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.
Amazon E-Gift Card
Digital Amazon gift card sent by email — convenient and flexible for teachers to choose what they need or want.
From: 8 creative ways to thank our teachers during a very different Teacher Appreciation Week
Babygate: How to Survive Pregnancy and Parenting in the Workplace (book)
A practical, empowering book about navigating pregnancy and parenting at work — a thoughtful gift for expectant parents or advocates.
From the guide
Dream Variations (poem, children's edition)
A child-friendly edition or inclusion of Langston Hughes’ poem 'Dream Variations' that can spark conversations about history and equality—good for classroom or home gifting.
From: Teaching kids about racial justice with the best teacher ever: Langston Hughes.
All’s Faire in Middle School (graphic novel)
A middle-grade graphic novel about navigating peer pressure, acceptance, and family life—a relatable and accessible gift for tweens.
From: Help your kids navigate the hell of middle school with the new graphic novel from the author of Roller Girl.
The Fine Art of Family by Monica Rich Kosann
A keepsake-style photography and family memory book by Monica Rich Kosann—suitable as a sentimental holiday gift for new parents or families.
From: Cool Gifts for the Holidays? Look no further than our Holiday Gift Guide!
Donation to Book Industry Charitable Foundation (BINC)
A monetary gift that directly supports booksellers in need—meaningful for someone who wants to help independent bookstores and their staff.
From: 6 cool ways to support indie bookstores right now. They need it...and we need them.
The Strand YA Book Box
YA-focused curated book box from The Strand—an excellent gift for teens and young adult readers.
From: 6 cool ways to support indie bookstores right now. They need it...and we need them.
New Mom Gift Set (Pottery Barn Kids curated)
Curated gift set including a children’s book and a keepsake frame—thoughtful for a new mom to celebrate early motherhood.
From: 16 special Mother's Day gifts from the kids this year: Gifts to make, gifts to buy, gifts to mail
My Mom Is Magical Board Book
Board book celebrating Mom with sweet text and illustrations—an affordable, child-friendly gift option.
From: 16 special Mother's Day gifts from the kids this year: Gifts to make, gifts to buy, gifts to mail
Hand-Embroidered Corner Felt Bookmark
Felt triangle corner bookmark hand-stitched with initials or motifs — a small, thoughtful gift for readers.
From: The coolest Etsy finds for spring gifting, treating yourself, or just because
The Official Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour Book (Target Exclusive)
Illustrated and photographic book chronicling Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, sold as a Target exclusive edition.
From: 21 Target gifts for moms that hit the bullseye in 2025
The Complete Poems of Dorothy Parker (book)
A hardcover collection of sharp, witty poems—a literary, non-romantic gift for someone who prefers sarcasm to sentimentality.
From: 10 anti-Valentine's gifts for people who hate Valentine's Day (you know who you are!)
The Thursday Murder Club (Book)
Cozy mystery novel that's charming and entertaining—great for mystery fans and casual readers as a gift.
From the guide
The Bitch in the House: 26 Women Tell the Truth About Sex, Solitude, Work, Motherhood, and Marriage (edited by Cathi Hanauer)
A candid essay collection edited by Cathi Hanauer offering varied perspectives on womanhood—a thoughtful gift for readers who enjoy personal essays and feminist writing.
From the guide
The Bastard on the Couch: 27 Men Try Really Hard to Explain Their Feelings About Love, Loss, Fatherhood and Freedom
A compilation of essays exploring men's perspectives on relationships and fatherhood—suitable as a conversational, reflective gift for readers interested in gender and family dynamics.
From the guide
Roald Dahl Imaginormous Challenge (Kids' Story Idea Contest)
A creative writing contest for kids ages 5–12 that rewards imaginative story ideas—great as a gift of inspiration and an opportunity to win prizes.
From: Your kid's craziest story ideas could win the Roald Dahl's Imaginormous Challenge. Here's how.
Pop Edgar Allan Poe Coaster Set (Out of Print)
A colorful set of literary-themed coasters—practical and quirky for a dad who loves books or gothic art.
From: 30 amazing Father's Day gifts under $15: For when the thought counts, but so does the gift | Father's Day Gift Guide
A Game of Thrones: Book 1 (George R. R. Martin)
The first book in the fantasy series—a substantial fiction gift for dads who enjoy epic fantasy reading.
From: 30 amazing Father's Day gifts under $15: For when the thought counts, but so does the gift | Father's Day Gift Guide
The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers (book)
A biography of Fred Rogers—a thoughtful read for dads who appreciate heartfelt storytelling and television history.
From: 30 amazing Father's Day gifts under $15: For when the thought counts, but so does the gift | Father's Day Gift Guide
Papa Put a Man on the Moon
A historical picture book by Kristy Dempsey and Sarah Green honoring the everyday jobs parents do, told through a 1969 moon-mission lens.
From: 6 wonderful Father's Day picture books that celebrate Dad | Father's Day Gift Guide
Hair Love
An award-winning picture book by Matthew Cherry (with illustrations by Vashti Harrison) about a dad helping his daughter with her hair — heartfelt and joyful.
From: 6 wonderful Father's Day picture books that celebrate Dad | Father's Day Gift Guide
Side by Side: A Celebration of Dads
A whimsically illustrated picture book by Chris Raschka that celebrates the many roles dads play — great for toddlers and early readers.
From: 6 wonderful Father's Day picture books that celebrate Dad | Father's Day Gift Guide
You Made Me a Dad
A tender ode to fatherhood from Laurenne Sala, ideal for new dads, expectant fathers, or grown children gifting to their dad.
From: 6 wonderful Father's Day picture books that celebrate Dad | Father's Day Gift Guide
My Papi Has a Motorcycle
A vibrant, neighborhood-centered picture book by Isabel Quintero with illustrations by Zeke Peña celebrating a father-daughter bond.
From: 6 wonderful Father's Day picture books that celebrate Dad | Father's Day Gift Guide