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.

40 Clever Graduation Gifts They’ll Be Excited to Receive (1)

Mark & Graham laundry tote bag

40 Clever Graduation Gifts They’ll Be Excited to Receive (2)

Hill House Home Pink Pond floral bed set

40 Clever Graduation Gifts They’ll Be Excited to Receive (3)

CB2 limestone table lamp

40 Clever Graduation Gifts They’ll Be Excited to Receive (4)

Open Spaces underbed storage

40 Clever Graduation Gifts They’ll Be Excited to Receive (5)

Lake pima after-bath wrap in succulent

40 Clever Graduation Gifts They’ll Be Excited to Receive (6)

Apple AirPods Pro

40 Clever Graduation Gifts They’ll Be Excited to Receive (7)

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

40 Clever Graduation Gifts They’ll Be Excited to Receive (8)

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.

40 Clever Graduation Gifts They’ll Be Excited to Receive (11)

Nanushka Mariko belted vegan leather blazer

40 Clever Graduation Gifts They’ll Be Excited to Receive (12)

MoMA desert cactus glass paperweight

40 Clever Graduation Gifts They’ll Be Excited to Receive (13)

Wonkiware mug

40 Clever Graduation Gifts They’ll Be Excited to Receive (14)

Mansur Gavriel large tote

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Cuyana flap cardholder

40 Clever Graduation Gifts They’ll Be Excited to Receive (16)

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?

40 Clever Graduation Gifts They’ll Be Excited to Receive (17)

Rimowa original cabin S

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Holiday by Pamela Fiori

40 Clever Graduation Gifts They’ll Be Excited to Receive (19)

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.

40 Clever Graduation Gifts They’ll Be Excited to Receive (25)

Our Place Dinner for 4 set

40 Clever Graduation Gifts They’ll Be Excited to Receive (26)

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

40 Clever Graduation Gifts They’ll Be Excited to Receive? ›

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.

What are some good graduation presents? ›

Best Personalized Graduation Gifts
  • Graduation Personalized Photo Keepsake Box. ...
  • MYKA Personalized Graduation Charm Necklace. ...
  • Mark & Graham Terminal 1 Carry-On Luggage. ...
  • Uncommon Goods Personalized Champagne Milestone Vase. ...
  • Personalization Lab Custom Leather Jewelry Organizer Box. ...
  • Hydro Flask Custom Water Bottle.
Apr 2, 2024

Is $500 a good graduation gift? ›

There is a wide range for college graduation gifts, but the typical amount given to college graduates is between $100 and $500.

Is $20 dollars a good graduation gift? ›

An invitation to a graduation party or ceremony should be met with a gift, but the size and amount depend on your relationship to the graduate. Distant relatives or friends usually send around $15 - $20, while close friends and relatives more commonly send around the $20 - $50 mark.

Is $40 a good graduation gift? ›

The average high school graduation money gift is between $30 and $200 dollars. The amounts can vary depending on your relationship, but these are some ranges to keep in mind: Friends and siblings: If you're giving a graduation gift to a sibling or friend, there's no set amount.

What is a good amount of money for a graduation gift? ›

Graduate School Graduation

The gift-giving guidelines are as follows: $100 - $200: For distant relatives and acquaintances. $200 - $500: For close friends and immediate family.

What is a typical graduation gift amount? ›

A 2021 survey by the National Retail Federation found that the average person buying a graduation gift was expected to spend $119. The survey found that cash was the most popular gift to give and receive. There's no etiquette to suggest you should bestow a certain amount or you will be lacking.

Is $1 000 a good graduation gift? ›

It's so needed after college while trying to find a place, get established in a job, etc... For my own children, we gave them $1,000. That sounds like so much, but with all the expenses, it still was hard to stretch. It was easier than trying to figure out what they needed/wanted, etc...

Is $50 a good college graduation gift? ›

If the graduate is: A child of parents: $100-500. A child of close relatives (for instance, grandparents): $50-300. A distant relative: $50-100.

Is 50 enough for high school graduation gift? ›

Every family is different but even $25 or $50 would be plenty and unexpected in my family when you are not close to them. With that many nieces and nephews you will likely also be giving them wedding gifts some say where a higher amount might be appropriate.

Is $25 enough for a graduation gift? ›

We've compiled the following breakdown of recommend gift amounts based on your relationship: Co-worker: $20 - $30. Close friend or sibling: $25-$75. Niece, Nephew, Grandkid: : $50- $100.

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

Consider the range of $10-$300.

These guidelines may be helpful: Acquaintances and friends: $10-20. Children of family friends: $20-50. Relatives (sibling, niece): $50-100.

Is it common to give graduation gifts? ›

It is an etiquette myth that if you receive a graduation announcement you must send a gift. Announcements do not equal invitations to a graduation. You are not obligated to give a gift, although you may choose to do so. Whether or not you send a present, a card or note of congratulations is always appreciated.

What is a fair graduation gift? ›

Giving only $20 is fine if that is all you can afford or if your connection to the graduate is tenuous. And in an exceptional case I might go even higher than $100 if all of the stars aligned. But I think that for 99% of my gifts they fall between $25 and $100 :-) 1.

Should you give money for graduation? ›

Graduation gifts are voluntary, and no one else gets to decide how much you should give. Setting a budget and sticking with it is the best way to get through graduation season without regret. Gifts don't necessarily need to be cash.

Is a gift card a good graduation gift? ›

Some of our favorite gift card ideas for graduation include anything they can use to prepare for college life or things they can do on campus. Practical gift cards are always great graduation gifts for high school students but extra splurges like streaming services are also welcomed.

What is a good graduation present for a girl? ›

This list has everything from sentimental keepsakes (think personalized plaques and jewelry) to practical finds, like a new cold brew maker, password book or caffeine eye serum. If she's headed off to college or university, we've included essentials for her dorm room, like a bedside shelf or the viral cloud slides.

What is etiquette for college graduation gift? ›

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.

What do you get a girl graduating from college? ›

There's a variety of grad gift ideas to choose from: A luxury coffee maker to fuel early mornings at her first job; kitchen essentials she'll want now that she's left the dorm behind; sentimental jewelry to help her think back on her school days fondly; plus, a present for every woman entering a new stage in life.

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