Graduation Gifts for Every Grad
Graduation is a big milestone, and the right gift can help launch whatever comes next. We've rounded up our favorite gifts for high school and college grads, from practical dorm and first-apartment essentials to meaningful keepsakes and fun splurges. Congrats, grads!
The guides
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Frequently asked
How much money should you give for a graduation gift?
It really depends on your relationship to the grad and your budget. Close family often gives more than friends or neighbors, and any amount with a heartfelt note is meaningful. There's no wrong answer.
What is a good graduation gift?
Practical things for their next chapter (dorm or first-apartment essentials, quality tech accessories), meaningful keepsakes, or money toward their goals. See our graduation gift guide.
What is a good college graduation gift?
Help them launch adult life: a quality work bag, home basics for a first apartment, a professional-feeling upgrade, or a meaningful keepsake marking the milestone.
Do you bring a gift to a graduation party?
It's customary to bring a card, often with cash or a gift card, if you attend. A small gift is a kind gesture even when the invitation says "no gifts necessary."
Shop all picks
This guide contains affiliate links, which means we receive a small commission from some purchases to help support our team. All picks are determined editorially by our staff; there has been no compensation in exchange for our picks.
Clear Plastic Treat Tubes (empty)
Reusable clear plastic tubes you can fill with mini brownies, macarons, or candies—handy for making customized graduation favors or small edible gifts.
From the guide
You Will Leave a Trail of Stars: Words of Inspiration for Blazing Your Own Path — Lisa Congdon
An illustrated collection of quotes and original reflections offering visual encouragement and practical inspiration for new graduates.
From: 7 outstanding high school or college graduation gift books: On stepping into the arena, dreaming with eyes wide open, and professional troublemaking (in the best possible way)Tribute (DIY group video maker)
DIY group video service with unlimited invites/submissions — affordable option for creating heartfelt compilation videos for gifts.
From the guide
Mortarboard Cupcake Toppers
Decorative mortarboard toppers you can add to store-bought or homemade cupcakes to create a polished, graduation-themed gift or party dessert.
From the guide
Professional Troublemaker: The Fear-Fighter Manual — Luvvie Ajayi Jones
A bold, humorous manual encouraging courage and action—an energizing gift for grads who want to make an impact.
From: 7 outstanding high school or college graduation gift books: On stepping into the arena, dreaming with eyes wide open, and professional troublemaking (in the best possible way)Punchbowl / Memento (group video & digital greetings)
Digital greeting-card company offering Memento group videos — familiar, easy-to-use option for shared video keepsakes and e-cards.
From the guide
Snack-Cake Graduation Cap Cupcakes
A simple DIY treat idea using snack-cake bottoms and cookie mortarboard toppers—easy to make and customizable in school colors for a festive gift or party platter.
From the guide
The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse — Charlie Mackesy
A beautifully illustrated book of gentle wisdom and kindness that makes an encouraging and heartwarming gift for graduates.
From: 7 outstanding high school or college graduation gift books: On stepping into the arena, dreaming with eyes wide open, and professional troublemaking (in the best possible way)Eclipse Marble Portable Charger (Native Union)
A polished portable battery bank for charging phones, tablets, and more on the go with a marble-style finish.
From the guide
17 great high school graduation gift ideas kids actually want, besides cash
Graduation mortarboard cupcake toppers make cupcakes instantly festive and are an easy, crowd-pleasing gift for grads or party hosts.
From the guide
Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption — Bryan Stevenson
A powerful memoir about justice and advocacy that can inspire graduates to think critically about fairness and service.
From: 7 outstanding high school or college graduation gift books: On stepping into the arena, dreaming with eyes wide open, and professional troublemaking (in the best possible way)
TAO Clean Ona Diamond Facial Brush with UVC Cleansing Station
Orbital facial brush with a UV-C self-cleaning docking station — replaces old cleansing brushes with a hygienic, high-tech option.
From the guide
ABC Bars (Trader Joe's)
Low-sugar almond-butter snack bars that are portable and family-friendly for on-the-go protein boosts.
From the guide
The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World — Desmond Tutu & Dalai Lama
Conversations between the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu about finding joy and resilience—an uplifting and wise gift for graduates.
From: 7 outstanding high school or college graduation gift books: On stepping into the arena, dreaming with eyes wide open, and professional troublemaking (in the best possible way)Seamless / Grubhub Food Delivery App
Food delivery app to order restaurant meals for a game-day gathering—convenient for feeding guests without cooking.
From the guide
Sushi Mason Jar Recipe (Clean Food Crush)
A deconstructed sushi-in-a-jar recipe that provides a fun alternative to sandwiches for kids who love sushi flavors.
From the guide
All Along You Were Blooming — Morgan Harper Nichols
A short, poetic collection with uplifting art and messages about growth and self-compassion, ideal as a thoughtful grad keepsake.
From: 7 outstanding high school or college graduation gift books: On stepping into the arena, dreaming with eyes wide open, and professional troublemaking (in the best possible way)Anker Multiport USB Charger
A multiport USB power adapter that centralizes device charging to reduce the number of wall plugs and cables needed.
From the guide
SoYoung Petite Poches Insulated Cooler Bag
Compact cooler-style insulated bag with detachable strap and removable insert for easy cleaning — a versatile gift for teens and adults.
From the guide
Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live — Brené Brown
Brené Brown's guide on vulnerability and courage, a practical and uplifting book for grads navigating relationships and leadership.
From: 7 outstanding high school or college graduation gift books: On stepping into the arena, dreaming with eyes wide open, and professional troublemaking (in the best possible way)Belkin 3-in-1 MagSafe Wireless Charger
An Apple-approved charging station that consolidates iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods charging into a single, design-forward unit.
From the guide
Kraft Paper Wine Carrier with Cooler
Insulated Kraft-style wine carrier that holds and protects a bottle for gifting or transport.
From the guide
The Source of Self-Regard: Selected Essays, Speeches, and Meditations — Toni Morrison
A collection of Toni Morrison's essays and speeches that provides wise, eloquent reflections well suited as a contemplative graduation gift.
From: 7 outstanding high school or college graduation gift books: On stepping into the arena, dreaming with eyes wide open, and professional troublemaking (in the best possible way)VHS Camcorder (Rarevision) app
A retro video app that applies authentic 1980s camcorder effects (date stamp, static, color bleed) — a fun gift for nostalgia-loving creators and videographers.
From the guide
Personalized Gift Card Holder Bookmark (printable download)
A downloadable, customizable bookmark that doubles as a gift card holder — practical and personal for grads who love to read.
From: 10 creative ways to give cash or a gift card for graduation, along with your congratulations.Happy-ness Woven Earbuds
Colorful woven earbuds designed to add a joyful, stylish look while delivering personal audio on the go.
From the guide
DIY Graduation Cap Gift Card Holder (tutorial)
A free tutorial to make a miniature graduation cap that holds a gift card — a crafty, themed presentation for gift cards.
From: 10 creative ways to give cash or a gift card for graduation, along with your congratulations.Gold Apple Watch Band
A gold-colored replacement band to give an Apple Watch a more elegant, jewelry-like look.
From the guide
Cash-in-a-Can Graduation Gift (DIY kit/tutorial)
A step-by-step tutorial and printable to turn a can into a novelty cash gift — creative presentation for giving money to a grad.
From: 10 creative ways to give cash or a gift card for graduation, along with your congratulations.Fitbit Versa (Rose Gold)
A stylish smartwatch and fitness tracker that monitors activity and sleep while offering smartwatch features in a rose-gold finish.
From the guide
Printable Graduation Card with Cash Diploma (printable)
A printable card that folds cash into a diploma shape — a clever, low-cost way to give money with a celebratory presentation.
From: 10 creative ways to give cash or a gift card for graduation, along with your congratulations.Rebecca Minkoff Power Tassel Keychain
A leather tassel keychain that hides charging cables to provide discreet extra battery life for an iPhone.
From the guide
PayPal Combo Gift Cards (digital gifts)
Digital combo gift cards from PayPal that let you send a monetary gift electronically in various preset amounts.
From: 10 creative ways to give cash or a gift card for graduation, along with your congratulations.Samsung Kids Tablet
A kid-friendly tablet with parental controls and upgraded features that offers grown-up performance at an affordable price—good for learning, videos, and apps.
From the guide
Dare to Dream Big
An encouraging picture book that reminds kids their hopes and activism can make a difference — suited for young graduates with big ambitions.
From: 12 inspirational books for graduation gifts, beyond Oh, the Places You'll Go!Personalized Wood AirPod Case (K&K Flowers)
A personalized wooden AirPod case available in several woods and fonts — stylish, protective, and affordable tech accessory.
From the guide
You're Here for a Reason
Nancy Tillman's reassuring picture book reminding readers they matter — a comforting and meaningful gift for someone facing a new chapter.
From: 12 inspirational books for graduation gifts, beyond Oh, the Places You'll Go!Beamhaus Billfold for iPhone 5 (Griffin)
A minimalist leather billfold that holds an iPhone 5 without being a full case—easy to slide the phone in and out and stylish for everyday carry.
From the guide
Dear Graduate
A thoughtful book that reframes growing up as choosing how to make a difference, making it a meaningful gift for graduates of any age.
From: 12 inspirational books for graduation gifts, beyond Oh, the Places You'll Go!AmpliFi HD Home WiFi System (router + 2 mesh points)
A mesh WiFi kit that boosts home coverage and includes parental-friendly features, making it a useful gift for families needing reliable whole-home internet.
From the guide
I Wish You More
Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld's gently sentimental book of hopes and wishes — a modern, heartfelt gift for graduates.
From: 12 inspirational books for graduation gifts, beyond Oh, the Places You'll Go!YouTube TV subscription
A subscription service that replaces traditional cable with live TV from major networks plus cloud DVR — good for someone who wants live channels without a cable box.
From the guide
The Wonderful Things You Will Be
A beautifully illustrated, uplifting book that encourages kids to grow into kind, thoughtful people — a sweet keepsake for young grads.
From: 12 inspirational books for graduation gifts, beyond Oh, the Places You'll Go!Bose QuietComfort 25 Noise Cancelling Headphones
Over-ear noise-cancelling headphones that deliver comfortable fit and clear audio — ideal for frequent travelers or commuters.
From the guide
I Wish for You
A tender, illustrated book of heartfelt wishes from parents to children — a sentimental keepsake for a child leaving for a new stage.
From: 12 inspirational books for graduation gifts, beyond Oh, the Places You'll Go!ANKI Cozmo Robot — Coding Toy and Interactive Robot
A small, programmable robot that’s fun for kids and tech enthusiasts — great for learning basic coding and interactive play.
From the guide
And Off You Go to Change the World
An upbeat, illustrated book that highlights ways kids can make a positive impact — a motivating present for graduates at many ages.
From: 12 inspirational books for graduation gifts, beyond Oh, the Places You'll Go!Philips DiamondClean / DiamondCare Smart Toothbrush System
A high-end electric toothbrush system with smart features for improved oral care — a practical, health-focused gift.
From the guide
Maybe: A Story about the Endless Potential in All of Us
A reflective, beautifully illustrated book about possibility and purpose — a calming, inspirational gift for older kids and young adults.
From: 12 inspirational books for graduation gifts, beyond Oh, the Places You'll Go!Paprika Recipe Manager (meal-planning app)
A recipe manager and meal-planning app that saves recipes from the web, creates grocery lists from ingredients, and syncs across devices — handy for busy families.
From the guide