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

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Apple AirPods Pro

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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

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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.

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

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 $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.

What are some good graduation presents? ›

High school graduation gifts
  • Something personal.
  • College apparel.
  • Board games.
  • Coffee maker or kettle.
  • Audiobook subscription.
  • Headphones.
  • Bike, skateboard or roller skates.
  • Laptop.

Is $40 a good graduation gift? ›

Close friend: If a good friend is graduating, a $50 to $100 gift is a good choice. Acquaintance or co-worker: Spend less for someone you don't know quite as well. A good range is $30 to $75.

Is $50 a good graduation gift? ›

Close friend or sibling: $25-$75. Niece, Nephew, Grandkid: : $50- $100. Son or Daughter: $100- $500.

Is $1 000 a good graduation gift? ›

According to this piece, financial planners say the gift should be equal to approximately one month's rent or mortgage payment, somewhere around $1,000. The article said parents should give their children between $1,000 and $5,000 when they graduate from college.

What is the average cash gift for high school graduation? ›

High School Graduation

A good range to consider is: $20 - $50: For acquaintances or distant relatives. $50 - $100: For close friends and immediate family members.

What is the most common graduation gift? ›

Giving cash to a graduate is traditionally the most popular, and practical, gift to give.

What is a generous college graduation gift? ›

Most agree that giving at least $50 is appropriate for college graduates. Depending on the relationship, you can give up to $500. Whatever amount you choose, it's important to give what you comfortably can. Rest assured: no matter the amount, graduates always appreciate cash.

What is a good high school graduation gift for a boy? ›

  • A smart suitcase that charges devices and has 360° wheels. Away Instagram. ...
  • A custom rambler. Yeti. ...
  • A nice leather wallet, which you can monogram for him. ...
  • A timeless pair of sunglasses. ...
  • A backpack they can carry work or schoolwork in. ...
  • A Bluetooth speaker his friends will appreciate. ...
  • A cool pair of sneakers. ...
  • A fun game for summer.
Apr 23, 2024

What is a good gift for a female college graduate? ›

Nice jewelry will always be an appreciated gift, especially after such a big accomplishment as graduating college. A signet ring is a classic piece that she can wear everyday. This dainty number from catbird is made of 14K gold, and can be engraved with a singular letter for a personal touch.

Should you give cash or check for graduation gift? ›

For parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles or family friends who are struggling to find an appropriate gift for a college graduate, cash may be the solution you're looking for because it has the potential to make a lasting impact on their financial fitness.

What is an acceptable amount of money for a graduation gift? ›

You can give between $20 to $100 to a high school graduate and $50 to $200 to a college graduate, and you can give $50 to $100 or more for high school graduation. But it all depends on your relationship with the graduate. A graduating sibling will be receiving a smaller amount than your grandchild graduating.

Is it appropriate to give money as a graduation gift? ›

And as much as graduates appreciate traditional gifts, what they really appreciate is money. Extra cash helps graduates face new financial challenges with less stress, whether they're planning to earn another degree, pay back student loans, or move to a new city.

What is a normal college graduation gift? ›

Money — with a purpose

For instance, taking care of a licensing fee or helping them with housing is extremely thoughtful and practical. Here are a few more examples of how your child could spend their graduation money: Exams or certifications. First and last month's rent for their new apartment.

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