The 59 best graduation gift ideas

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 reliable suitcase for all their travels

Béis The Carry-On Roller

Celebrity-loved luggage brand Béis makes one of our favorite carry-on bags. Help your graduate jet-set to wherever they need to go in style with a roomy, durable suitcase.

Our Béis Carry-On Roller review has more details on why we love this bag.

The coziest throw blanket

The Lola Blanket

Senior home editor Jaclyn Turner and I are in love with our Lola throw blankets. They're an investment, but we've literally never felt anything softer. It's a luxurious, thoughtful gift that will accompany them while lounging on the couch — or, if they're like me, long Zoom meetings.

A single-serve coffee maker

Nespresso Vertuo Plus

Whether they're moving into the dorms after high school or moving onto a new job after college, you can never go wrong with coffee. This sleek option from Nespresso is one of the best single-serve coffee makers we tested, and your recipient is sure to internally thank you every time they sit down for their morning (or late night) cup of coffee.

Custom college pint glasses

Uncommon Goods Show Your Spirit! Personalized College Pint Glass

Whether they're joining the student section or moving on to celebrate game days at home, commemorate their school pride with these custom university glasses. You can customize their avatar on the glass, as well as adding their name, so it has an extra personal touch.

A weekender for trips home or vacations

Aer Travel Weekender

A good weekender is an essential, whether they're traveling home for the weekends or setting off on new adventures. This option from Aer is one of the best weekender bags we tested, with exceptional organizational features and a spacious interior.

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.

A bonsai tree they won't have to water

Lego Bonsai Tree

The Lego Bonsai Tree is not only fun to build, but it's also a great home decor piece to bring "greenery" to their place. The green leaves can also be swapped for beautiful pink cherry blossoms.

Read our Lego Botanical Collection review for more information.

A Le Creuset dutch oven

Le Creuset Dutch Oven, 4.5-quart

Le Creuset dutch ovens are iconic for a reason. While not the best gift for someone moving into the dorms, for a graduate moving into their own home, it's a kitchen game changer. It can be used to make just about any dish, and it will last for a lifetime. Bonus points if you find one in their favorite color.

A dainty nameplate necklace

Catbird Tiniest Name Necklace

Nameplate necklaces are timeless. You can fit up to 10 letters on this adorable lowercase necklace, so you can customize it with their name, nickname, city, or anything else.

A classy candle

LAFCO Rosemary Eucalyptus Candle

This recommendation comes straight from our candle expert, senior home editor Jaclyn Turner. LAFCO candles are under-the-radar gems, featuring unique blends like celery and thyme alongside classic scents like chamomile and lavender. The rosemary eucalyptus candle is delightfully herbaceous, layered with hints of basil. We love the brand's diffusers, too.

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.

Read more about it in our Dagne Dover review.

A Kindle Paperwhite for the avid reader

The Kindle Paperwhite is our favorite e-reader. You can also choose to add three months of Kindle Unlimited when buying, so your graduate also gets over a million books with their gift.

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 custom initial bracelet

Inez Initial Bracelet

Jewelry is a classic graduation present for good reason. Customize this bracelet with up to four initials for a special keepsake to remember their graduation.

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 tote in our guide to the best work bags for women, as there are various pouches and a laptop sleeve inside.

A smart mug that keeps 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.

Iconic hoop earrings

Mejuri Puffy Charlotte Hoops

If they've been eyeing Mejuri's 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.

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.

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.

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. Sony's WH-100XM5 headphones are the top pick in our best over-ear headphones guide. 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.

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 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 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 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. Read our Bandolier review.

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 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 classy bouquet

The Bouqs Co. Flower Delivery Service

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. The Bouqs Co is one of the best flower delivery services we've used, after testing over 25 companies.

A viral weighted eye mask

Nodpod Weighted Eye Mask

This weighted eye mask is just like a weighted blanket, but for your eyes. With an assortment of gorgeous pastel colors, this social media darling is an excellent gift to promote rest and relaxation. Plus, if they have a roommate, this is one of the best sleep masks for blocking out light.

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.

A Nintendo Switch 2 for much-deserved game time

Nintendo Switch 2

If your graduate loves a night of cozy gaming or rounds of Mario Kart with friends — and you want to be their favorite person — consider buying them a Switch 2. Thinking back to my own graduation, I would have (literally) jumped for joy upon unwrapping this game console. Pair it with a crowd-pleasing game like Mario Kart or Animal Crossing.

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.

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 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 trendy reusable tote

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

What they probably need more than anything after years of school is a good night's sleep. And as a sleep editor, Brooklinen is my go-to recommendation for excellent bedding. Hook them up with a gift card to purchase sheets, blankets, or a duvet cover. Check out 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. Check out our best cast iron skillets guide.

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 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.

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.

An air fryer for easy, simplified meals

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 plant to spruce up their home

The Sill Snake Plant

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 slim Fitbit with plenty of features

Fitbit Inspire 3

Fitbit's affordable Inspire 3 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.

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 framed photo of their friends or favorite memories

Framebridge Gift

Give them a way to display their diploma with a nice frame. Or, for a sentimental touch, frame a photo of their friends or some of their favorite memories from school or home, so they can take them anywhere.

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 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 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 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 4

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 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 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.