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.
Easter Edition Mad Libs
Seasonal Mad Libs book with Easter-themed prompts — a silly printable-style activity for kids.
From: Your kids will love these 35 affordable Easter basket ideas - all under $15!
Soul Riders: Darkness Rising (Book)
A middle-grade/YA fantasy novel in the Soul Riders series—appealing to tweens and teens who enjoy horse-centered adventure and supernatural elements.
From the guide
Soul Riders Trilogy (Complete Book Set)
A coming-of-age horseback riding adventure that encourages resilience and empowerment—good for tweens/teens who love horses or inspirational stories.
From the guide
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Inspiring Young Changemakers
A hardcover collection of 100 short biographies celebrating diverse young changemakers—an empowering bedtime or coffee-table gift for girls who love real-world heroes.
From: 2 inspiring new books for our change-making girls: International Day of the Girl Child picks
Love Your Amazing Self: Joyful Verses for Young Voices (pre-order)
A picture book of uplifting poems encouraging self-worth and joy for young readers—suitable as an encouraging gift for children.
From: 2 inspiring new books for our change-making girls: International Day of the Girl Child picks
Vooks Subscription (Kids' Animated Read-Aloud Library)
A streaming subscription of ad-free, kid-safe animated read-aloud storybooks—great for encouraging reading and supporting distance learning at home.
From the guide
And Then They Stopped Talking to Me: Making Sense of Middle School (book)
A recent parenting book by Judith Warner offering insight into middle school challenges—helpful for caregivers navigating adolescence.
From the guide
Joyful Courage by Casey O’Roarty (book)
A short parenting guide that offers stress-aware tools and the Three B’s Method to help caregivers feel more present and connected—good as a supportive gift for new or seasoned parents.
From the guide
Radical Kindness: The Life-Changing Power of Giving and Receiving (book)
A bestselling self-help book by Angela Santomero that inspires compassion and practical ways to practice kindness—suitable for book clubs and thoughtful gift-giving.
From: Radical Kindness, by Angela Santomero: Cool Mom Picks Book Club Selection 2
Under Pressure: Confronting the Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls by Lisa Damour
A thoughtful, research-informed paperback that helps parents and caregivers understand and support girls dealing with stress and anxiety—good as a thoughtful gift for moms, teachers, or counselors.
From: Presenting the Cool Mom Picks Virtual Book Club: Join us! It's easy, fun, and there will be wine.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (Paperback or Hardcover)
A powerful YA novel addressing race and justice—a thoughtful gift for teen and adult readers interested in socially relevant stories.
From: I read 39 books in 2018 in Goodreads' Annual Reading Challenge. Here are my 10 favorites.
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green (Paperback or Hardcover)
A smart, timely debut blending humor and sci-fi-adjacent themes—a fun gift for readers who like novels about fame and internet culture.
From: I read 39 books in 2018 in Goodreads' Annual Reading Challenge. Here are my 10 favorites.
The One-in-a-Million Boy by Monica Wood (Paperback or Hardcover)
A moving contemporary novel about unlikely connections and grief—a heartfelt, easy-to-wrap gift for literary fiction readers.
From: I read 39 books in 2018 in Goodreads' Annual Reading Challenge. Here are my 10 favorites.
The Big Book of Less: Finding Joy in Living Lighter
A practical book about decluttering and simplifying life — a thoughtful gift for moms interested in minimalism and intentional living.
From: 13 wonderful self-care gifts for moms. Because we need it. Oh...how we need it. | Mother's Day Gift Guide 2019
Parenting: 101 Ways to Rock Your World by Sue Groner (paperback/book)
A practical, award-winning parenting book full of approachable strategies to reduce conflict and bring more calm to family life—an easy gift for new or seasoned parents.
From the guide
True Colors — Picture Book (based on the song)
A beautifully illustrated picture book adapting the lyrics of 'True Colors' into a celebration of diversity and individuality — a thoughtful gift for young children and families.
From: True Colors is a gorgeous picture book inspired by the song, and we're crying from page 1.
How to Be a Happier Parent: Raising a Family, Having a Life, and Loving (Almost) Every Minute
A practical, research-backed parenting book by KJ Dell’Antonia offering actionable strategies to help parents find more joy and balance—an easy, thoughtful gift for new or seasoned parents.
From: Cool Mom Picks Book Club Selection 4: How to be a Happier Parent, by KJ Dell'Antonia
Finding Kindness by Deborah Underwood (Children's Picture Book)
A gentle, illustrated picture book that teaches children about kindness in many forms — a thoughtful gift for storytime and social-emotional learning.
From: Finding Kindness: A beautiful new children's book with a message the world needs | Sponsored Message
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones (book) - James Clear
A practical, bestselling self-help book that offers clear, actionable strategies for building better habits—an accessible and thoughtful gift for anyone working on personal growth.
From: Atomic Habits: Cool Mom Picks Book Club Selection #9
Leading the Way: Women in Power (book)
A short, engaging collection of 50 biographies of women political leaders across history and the political spectrum — a thoughtful gift for readers interested in history, politics, or inspiring biographies.
From the guide
Bag Man by Rachel Maddow (Hardcover)
Rachel Maddow's investigative book based on her podcast—suitable for readers interested in political scandals and investigative journalism.
From: Political gifts for women who need to laugh, need to recharge, need to keep going | Holiday Gifts 2020
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Collector's Editions
Collector's edition copies of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's books—a literary gift for readers who appreciate contemporary fiction and feminist writing.
From: Political gifts for women who need to laugh, need to recharge, need to keep going | Holiday Gifts 2020
My Art Book — Board Book Trio (Phaidon)
A trio of small art-themed board books that are giftable for babies, toddlers, new parents, or anyone who enjoys compact art books.
From: 10 of my favorite holiday gifts from Oprah's favorite things list 2023: For men, women, kids and teens
Very Hungry Caterpillar’s 8 Nights of Hanukkah Board Book
Board book adaptation of The Very Hungry Caterpillar for Hanukkah—bright, durable, and ideal for young children.
From: 20 wonderful Hanukkah gifts for kids from toddlers to teens | Holiday Gift Guide