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.
Handmade personalized class rings
From: Keepsake jewelry under $75 that makes a meaningful gift for your favorite grad.Traveler's bangle
From: Keepsake jewelry under $75 that makes a meaningful gift for your favorite grad.Journey necklace
From: Keepsake jewelry under $75 that makes a meaningful gift for your favorite grad.
Wall Art That Reminds Them of Home
Wall Art That Reminds Them of Home
From: 16 great high school graduation gift ideas that grads actually want. Besides cash.
The best group video makers for birthdays, graduation, teacher appreciation and more
From: 10 creative ways to give cash or a gift card for graduation, along with your congratulations.
Etsy
From: 16 great high school graduation gift ideas that grads actually want. Besides cash.
Cooling Bed Sheets
Breathable, cooling bed sheets to help with hot dorm rooms and improve sleep comfort.
From: Our ultimate high school graduation gift guide
Handmade Personalized Felt Bookmark (77 Arts on Etsy)
Hand-stitched felt bookmark with kraft paper backing; affordable, customizable, and sold with bundle deals—great small gift for readers, teachers, or grads.
From: One Cool Thing: A thoughtful gift under $10 for an avid reader, teacher, or a new grad
Printable money envelope trio for graduates
Printable money envelope trio for graduates
From: 10 creative ways to give cash or a gift card for graduation, along with your congratulations.
First Edition Book (their favorite title)
A meaningful first edition or collectible copy of a favorite book for a sentimental graduate gift.
From: 16 great high school graduation gift ideas that grads actually want. Besides cash.
Personalized Pet Pillow
Custom pillow printed with a pet photo — a sentimental keepsake for a grad moving away from home.
From: 16 great high school graduation gift ideas that grads actually want. Besides cash.
Cool, practical tech gifts for your grads heading to college.
From: 16 great high school graduation gift ideas that grads actually want. Besides cash.
A Personalized Leather Adventure Journal
A Personalized Leather Adventure Journal
From: 16 great high school graduation gift ideas that grads actually want. Besides cash.
Mini Hamsa Pendant Necklace
To Ward off Negativity: Mini Hamsa Pendant Necklace
From: Symbolic keepsake jewelry for graduates: 7 thoughtful gifts with 7 meanings
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 guideTribute (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 guidePunchbowl / 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 guideEclipse 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
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 guideSeamless / 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