw Pillows. ...
  • Personalized Coffee Mugs. ...
  • Personalized Jewelry. ...
  • Custom Journals. ...
  • Photo Blankets. ...
  • Personal Planner. ...
  • Coffee Tumbler.
Feb 27, 2024

What are some traditional graduation gifts? ›

You won't go wrong with these traditional selections.
  • Diploma Frame From the Graduate's School. ...
  • College Memorabilia. ...
  • Briefcase or Nice Bag. ...
  • Engraved Pen. ...
  • Classic Jewelry. ...
  • Shadow Box. ...
  • Digital Frame. ...
  • Gift for a New Apartment.
May 22, 2020

What do you get when you graduate from high school? ›

A high school diploma or high school degree is a diploma awarded upon finishing and graduating from high school. But did you know that there is more than one type of high school degree you can get? Many students don't know that there are different types of high school diploma.

Is it traditional to give a graduation gift? ›

Whether it's for a high school diploma, bachelors, or master's degree, here is a must-follow etiquette tip: if you're invited to the ceremony or are attending a graduation party, send or bring a gift.

What do you get given at graduation? ›

A graduation is the process of awarding a diploma to a student by an educational institution. A UK graduation is a ceremony that happens at the end of a student's time at University. This ceremony is the time that the student receives their degree officially.

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