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
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.
A Glorious Freedom: Older Women Leading Extraordinary Lives
A collection celebrating notable older women, illustrated by Lisa Congdon—a thoughtful gift for moms who appreciate profiles of accomplished women and artful design.
From: 8 wonderful Mother's Day gift book ideas to celebrate all she is, and all she loves.
Finding Me (memoir) by Viola Davis
Viola Davis's memoir tracing her journey from a working-class childhood to acclaimed actor—a powerful, inspiring read for moms who enjoy celebrity memoirs and resilience stories.
From: 8 wonderful Mother's Day gift book ideas to celebrate all she is, and all she loves.
Arrival Stories: Women Who Share Their Experience of Becoming Mothers
A collection of essays about motherhood edited by Amy Schumer and Christy Turlington Burns—a heartfelt gift for new or expecting moms.
From: 8 wonderful Mother's Day gift book ideas to celebrate all she is, and all she loves.
Brightly Editors’ Best Children’s Books of 2021 (Editor Favorites)
Brightly editors' picks of the best picture and children's books of 2021—helpful when selecting age-appropriate, editor-recommended gifts.
From: The best children's books of 2021: All the award-winners to read in 2022
Goodreads Choice Awards 2021 (Children’s & YA Winners)
A list of Goodreads Choice Award winners and finalists in children's categories—good for choosing crowd-favorite books as gifts.
From: The best children's books of 2021: All the award-winners to read in 2022
NPR Best Children’s Books of 2021 (Notable Titles)
NPR’s roundup of standout children's books from 2021—useful for finding thoughtful and diverse reads to give as gifts.
From: The best children's books of 2021: All the award-winners to read in 2022
The New York Times Best Children’s Books of 2021 (Selected Picks)
A selection of notable children’s books highlighted by The New York Times—good for gifting high-quality, critically praised titles.
From: The best children's books of 2021: All the award-winners to read in 2022
The 2021 ALA Book Award Winners (Children’s Book Collection)
A curated list of award-winning children's books from the American Library Association—great for building a thoughtful library for young readers.
From: The best children's books of 2021: All the award-winners to read in 2022
Amazon Editors’ Best Children’s Books of 2021 (Top Picks)
Amazon Editors' top children's books of 2021 compiled into a pick list—handy when choosing popular, well-reviewed gifts.
From: The best children's books of 2021: All the award-winners to read in 2022
The Marginalian’s Loveliest Children’s Books of 2021 (Artful Picks)
A curated list of visually and thematically beautiful children's books from The Marginalian—nice for gifting illustrated or poetic titles.
From: The best children's books of 2021: All the award-winners to read in 2022
The Lightmaker’s Manifesto: How to Work for Change Without Losing Your Joy (paperback or hardcover)
A thoughtful book by Karen Walrond about sustaining joy while doing meaningful social change work—good for activists, organizers, and anyone needing compassionate guidance.
From the guide
The Last Kids on Earth and the Doomsday Race (preorder - Book 7)
The seventh installment in the popular Last Kids on Earth series — a preorder that’s a great gift for fans who want the newest adventure when it releases.
From the guide
Darkness Drops (Legal Thriller Novel)
A summer legal thriller featuring a working mom taking on a high-stakes case—suitable as an engaging, escapist read to gift to mystery fans.
From the guide
Libro.fm Audiobook Membership (supports indie bookstores)
A giftable audiobook subscription that credits independent bookstores and often includes multi-book starter deals—great for readers who prefer listening.
From the guide
Prime: Reflections on Time and Beauty (photo book)
A hardcover photography book of 130 unretouched black-and-white portraits of women — a thoughtful gift celebrating strength and authenticity.
From: Prime: The photography book of women who make us want to be better women.
The Giver (novel) by Lois Lowry
A thought-provoking dystopian novel that makes a great gift for tweens who enjoy adventure, moral dilemmas, and books adapted into films.
From: Fantastic tween books made into movies: 8 adventure-packed stories to help get older kids reading more.
Litograph Literary Temporary Tattoos
Sheet(s) of temporary tattoos printed with text and designs from classic and contemporary books—fun, wearable gift for book lovers who want literary flair without commitment.
From: Wear your book on your sleeve with these awesome literary temporary tattoos from Litograph.
Ann and Nan are Anagrams: A Mixed-Up Word Dilemma
A playful children’s picture book full of hidden anagrams and illustrations—great for budding word lovers and curious readers.
From: Ann and Nan are Anagrams - The perfect book for your future word nerds.
Book of the Month Club Subscription
A recurring book subscription that delivers curated new hardcover books each month—an easy gift for avid readers who like discovering titles without browsing stores.
From: 5 terrific book recommendations for summer reading, from 5 of our favorite people, like Ellie Kemper and David Sedaris
Your Local Library — Support & Donation
Donating to your local library helps expand resources, programs, and access for community learners, a personal and community-focused gift idea.
From: 6 year-end charitable donation ideas that support children and education
Libro.fm Kids Club (kids audiobooks membership)
A kids-focused audiobook membership offering premium audiobooks for a low monthly price—great for young listeners who enjoy stories on the go.
From: Kids savings programs from popular brands…that are actually worth your time
Kohl’s Cares Books & Plush Toys
Inexpensive $5 books and plushes sold to support community causes—simple, affordable gifts for young children.
From: Kids savings programs from popular brands…that are actually worth your time
A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo (book)
A bestselling illustrated children’s book whose proceeds support charity — a meaningful basket book.
From: Your kids will love these 35 affordable Easter basket ideas - all under $15!
Hop Hop Board Book by Leslie Patricelli
A short, sturdy board book perfect for little ones and an easy addition to an Easter basket.
From: Your kids will love these 35 affordable Easter basket ideas - all under $15!