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."
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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.
Oh, the Places You'll Go!
From: 12 inspirational books for graduation gifts, beyond Oh, the Places You'll Go!And Off You Go to Change the World
From: 12 inspirational books for graduation gifts, beyond Oh, the Places You'll Go!Dear Graduate gift box
From: 12 inspirational books for graduation gifts, beyond Oh, the Places You'll Go!You!
From: 12 inspirational books for graduation gifts, beyond Oh, the Places You'll Go!The North Star
From: 12 inspirational books for graduation gifts, beyond Oh, the Places You'll Go!handmade personalized bookmarks
From: One Cool Thing: A thoughtful gift under $10 for an avid reader, teacher, or a new gradnew book
From: One Cool Thing: A thoughtful gift under $10 for an avid reader, teacher, or a new grad
Printable graduation cards with cash diploma
From: 10 creative ways to give cash or a gift card for graduation, along with your congratulations.
Festive printable graduation money holder
From: 10 creative ways to give cash or a gift card for graduation, along with your congratulations.
Printable money envelope trio for graduates
From: 10 creative ways to give cash or a gift card for graduation, along with your congratulations.
Cash-in-a-can graduation gift
From: 10 creative ways to give cash or a gift card for graduation, along with your congratulations.
Personalized gift card holder bookmark
From: 10 creative ways to give cash or a gift card for graduation, along with your congratulations.
DIY graduation cap gift card holder
From: 10 creative ways to give cash or a gift card for graduation, along with your congratulations.
Amazon's graduation cap gift card holder
From: 10 creative ways to give cash or a gift card for graduation, along with your congratulations.
Venmo's new gift wrapping
From: 10 creative ways to give cash or a gift card for graduation, along with your congratulations.8 of the coolest small appliance kitchen gifts for grads
From: 10 creative ways to give cash or a gift card for graduation, along with your congratulations.
Paypal combo gift cards
From: 10 creative ways to give cash or a gift card for graduation, along with your congratulations.special, graduation-themed food
From: 10 creative ways to give cash or a gift card for graduation, along with your congratulations.You Survived! printable
From: 10 creative ways to give cash or a gift card for graduation, along with your congratulations.Sh*t just got real
From: 10 creative ways to give cash or a gift card for graduation, along with your congratulations.grad cap of mini surprises
From: 10 creative ways to give cash or a gift card for graduation, along with your congratulations.Kelly Castor
From: 10 creative ways to give cash or a gift card for graduation, along with your congratulations.Recent Grads combo card gift
From: 10 creative ways to give cash or a gift card for graduation, along with your congratulations.Late Night Eats card bundle
From: 10 creative ways to give cash or a gift card for graduation, along with your congratulations.