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.

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Mark & Graham laundry tote bag

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Hill House Home Pink Pond floral bed set

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CB2 limestone table lamp

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Open Spaces underbed storage

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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

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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.

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Nanushka Mariko belted vegan leather blazer

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MoMA desert cactus glass paperweight

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Wonkiware mug

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Mansur Gavriel large tote

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Cuyana flap cardholder

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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?

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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.

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Our Place Dinner for 4 set

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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? ›

In 2020, according to the Nation Retail Federation, consumers spent an average of $112 on graduation gifts. The average graduation gift total sent via Memento was $81. These are general guidelines, you should also consider your personal financial situation.

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.

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? ›

If you decide to gift cash, here are suggested amounts: Acquaintances $10 – $25. Friends $25 – $50. Close friends and family $75 – $100.

What is the most common college graduation gift? ›

It's traditional to either splurge on something nice yet practical (think high-quality work wardrobe pieces or a tech device that'll help 'em out in the post-grad world) or give a sentimental gift (like a gorgeous ring, keepsake box, or photo album) to mark the end of a chapter.

Is $30 a good high school graduation gift? ›

Any amount is appropriate as it is the thought that counts. If not a family member, consider $25 for a high school graduate, and $50 for a college grad. Never feel embarrassed giving ANY amount that does not fit your budget or sentiment. Inc some cases even a $10 gift card would be appropriate IMHO.

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.

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.

Is it customary to get a graduation gift? ›

Whether it's for a high school diploma, bachelors, or master's degree, here is a must-follow etiquette tip: if you're invited to the ceremony or are attending a graduation party, send or bring a gift.

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.

Is it common to give graduation gifts? ›

A gift or a friendly card to surprise the graduate and their family is appropriate. If you attend the commencement ceremony, you should send a gift.

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