I realize that I may be a bit behind on graduation gifts. I had it on my content calendar two weeks ago and somehow it… fell through the cracks. Gifts for graduates can be a little tricky. Should you go for a gift gift or something practical. What even constitutes a good graduation gift anyway?
In high school, I exchanged gifts with a few of my friends for our graduation. I used them for years. (Some are still in use in fact.) And when I graduated from college, I didn’t ask for gifts and instead my parents helped me buy my furniture for my first apartment– it was the best gift I could have received! And really helped a lot when I was just getting on my feet financially!
Here are some gifts that I think make for great graduation gifts. (I tried to keep it neutral for high school grads and college grads.)
First up, I’m sharing what I think are great ideas for gifts when you have to buy a bunch. Stocking up on these for grad parties and your close friends at school. They’re practical and cute and affordable:
All such beautiful things! I love a practical graduation gift, because at that stage in your life you NEED so many practical things, but these are also so stylish! Thanks for the ideas! xo, Catherine http://www.classiccatherine.com
I love all of these items! I actually gave my friends the Pinch Provisions kits when I graduated. They had never heard of them before and all loved them!! Thanks for sharing your suggestions!
I got two of the cable bracelets from DY and I still wear them everyday. They are a nice reminder of how far I have come in my education and I think they are a timeless gift! I also love the passport holder, and suitcase because those will last a while too!
These are great ideas and I could add a few more for girls but what about ideas for GUYS?! I need some suggestions for Will's friends. The hot gift this year for guys seems to be personalized Yeti cups but my boys get them at every function now so I need a new idea.
I loveeeeeee your ideas. Having a lot of friends to get gifts for is a blessing and a curse. A little sentimental necklace is something I'd love to receive.
I’ve rounded up a few fun graduation gifts for the high school, college, and graduate school grads on your list. I tend to err on the side of practicality when it comes to gifts for grads. Some of the best gifts I received when graduating were the ones I used for years and years to come. (Someone gave me a laundry bag when I graduated high school and still to this day use it!!!)
Luggage was my number one favorite gift when I graduated from high school. Next year, when I graduate from college I think I'm going to hope for a really practical tote much like the leather one you shared-teachers always need large, sturdy totes!
Great list!! Could you please do a grad gift list for guys soon? My boyfriend graduates college next month and I have no clue what to buy him. Ps — I've been a reader for almost four years now, every single day. Love your blog!
I love these ideas! Unfortunately I am currently dead flat broke so I went the DIY route for my graduation gifts. Maybe when I get a job I can try and give my friends gifts like these!
The number one sign when you know you’re legit getting old? Yea the wrinkles (ugh) and the grey hair (double ugh) would be signs… but I think I’ve actually stopped thinking about the years in terms of semesters. I was on the phone with my mom and it was brought to my attention that my sister was graduating in a few weeks. Of course I knew she was graduating (baby sister is growing up!!!), but I totally forgot it was so soon.
Cue the graduation present scramble! I actually scrambled. I’ve talked about graduation presents before, but it was always on the high school/receiving end… when push came to shove, it was a challenge to think of something specific for my someone who a) I love SO much and b) has a completely different style than I do.
My guess is that she doesn’t read my blog every day… I’ve debated whether or not to share what I got her… Do you think she reads this?! If you do Stace, stop reading! She recently was hired (you go girl!) and I wanted to do a stylish professional something. Perfect for a trendy girl making her debut in an office. (I got her this!)
These are great ideas! I'm a senior in high school this year, and I'm completely overwhelmed with the amount of graduation parties I'm expected to attend. I'll definitely use this! Great post!
I LOVE the idea of a state necklace for someone headed out of state. And it's not something you will outgrow. I'm now through under grad and grad but I am totally taking mine with me when I move next month.
I really like how you have a gift for each of the occasions that new grads might be experiencing. I am graduating from college this year and it will help me narrow down what is the most useful gifts for my friends!
I love these ideas! Def the bag and the cup for the morning commute. Though in the past I've gifted some jewelry from here: https://www.chloeandisabel.com/boutique/tali super affordable and comes with a lifetime warranty! xo
I've been reading your blog for so long that I was blown away to read that you're sister is already graduating college…I remember your post about her going to college! Congrats to her! Also, great gift ideas, I think i'll be getting some of these for myself!!
Love all those! As someone who's graduating college, I would gladly accept all of those! 😉 My parents are getting me an iPad mini for my graduation, because I'm going to need it for my accelerated nursing program in the fall, and we actually use them in clinicals!
I think a bicycle would also be a great graduation present, especially if they are planning on attending a college where it would be extremely useful on campus!
So perfect, and congratulations to Stacy! I'm graduating next week and my parents are giving me a David Yurman bracelet. I've wanted one forever, but they wanted to wait for a milestone occasion to give me one. 🙂 xoxo Chloe | Wanderlust in the Midwest
Many dorm rooms or apartments are small, so a full tool set might not be practical right away, but this will take care of a lot of furniture assembling/repair/decorating needs! My dad gave me one when I first went to college and I still use it regularly.
I cannot believe how fast this past year has gone. I graduated almost a year ago and I’m more than a little dumbfounded. Seriously, where did time go? I’m going to do a longer reflection closer to the one-year mark of my actual graduation, but I knew I had to put together a quick gift guide for graduates.
I used to do really fun and quirky little gifts for these guides, but having actually graduated and lived in this so-called-Real-World for a bit, I’ve decided that practical gifts are definitely the better way to go.
I pulled together some varying price-points, but did keep things a little bit higher end. Of course, these are just ideas and suggestions of things to keep in mind. Honestly, all of these things are gifts that would have come in handy this year!
I have the regular iPad and thought the mini was ridiculous. However, there are so many times when I wish I had a smaller one. Oh, Apple. You know how to make people want extra gadgets. The mini is perfect for professionals who commute to work and want a light devise to use to read on and bring up presentations for client meetings.
This is a great book for someone who wants to travel, but has a stricter working schedule. 36 hours may just be a perfect way to visit some fun cities. Definitely a must for any adventurer.
If your (lucky) graduate is jetting off for a trip of a lifetime, this passport holder is perfect. It’s gold. And Kate Spade. And will certainly charm the socks off her.
Every grown up girl needs a grown up signature scent.
J. Crew Pajamas | Nothing says “Real World” like a classic pajama set
T-shirts totally work in dorm rooms, but new apartments need new pajamas. There’s no better feeling than making coffee and reading the newspaper wearing matching pajamas.
Framed Art | For the beginning of a great collection
Framed art for an apartment seems boring, but you know what’s more boring? White walls. Do the unexpected and help outfit a few walls!
I completely agree with the "practical gift" idea. I graduated high school two years ago and still have quite some time before I graduate college, but if I were graduating this year, I'd most definitely ask for a nice quality camera. I received a Yurman ring for high school graduation and wear it almost every day! Jewelry is also a great way to go for the graduating gals 🙂
These are some great gift options! That 36 Hours book looks really interesting, I might just have to pick it up. I also love the gorgeous gold passport holder. It's perfect for students who do travel abroad programs. P.S. Everyone please check out my new blog! ~Jennifer pickofthepeaches.blogspot.com
Check out Dormitup.com! They have customized dorm packages for incoming college students! It makes a very affordable and convenient gift to give to graduates, while letting them customize their dorm essentials by the colors of their choice!
After too many requests to count, I pulled together graduation gifts for the men in our lives. To be completely honest, I always think it’s really hard to pull “generic” ideas, but I think these are all good starting points. You can then go on to decide more personal gifts for guys who you’re a little closer to. (I think buying presents, at all, for boys is the hardest thing!!! You have to get creative sometimes!)
I think these go for both high school and college graduates.
I'm only a freshman in high school, but my school's colors are navy and gold,mso when I graduate my dad may just have to wear that tie in the top left!!!
I'm only a freshman in high school, but my school's colors are navy and gold,mso when I graduate my dad may just have to wear that tie in the top left!!!
I’m so lucky today that I was able to read your post which gives me a lot of ideas that I’ve been looking for. With this, I can use it to my site…I hope to read more of your future post. Thanks a lot.
Suuuuch a cute blog! Thanks for posting this – have been looking for grad gifts for my boyfriend all over! I didn't even consider a tie, but that is such a great idea!
Check out Dormitup.com! They have customized dorm packages for incoming college students! It makes a very affordable and convenient gift to give to graduates, while letting them customize their dorm essentials by the colors of their choice!
I know it seems pretty early to be thinking about graduation presents, but we’re already a week into April. I actually had a lot of fun pulling these products and will likely do a few more with different themes leading up to May.
I tried to touch on various price points ($20-$100) and different “types” of gifts. I also think they can apply to both high school and college graduates.
I think this is a great gift for graduation. I love my Dogeared necklace every day. Each necklace has a cute little charm and a message that accompanies it. This one is a bow (love) and has a message about remembering the love from the person who gave it. I can’t think of a more appropriate necklace for someone graduating high school and going to college or someone graduating college and moving to another city!
Again, this is a piece of jewelry that I wear every day. I have the “Live Your Dreams” engraving, but there are tons of other great messages. (I especially like the “Sister” one… it’s perfect for your real sister or your sorority sister!)
If you need to get a bunch of gifts for a bunch of friends, look no further. You can customize the May Books notebook for each recipient. The new website makes the whole customization process a breeze. (Not to mention the fact that it’s highly entertaining to mix and match monograms and colors.) At $23, it’s the perfect price point to stock up on a bunch for friends. ($17 without monograms)
Drop a subtle hint that you’d like to stay in touch. This set contains three cards in the five different designs (Birthday, Just Because, Get Well, Thank You, and Congratulations).
Although this is the priciest of the bunch, I think it’s a great gift. For starters, it’s Tory. An instant winner. This is a great way to organize cards and keys. The leather will also hold up better than some of the other popular cloth alternatives. It comes in a navy color as well, quite classy!
Like Tory, you really can’t go wrong with anything Kate Spade. This is a fun gift for someone who has an iPad… or for someone that you know is getting one for graduation. Why go for a boring case when you can have a super cute and colorful and fun one!
What to get the monogram lover??? This! I have the opinion that cell phones (and iPads for that matter) deserve to have a few wardrobe options! Have fun picking out a style and color. Possibly coordinate for a favorite sports team or college colors.
Self-Inking stampers are way. too. much. fun. Get one with the new address for a graduate who’s moving. You can also so a simple name only, or monogram only… really the possibilities are endless.
I've given dogeared necklaces before, but I really want one of my own! Actually, all of these gifts I want for myself! wonderful picks! xo, SaraGrace adventuresofdutchandme.blogspot.com
These are great! I have tons of grad gifts to give this year– another blog post with even more wonderful ideas would be a blessing :)) thanks for all you do!
I really like your list and am going to Pin on my Pinterest. I like those bracelets. I have seen a similar idea on rings sold at http://www.toochicgifts.com.
Check out Dormitup.com! They have customized dorm packages for incoming college students! It makes a very affordable and convenient gift to give to graduates, while letting them customize their dorm essentials by the colors of their choice!
This is a great article. My daughter is in college and my wife and I always have trouble buying her gifts for her birthday and Christmas. I usually let my wife handle it because she knows what type of clothing she likes. I know she try's to buy Sexy Dresses because she likes to go out with her friends a lot. However, we do not buy her anything that is inappropriate for her age.
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All such beautiful things! I love a practical graduation gift, because at that stage in your life you NEED so many practical things, but these are also so stylish! Thanks for the ideas!
xo,
Catherine
http://www.classiccatherine.com
I love all of these items! I actually gave my friends the Pinch Provisions kits when I graduated. They had never heard of them before and all loved them!! Thanks for sharing your suggestions!
Bailey
baileysbulletin.blogspot.com
I got two of the cable bracelets from DY and I still wear them everyday. They are a nice reminder of how far I have come in my education and I think they are a timeless gift! I also love the passport holder, and suitcase because those will last a while too!
xx
Ash
http://www.ashleyannplan.com
great graduation gift ideas! i want all of them! haha
http://www.carolinapinglo.com/
These are great ideas and I could add a few more for girls but what about ideas for GUYS?! I need some suggestions for Will's friends. The hot gift this year for guys seems to be personalized Yeti cups but my boys get them at every function now so I need a new idea.
Omgosh the cosmetic case has my monogram.
I loveeeeeee your ideas. Having a lot of friends to get gifts for is a blessing and a curse. A little sentimental necklace is something I'd love to receive.
xoxo
Danielle
http://www.afloatonafullsea.com