This guide covers the perfect graduation gifts ideas for your beloved graduate that you want to celebrate at this special time.
Graduation celebrates the end of formal instruction and the beginning of lifelong education. Whether your graduate has earned a high school, college, or other academic degree, honor them with gracious graduation gifts. A top quality gift can help support the next steps in their life’s journey. Combine what you know about the recipient with your own understanding of their possible future challenges to select a gift that will earn you an A+ in appreciation.
New Space Necessities
High school graduates may be heading off to higher education and living away from home for the first time. There are many gifts that can ease this transition.
Gift durable luggage or a laptop backpack to send them off in style. Students traveling by plane to visit home and return to school will especially appreciate this gift. Setting up a dorm room or apartment also requires many essential items. A clothes steamer or a handheld vacuum will simplify daily chores. Some chores are just tedious so give a robot vacuum to keep their floors tidy and worry-free.
Gift a natural light alarm clock to create a healthy morning routine. These clocks can be multifunctional. Many include white noise and bedside light options. Add a soft, weighted blanket to improve restful sleep. Trendy house shoes or comfy, supportive slippers are thoughtful gifts.
A small room air purifier or desktop humidifier will also demonstrate a show of educated concern. Your graduation gifts can help make a student’s future living space more comfortable.
SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA 17 Laptop Backpack
This ergonomically contoured backpack by SwissGear is perfect for transporting essential supplies. There is enough room for a 17 inch laptop. It offers effortless organization with multiple pockets and an RFID protected compartment too. The unisex design was created specifically to allow for quick security scanning with the laptop inside of the case.
Amazon.com
Steamer for Clothes Powerful Steam 2 Modes for Wet and Dry Ironing
This compact steamer is the perfect home appliance. It can safely be used for removing garment wrinkles, steam cleaning furniture, or sanitizing pet beds. Anyone setting up a new living space will appreciate this gift.
Amazon.com
Coolife Luggage 4 Piece Set Suitcase Spinner TSA Lock Softshell lightweight
This 4 piece luggage set makes travel easy. The spinner wheels provide multi-directional navigation through any busy airport or train station. Graduation is a great opportunity to upgrade someone’s luggage.
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VacLife Handheld Vacuum Hand Vacuum Cleaner Cordless
A cordless handheld vacuum makes cleaning very convenient. The VacLife portable cleaner has two filters and a bright LED light to navigate dark corners. Use this vacuum to remove dust, crumbs, pet hair, and for detailing the car.
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iRobot Roomba i3 EVO (3150) Wi-Fi Connected Robot Vacuum
A hands free cleaning experience is possible with the iRobot Roomba Wi-Fi connected vacuum. It can run up to 75 minutes on a single charge. The vacuum can be scheduled to clean at any time or be used at a moment’s notice. This gift is a favorite tech choice.
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Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light Colored Sunrise and Sunset Simulation
The Phillips SleepSmart wake up clock is a practical and thoughtful gift. It simulates sunrise and sunset and has 5 natural wake up sound choices. This gift will help the graduate start each day in a healthy way.
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LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Allergies Pets Hair in Bedroom
The Levoit air purifier can clean a 1,000 square foot space in only an hour. Fresh indoor air is a necessity. Your gift recipient will realize relief of allergy symptoms, reduced dust, and removal of airborne contaminants. The quiet running mode won’t interrupt sleep or the ability to concentrate on work.
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Huloo Sleep Weighted Blanket Twin 15lbs for Adult
Give this weighted blanket to promote restful sleep. Graduates need plenty of rest. The soft covering distributes weighted glass beads evenly across the blanket for comfort. It can be used for relaxation while reading or watching TV too. Best of all this blanket is machine washable.
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UGG Women’s Scuffette Ii Slipper
These fuzzy house shoes are comfortable and cozy. House shoes keep carpets clean and prevent outdoor contaminants from spreading through a living space. These closed back shoes come in a wide variety of colors and sizes.
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LEVOIT Top Fill Humidifiers for Bedroom
This small desktop humidifier is a great gift choice. It boasts quiet operation and an integrated night light. The small size is perfect for apartments or dorm rooms. It will reduce dryness in the air making any space more comfortable.
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Comfort Food Graduation Gifts
Of course, food is always a top priority when moving away from home. Gift a small, personal appliance such as a single-serve coffee maker and thermal mug, or a hot air popcorn popper. Select a high-quality vacuum-insulated water bottle to get them to class and back safely hydrated.
Do a little research to discover what restaurants are near their future destination. Buy a few gift cards to allow the graduate to enjoy these establishments. As an alternative, personalize gifting a food they love and can make easily. A grilled cheese toaster (yes, it is a real thing) is a comfort food winner.
Buy a case of tasty ramen and pair it with a stylish noodle bowl and ceramic chopsticks to earn high marks. An electric water kettle will make cooking convenient too. Food graduation gifts are a wonderful way to show your love and care.
Keurig K-Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker
The Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker brews a cup of coffee in minutes. It is perfect for small spaces. Storage for nine K-cup pods is included, saving counter space. Many graduates rely on fresh coffee as part of their routine making this appliance a great gift.
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YETI Rambler 20 oz Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler w/MagSlider Lid
Yeti travel mugs are perfect for commuting to work or class. This 20 oz. stainless steel mug holds enough coffee to get through any busy morning. Choose the graduate’s favorite color for a personal touch.
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DASH SmartStore™ Stirring Popcorn Maker
The Dash brand popcorn maker makes a great gift. Snacks are always welcome and popcorn is a quick, healthy, and easy snack with this multi-functional popper. The bowl nests inside the lid for compact storage. Though small, this popcorn maker can pop up to 24 cups of popcorn at a time.
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IRON °FLASK Sports Water Bottle
Keep your graduate hydrated with this Iron Flask Sports water bottle. The double wall insulation keeps the bottle condensation free. It comes with 3 leak proof lids and 2 reusable straws. This gift will be used regularly.
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Speed-Boil Electric Kettle Coffee & Tea Kettle Borosilicate Glass
Gift the graduate a very practical glass water kettle. The Speed-Boil Kettle quickly boils up to 5 cups of water at a time. It has a convenient auto shut off feature and a cool touch handle. The kettle allows for easy tea, ramen, or noodle preparation. The graduate will find this kettle a useful cooking tool.
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Nostalgia GCT2 Deluxe Grilled Cheese Sandwich Toaster
The Nostalgia Deluxe grilled cheese sandwich toaster is a fun gift. It has extra wide slots to allow room for additional ingredients. An adjustable toasting dial and simple controls make cooking easy. The bright yellow color will brighten the graduate’s kitchen.
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Momofuku Ramen Noodles Variety Pack by David Chang
Healthy Ramen will provide the graduate with quick meals on busy days. The Momofuku brand is convenient and boasts healthy ingredients. Just add hot water and dinner is served. This is a gift that pairs well with a noodle bowl or electric water kettle.
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Tasse Verre Porcelain Noodle Soup Bowl w/Bamboo Chopsticks and Ceramic Spoon
This pair of porcelain noodle bowls come with bamboo chopsticks and ceramic spoons. The bowls are dishwasher and microwave-safe. They are the perfect size for noodle soup, dumplings, or snacks. This gift will be a nice addition to a new graduate’s kitchen.
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HBAOJC 5 Pairs Porcelain Chopsticks, Reusable Dishwasher Safe
This set of chopsticks will upgrade the graduate’s dining ware. Five pairs of blue and white ceramic chopsticks will arrive in a delicate box. They are heat-resistant and dishwasher-safe. These chopsticks make an impressive gift.
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Gifts of Continued Health
If the graduate is the ambitious type, consider gifts that will support healthy habits. Gift the power of sunlight with a full spectrum lamp. Many studies show that exposure to sunlight has numerous health benefits. A heated neck massager, heating pad, or vibrating foam roller will be welcome after many hours working and studying.
Healthy smoothies can be made for on-the-go with a personal blender. This small appliance is not only useful to keep a healthy diet on track, but also takes up very little space. Keeping track of fitness goals is easier with an exercise tracker. Help the graduate be prepared with a first aid kit. And soothe a potential homesick heart with a state specific candle.
The ultimate in a health focused gift is an organic chocolate subscription. Each month the graduate will receive three delectable, small batch chocolate bars, yum! Graduation gifts in this category can also be combined with inspirational decor to encourage the graduate in future endeavors.
HAPPYLIGHT DUO – 2-IN-1 LIGHT THERAPY & TASK DESK LAMP
Sunlight is essential for good health, but busy graduates may find it difficult to spend time outdoors. Gift a busy graduate the next best thing, a lamp that provides natural spectrum light. The Happylight offers 7 brightness levels. It is the perfect size for a desk or small table.
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MoCuishle Neck Massager, Shiatsu Back Neck Massager with Heat
The Neck Massager will provide muscle relief at the end of a long day. This lightweight portable massager can easily fit into a travel bag. It includes heat, 3 massage speeds, and a comfort strap. A heated massager makes a great gift.
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Pure Enrichment PureRelief XL Heating Pad
An extra large heating pad provides full body relief. Gift the Pure Enrichment pad to a graduating athlete or desk warrior. This pad can be used as wet or dry therapy and has 6 different heat settings. It includes a 5 year warranty making it a reliable gift choice.
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321 STRONG Foam Roller Medium Density Deep Tissue Massager
If your graduate needs to relieve muscle tightness, this foam roller makes a perfect gift. The 321 Strong roller can provide muscle relief. The patented grid surface improves circulation and accelerates recovery. Its compact design makes it easy to use and store.
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NutriBullet blender
Nutribullet’s Personal Blender is an excellent gift for healthy morning smoothies or after workout nutrition. Its streamlined design and durable blending cups are welcome improvements. Graduates will use this appliance on a regular basis.
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Fitbit Inspire 3 Health & Fitness Tracker with Stress Management
Give the Fitbit Inspire 3 Health and Fitness Tracker to encourage healthy habits. It connects with Smartphone apps to monitor physical activity, stress data, and sleep times. This gift will help a graduate meet their personal health goals.
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First Aid Only All-Purpose Emergency First Aid Kit for Home
Every home needs a basic first aid kit. Gift this all purpose kit to support a graduate’s home essentials. This kit features a soft-sided zippered case with clear pockets. It contains many essential items to be prepared for potential emergencies.
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Homesick Premium Scented Candle, New York
Moving away from home can be emotional. Soothe a homesick heart with a novelty candle. This Homesick Premium Scented Candle offers soothing aromatherapy. Choose the graduate’s home state and scent. These candles are hand poured with an average burn time between 60 and 80 hours.
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Chocolate Subscription
For the graduate who needs a happiness boost, choose Food 52’s Raaka Organic Chocolate subscription. This delicious gift can be purchased in 3 month, 6 month, or one year subscriptions. Your graduate will receive three bars each month in specialty wrapping. Yummy!
food52.com
Motivational Positive Inspirational Quotes Decor Wall Art
Assist a graduate with interior decorating by gifting motivational wall art. There are so many styles available. Choose something classic to brighten their living space.
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Electronic Graduation Gifts
Electronics are always welcome gifts. Noise canceling headphones, surge protectors, and portable phone chargers will come in handy when studying or working. There are many options if you decide to give an electronics docking station.
Choose one that can power the recipient’s devices: computer, phone, e-reader, and Smart watch. These stations address a daily task and organize the clutter. Keep some of the electronics clean with a practical sanitizer. Choose graduation gifts that will support studying with a smart notebook. Notes can be written by hand and the notebook will scan them for digital storage and sharing.
Great gifts to keep track of valuable items are Apple Air Tags. A tag can be placed on a computer or even in luggage. It allows the owner to locate the item if lost or stolen. For something both unique and useful choose a Tidbyt. This gadget is a digital sign that can display information from various apps. See the weather, sports scores, or even messages of inspiration. Fun!
Tidbyt Screen and Device
Looking for a unique gift? Consider the Tidbyt. This little LED display device will keep the graduate organized and informed. Made in the USA, the Tidbyt will scroll through the user’s favorite apps, showing game scores, the weather, news, or even train schedules. It reduces the need to constantly be checking a phone. It is customizable and blends in with any home decor.
tidbyt.com
Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) Wireless Earbuds
Wireless, noise canceling headphones are great for work or travel. Airpods 2nd generation are a no-brainer. It features up to 24 hours of non-stop play time. With a built-in microphone, your graduate can even make hands free phone calls.
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Surge Protector Power Strip Extension Cord
A surge protector power strip is essential for home or dorm rooms. This simple gift can power up to 12 devices. It will protect a graduates electronics from lightning or damaging power surges. The low profile plug will fit in small spaces and the braided cord ensures better capacity.
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INIU Portable Charger Slimmest Power Bank
This slim, lightweight, portable phone charger is another great gift. Its small size makes it easy to slip into a pocket or bag. It can power iPhones or Androids. This is a gift the graduate will definitely use. The three year warranty makes it a reliable choice.
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Wireless Charger 3 in 1 Wireless Charging Station Fast Wireless Charger Stand
A wireless charging station is foldable and suitable for home, office, or travel. A graduate would be able to take this charging station anywhere to keep their electronics ready to use. This practical gift includes a charging cable, 18 W adapter, and user guide.
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Kindle Paperwhite Now with adjustable warm light
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is built for reading. If you know your graduate will be required to read frequently, this gift is a wonderful choice. Many textbooks are now available digitally and can be downloaded on the Kindle e-reader. This version can store thousands of titles and is waterproof, perfect for any graduate.
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Apple Watch Series 8 [GPS 41mm] Smart Watch w/Midnight Aluminum Case
An Apple Smart Watch is the ultimate electronic indulgence. Yes, it does tell time. This watch has advanced sensors and an easy to read display. Graduates will appreciate the customizable bands and watch faces. This gift is sure to be a hit.
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Rocketbook Core Reusable Smart Notebook
This Rocket Core Reusable Smart Notebook has cloud sharing capabilities. This gift will allow the graduate to experience the timeless feel of writing pen to paper with the digital benefits of connectedness. It is compact, lightweight, eco-friendly, and efficient.
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Apple AirTag 4 Pack
Give the gift of security with a set of Apple AirTags. Keep track of valuable items with Airtags that can precisely indicate location. Put an Airtag into “lost” mode to be notified when it is detected. This is a great gift!
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Classic Gifts & Money Surprises
No matter the graduate, there are some graduation gifts that are always “top of the class.” A genuine leather wallet for a man or woman always makes the grade. A thoughtful piece of jewelry is a classic gift too.
For a gift that never goes out of style, pick a luxurious watch. Many people prefer to give cash. If you choose to do so, make the gift pleasantly surprising. There are many origami tutorials online for folding money into bouquets, animals, and other delightful presentations.
Place your monetary gift on a personal organizer box. You can also purchase a generous gift card to fill up their gas tank and enclose it in a beautiful card that reminds them no matter where they roam to always find their way home.
Fossil Men’s Ingram Leather RFID-Blocking Bifold Wallet with Flip ID Window for Men
This slim leather wallet by Fossil is a great gift for a man. Made of genuine leather it includes a RFID blocking lining to keep credit cards secure from theft. This gift will not disappoint.
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Fossil Women’s Logan Leather RFID-Blocking Tab Clutch Wallet for Women
Fossil brand offers this classic 100% leather clutch wallet. Any woman graduate will appreciate the detailed stitching and RFID lining to keep credit cards secure. The slim profile makes it easy to carry or add to a purse.
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Compass Necklace Sterling Silver
A sterling silver compass necklace is an inspirational graduation gift. This piece of jewelry arrives beautifully packaged with a message card. The 18 inch chain also holds a heart charm.
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Fossil Grant Men’s Watch with Chronograph Display and Genuine Leather or Stainless Steel Band
This classic chronograph watch by Fossil is sure to please. The case is stainless steel and has a cream face with an interchangeable band. Make the gift truly special by taking advantage of complimentary engraving at any participating Fossil store.
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Fossil Riley Women’s Watch with Crystal Accents and Stainless Steel Bracelet Band
Crystal accents adorn this stainless steel watch by Fossil. Water and scratch resistant materials make it useful for everyday wear. Make the gift truly special by taking advantage of complimentary engraving at any participating Fossil store.
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Umbra Mini Stowit Jewelry Box Modern Keepsake Storage Organizer with Hidden Compartment Drawers
This mini storage box is the perfect size for a dresser or nightstand. Gift smaller items such as jewelry or money in this wooden organizer for a surprising touch. Each drawer is lined with linen fabric to prevent scratching of valuables.
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LWBEO Graduation Money Holder
If gifting cash, present your gift in this adorable greeting card. This card gives your generous gift a celebratory feel. The graduate will smile.
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Personalized Name Graduation Money Gift Holder
This money gift holder can be personalized with the graduate’s name. This wooden, laser engraved display card fits nicely on a desk or shelf. The graduate can use the card as a photo frame once the gift has been removed. This is a thoughtful and clever gift presentation.
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Let Gift Lions mentor your graduation gift search. We have already completed our gift giving homework and can guide you to some winning choices. Our Graduation collection will help get your thinking cap on to inspire an easy gift selection.
Whether you want to help the graduate establish a new space, provide comfort, or promote their mental well-being, our gift list can point you in the right direction. We can’t wait to hear about your success. E-mail us with questions and tag us on social media.
