Before we know it, May will be here and we’ll start receiving those beautiful graduation announcements in our mailbox! Smiling seniors donning their letter jacket or graduation gown, holding their college pendant or a treasured extracurricular item… Whether it’s a high school or college graduation, it’s a wonderful time to celebrate the accomplishments of the past and the possibilities of the future!
Money is genuinely appreciated and honestly what everyone needs as they’re starting a new season in life. But, if you want to honor the special graduate in your life with something tangible—in addition to or instead of cash—what do you give him/her? Here are some ideas to get you started!
- Personalized water bottle, cup, insulated mug
- You just can’t have enough of these!
- Gift cards to nearby restaurants or for Door Dash, Uber Eats, Trader Joe’s, etc.
- Gift cards to Academy, REI, Lululemon, Outdoor Voices, etc.
- College kids live in athletic/athleisure wear, so whether it’s clothes, shoes, or gear, your graduate will appreciate this gift card—even more so if they’re moving to a different climate.
- Luggage
- Graduation is a great time to gift luggage, regardless of the size, style, or cost. Some ideas include a full-size suitcase, carry-on bag, overnight bag, toiletries bag, shaving kit, or jewelry case.
- Clear bag/purse
- It’s always a good idea to be prepared for sporting events and concerts with a clear bag. You can personalize it with a name, initials, or school.
- Bins, boxes, or tubs
- When transitioning to the next stage of life, they’ll likely need to transport things from home to a dorm or apartment. The bin/box/tub can also serve to organize and store things and could be used as a container to hold other parts of the gift.
- Bags
- Your graduate will likely want to choose their own backpack, but they’ll also need other sizes/styles of bags. Kavu and Lululemon both offer great cross-body bags in a variety of shapes and sizes. A cute lunch box/bag is another great idea.
- Jewelry
- The options are endless. It could be personalized with her name, initials, birthstone, or graduation year. With Kendra Scott’s customizable jewelry, you could pick a stone in your graduate’s school colors.
- Beanie, scarf, gloves
- Mini Keurig
- For the coffee-loving graduate, a personal-size Keurig is a great gift idea. They come in fun colors too!
- Towel set
- Monogram it for an extra touch, especially if your graduate will have roommates.
- Towel wrap and/or hair wrap
- If your girl graduate will have roommates, this is a fun idea that’s also practical!
- Blanket/throw
- This could be an extra-plush blanket or a school-spirited-themed throw.
- Laundry bag or hamper
- There are even laundry backpacks that make it easier to lug your laundry around.
- Bluetooth speaker
- These are available in a wide range of price points and are something you know your graduate will use!
- Wireless charger
- Another practical gift idea for any graduate.
- Key chain, key ring, or key bracelet/wristlet
- Survival kits
- First aid kit: OTC medicine like Advil, Pepto, Tums, and Benadryl; Band-Aids, anti-itch cream, and antibiotic ointment; thermometer; cough drops; throat lozenges; hand sanitizer; ice pack. Package in a tackle box or other box for organization.
- Snacks: Your graduate’s favorite candy, gum, cereal, chips, protein bars, or ramen
- Basic tool kit: Small hammer, nails, hanging hooks, Command hooks, screwdriver, utility knife, or duct tape
- A personalized gift from Etsy
- Search “graduation gifts” on etsy.com and scroll until you find the perfect personalized gift for your graduate.
- Journals/notebooks/pens
- Personalized box to hold graduation cards and mementos
- Inspirational books
- I love giving The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy
- Lap desk
- These come in handy when you want to sit on your bed or the floor but need a hard surface for your laptop, book, or to write.
Happy shopping, and congrats to your graduate!
