Best Products; FlowertownWeddings, SunWallArt, Magda Lipka Falck, Eufy
Your college graduate pulled all-nighters and studied hard, and now will finally have a diploma to prove it. Graduation is such a milestone, so picking the best present to honor their accomplishment can be daunting. But there are a couple of routes you can go with your college graduation gift: practical or sentimental.
Aside from being the best way to splurge on their behalf, college graduation gifts can help your recipient navigate the brand-new world of post-campus life. Consider a personalized leather portfolio for the young professional or an affordable air fryer for the grad who’s finally moving into a place of their own. Whether they plan on backpacking across the country or have an office job lined up, there’s a gift to suit them.
These 42 college graduation gifts provide a range of ideas that’ll help you commemorate this special event. There are gadgets and decor for their new digs (if they don’t plan to move back in, that is), gift cards that’ll help offset the cost of essentials, and some investment pieces that they’ll be able to use for years.
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For the Grad on the Go
FlowertownWeddings Personalized Class of 2023 Tumbler
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For the Grad on the Go
FlowertownWeddings Personalized Class of 2023 Tumbler
A travel cup is the best way to hold and transport that second and third cup of morning coffee. Since this one is laser-engraved, your grad doesn’t have to worry about the design fading over time.
Each 20-ounce tumbler is made of double-walled, vacuum-insulated stainless steel to keep drinks hot or cold for several hours.
Have them treat themselves to a household item or some new tech on your dime. Your grad will appreciate the extra help as they adjust to life without the conveniences of a campus. This gift card even comes with an adorable graduation cap box.
Congratulate your graduate while encouraging her to keep killing it. This handmade pendant features a piece of cracked glass at its center to symbolize the achievements of women from the past, present, and future.
If your grad is moving far away from their college town, this map makes for a sweet mountable memento to remind them of their favorite spots. Simply send the seller the name of the city or school you want, and they'll draw it up for you.
The metal sides of this desk fold out and the fiberboard surface drops right on top for quick assembly. If your recipient is between living situations, this gives them a space-saving spot to work, eat a quick meal, and store items. The removable cloth basket can accommodate odds and ends, while the three side hooks hold bags, cables, and other items.
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For Their Post-Grad Travels
KristinDouglasART United States Bucket List Scratch Off
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For Their Post-Grad Travels
KristinDouglasART United States Bucket List Scratch Off
If road-tripping across the United States is their plan after they walk across the stage, get them this poster. It features 80 U.S. landmarks and destinations (from national parks to urban hubs), initially grayed out, which they can scratch off after they’ve visited to reveal each in beautiful color.
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For the One Who Needs a Serious Umbrella Upgrade
Llanxiry Reversible Windproof and Waterproof Umbrella
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For the One Who Needs a Serious Umbrella Upgrade
Llanxiry Reversible Windproof and Waterproof Umbrella
Their campus umbrella may very well be hanging on by a thread — make sure they have this sturdy pick on standby. Its rounded edges prevent them from poking passersby, while the compact design also lets them keep it in their bag if a surprise rainstorm rolls in while they’re out.
This 39-piece toolkit may seem fairly boring for a college graduation gift. But just wait. They’ll be happy to have this on hand for making edits and patches to their new apartment.
The extensive set includes a tape measure, a box cutter, numerous pliers and screwdriver bits, scissors, and a hammer.
This sleek case will keep their freshly printed business cards handy and crease-free. Made from stainless steel and available in nine distinct styles, this case can hold up to 20 cards and fits neatly in everything from pockets to handbags.
Years of pulling all-nighters studying and running on caffeine have finally paid off. This funny shirt is the best college graduation gift for the new grad who’s looking forward to a little sleeping in.
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For the Grad Who Needs Help Adulting
Rockridge Press ‘How to Adult, A Practical Guide: Advice on Living, Loving, Working, and Spending Like a Grown-Up’ by Jamie Goldstein, PsyD
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For the Grad Who Needs Help Adulting
Rockridge Press ‘How to Adult, A Practical Guide: Advice on Living, Loving, Working, and Spending Like a Grown-Up’ by Jamie Goldstein, PsyD
Prep them for life’s challenges after college with this college graduation gift. From careers to finance to relationships, this guide will provides practical advice to your new #adulting grad.
They’ve landed their first job, now help them land the perfect professional look with these comfy flats. It features a pointed toe and comes in other work-friendly colors and designs. Plus, they’re machine-washable for easy care.
From job interviews to happy hour with friends, these earrings are a classic accessory. This pair is made with freshwater cultured pearls and designed to stand out with any look.
Keep classes going with a subscription from MasterClass. With this graduation gift, your grad will learn new skills from professionals in the field. They can learn cooking from Gordon Ramsay, writing for television from Shonda Rhimes, and more interesting skills through a series of online classes.
This Fossil watch is the perfect accessory for all-day wear. It features a mother-of-pearl dial, a mineral crystal face, and a leather strap for a timeless look.
Replace their backpack with this college graduation gift. This crossbody bag from Lululemon has two compartments to hold their phone, wallet, and other essentials. It comes in three colors, but we’re partial to this dreamy pastel blue.
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For the Beginner Chef
HIC Harold Import Co. How to Cook Everything: The Basics: All You Need to Make Great Food by Mark Bittman
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For the Beginner Chef
HIC Harold Import Co. How to Cook Everything: The Basics: All You Need to Make Great Food by Mark Bittman
Easy Mac doesn’t count as a meal anymore; it’s time for them to brush up on their cooking skills. This cookbook will teach them the basics — from dicing vegetables to roasting meat — of cooking. It includes 185 recipes and 1,000 photos illustrating preparation techniques and details.
If they’re moving into their own place, this college graduation gift will give them a chance to leave their mark with an interactive accent piece. This silicone doormat comes with 300 hexagon tiles that they can swap out to create any design they want.
This college graduation gift made our list of the best air fryers for its user-friendly design. It runs quietly, has customizable temperature and time settings, and features eight cooking preset buttons for cooking everything from chicken to cake.
Along with an affordable price tag, this blender boasts a large jug and three speed settings to help them blend, purée, and process food, plus crush ice for tasty frozen beverages. It’s also dishwasher-safe, making clean-up easier so they have more time to enjoy their culinary creations.
Elisabeth Narine is an Associate Editor at Best Products where she researches gift ideas for every occasion — her work can also be found on BuzzFeed and Forbes Vetted. When’s she not writing, she enjoys rewatching her favorite TV shows and cooking with her boyfriend.
Melanie Yates is the senior service editor of Best Products, where she writes and reports pieces pertaining to the etiquette, dilemmas, and how-tos of gift-giving for different occasions. Previously, she was the site's senior home editor, covering all things decor- and bedding-related since 2015. Her digital byline can also be found on Bustle, House Beautiful, and Elle Decor. A longtime classical-music enthusiast, Melanie spends her off-hours enjoying performances big and small across New York City.