My inbox has been flooded with graduation gift ideas. My parents gifted me furniture for my first apartment. I couldn’t think of anything better. Sometimes I wish I had opted for something a little fancier like a piece of jewelry, but not having to spend money the first week of moving into an expensive (for me at the time!) apartment was so worth it. I’d give the same advice to graduates and parents, opt for the practical. It is NOT as much fun, but it will help set you up for success in the future. I think all the time about how I hit the ground running saving money right from the start of my first foray into the real world and it’s kind of like the gift that keeps on giving.
But, I get that every family is different, so I’m rounding up a few things that I think would make fun and/or practical graduation gifts. As you’re looking at this, I’d definitely consider this more of a category thing. I’m including my favorite brands and items, but if a different price point would be better for you, of course, go with that.
Pearl + Diamond Necklace //Monogrammed Suitcase // Passport Holder
Work Tote // Fragrance // Makeup Brushes
What would you add to the list?
These are all such great gift ideas and I love the luggage!
Lauren,
http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com
Wow, I never received any gifts the two times (!) I graduated, once for my bachelor’s degree and once for my master’s! I’d have loved some of these gifts – they’re so lovely! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Wow, I never received any gifts the two times (!) I graduated, once for my bachelor’s degree and once for my master’s! I’d have loved some of these gifts – they’re so lovely! 😀
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
I got a job offer right before graduation and was supposed to start a month after, so my parents gifted me a really nice suits, three silk blouses and a pair of really nice shoes. I got so much wear out of them and still do! So glad they went practical actually. When I graduated with my MA is when they got me a pair of pearl earrings and a pearl necklace, so sentimental… still practical. I love, LOVE the idea of luggage btw!
these are such great gift ideas! I love that suitcase
I think that’s very practical that your parents got you furniture.
as my graduation gift, my mum took me on a lovely little holiday
xx
http://anoddgirl.blogspot.com.au
Love the camera! I got an ebook (remember those tiny computers) and it crashed two months later. wan wah, haha.
I think something tech related, like an iPad, is a good gift too.
Happy graduation to all the grads!
xAllie
http://www.theallthatglittersblog.com
I think it’s awesome that you got furniture. My parents gave me an engraved pen (that’s what I asked for), for when I have my own office. I also got lots of giftcards to places like Wal-mart and Amazon!
Bianca
https://navyismyneutral-biancab.blogspot.ca/
All of these items look fantastic! The watch and the camera both look amazing as gifts!
I hope you’re having a lovely Thursday!
Michael
https://www.mileinmyglasses.com
The luggage is such a good idea! That’s what I got for my graduation and still use it to this day!
xo Sam
http://www.thecurrentclassic.com
These are great, but I’ve been looking for gift ideas for guys! I have a male cousin graduating from undergrad soon and I’ve been trying to decide what to get him!!
Great suggestions, especially the luggage! I’m graduating from law school and my fiance is getting me golf lessons so that I can be included when my firm takes clients out to golf.
Cheers,
Malinda
https://pearlspinotandparmesan.blogspot.com/
The work tote looks PERFECT for commuters!
I think furniture is a great idea for a graduation gift- I never even thought of that! As an undergrad moving into an unfurnished apartment, you don’t think about how expensive that can be!
Angela | Cue the Coffee
https://cuethecoffee.blogspot.com/
Most useful graduation present I got: a toaster oven.
Least useful graduation present I received: a briefcase.
Do you have any suggestions for gifts for friends who are graduating? I graduated last year but all my friends are graduating this year and I am stuck on what to give. I love the ideas above but they are either way out of my price range as a 23yr old and too lavish. Notebook is really only thing but they already have tons of notebooks.
Yea, these are better suited for family members gifting. I’d do something those monogrammed notebooks upper left or a minimergency kit! https://cprep.co/2rhkGYF (These are my go-to gifts for EVERYTHING!)
If it’s not too pricey, check Etsy for monogrammed “office” items. I bought my sister a monogrammed padfolio for her graduation and she still uses it years later!
Weekenders are such great graduation gifts! My mentor purchased one for me filled with thoughtful travel items like Tide to-go sticks, lint rollers, etc. I was going into a field that involved a lot travel, so it was perfect!
My cousin is graduating from law school next week and i bought her a Kate Spade lunch bag, for the days she has to stay in the office.
Great gift ideas! My parents gave me a nice watch when I graduated, but I love the idea of a camera, or even some luggage to encourage travel and adventure!
Eva | http://www.shessobright.com
I would add a really nice laptop case, though you have a tote there, maybe a backpack (I, personally, am not a work tote person), maybe some LunchBots containers, and a beautiful pen (like a monogrammed Cross pen). Cheers!
For my law school graduation, my parents commissioned a painting for me of my favorite court house. I have the painting in my office. Hands down the best gift I’ve ever received!
Fun gift guide! Is this the camera you have been using? Would love to see a review or a post about how you’re liking it, especially as you’re trying to learn more about photography!