Have you been looking for some cute or classic graduation gift ideas? 18 plus years have passed in the blink of an eye and it is time for not one but two graduates in our family – a college grad and a newly minted high school grad! It’s been a challenging year, to say the least, and we wanted to make it a little special and bought them celebratory Grad Gifts to mark the milestone. Something to remind them of the hard work and resilience they have shown in getting here and of the bigger and better things to come.
Whether you are looking to give your grad memorable, classy and commemorative gifts (like a luxe watch or designer bag they will wear for years) or practical things to help them set up for life on their own or cute little gifts to celebrate (a sentimental bauble or cool tech accessory), here are a few graduation gift ideas your college grad.
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Cute Graduation Gifts from Etsy
I sometimes go into a rabbit hole at Etsy! They have the most adorable stuff. I found some cute graduation gift ideas that are sentimental and sweet:
Hand Stamped Keychain comes with a heartwarming message and a Grad Cap Charm. It Will make for a great Graduation – College – High School – Grad Gift or even just a Student Keychain.
A bracelet that reads “with brave wings she flies” in original handwriting will make a cute graduation gift for her.
A personalized reusable beverage cup in VENTI 24 oz size for cold drinks with reusable straw and cover. You can get it designed with your Grad’s college in the color you want.
Make A Wish Bracelet. This beautifully handmade Make A Wish Bracelet makes the perfect little graduation gift. It comes with a cute charm and a Graduation Wish.
A Personalized Leather Journal makes the perfect gift for any college-bound student.
Hand-Stamped Wallet Card with Personal Message Your grad will carry your heartfelt message or loving advice with them wherever they go.
For a DIY Grad Gift – handwrite a graduation quote, a quote about life, or a quote about happiness in colorful card stock and attach a graduation charm from Michaels or other hobby stores.
Carryon to carry them Away
Whether your grad is packing for college or will be jetting off on business trips, a sturdy, sleek, techy carry-on is a must for anyone including your new graduate who is off on their next adventure.
Technologically-savvy grads will love the Away line of suitcases that has a universal charger with an ejectable battery and they come in such pretty colors. We got one for our daughter when she graduated highschool and she loves it!
They are bigger carry-on suitcases that fit a lot and are lightweight. It is sized to fit in the overhead bin of most major airlines, or pop easily onto a train or into a car.
Weatherproof & Ultralight laptop backpack
While most computer bags are heavy with too many pockets and logos, this Outbreaker Daypack was designed to be light, subtle and simple. At just over 1 pound, the daypack is designed to do double duty as a laptop bag and travel bag. The laptop sleeve and front, quick-access pocket keep things organized.
Your Grad will never have to worry about the weather. The waterproof sailcloth and water-resistant zippers will protect their gear and computer even in the rain.
Weighted blankets
Another one of those gifts that my Grad swears by. I don’t use it… it is so darn heavy to carry but she claims that the Weighted blankets help you relax, and is like someone giving you a hug. It is one of her favorite Graduation Gifts and Dorm must-haves! These Gravity Blankets are some of the best ones, my daughter loves it!
Eyewear
Both my kiddos wear prescription eyeglasses and we have been through a few brands. I love DIFF Eyewear’s stylish prescription eyeglasses that not only brighten up your look but also your view. Every pair of DIFFs sold helps to provide the gift of sight to someone in need through eye exams, surgeries, glasses, medicine, and more.
With DIFF you have four prescription glasses lens options: single vision, reading glasses, polarized sunglasses, and photochromic glasses and all prescription glasses are available with Blue Light Blocking Lenses.
Sonos Speakers
The best way to up the ambiance anywhere (including the dorm) is great music, which is why your grad will love these Sonos speakers. With the Sonos Move, you get brilliant sound in one compact device that will look good anywhere plus it is weather resistant and can be taken outdoors!
Smartphone Polaroid Printer by Fujifilm
This was was a favorite graduation (or getting ready for dorm life) gift that Ms. Peachy spent many hours on. She printed all her favorite photos from her iPhone onto Instax Mini film (which is sold separately) to display in her room along with fairy lights.
You can get a FujiFilm Instax Mini 11 Camera Bundle that comes with a camera, film, photo holder, or get just a printer. Your Grad can edit their favorite shots with filters and more before printing them to special Fujifilm Polaroid papers. It is powered by rechargeable battery.
Now for some practical Graduation Gift Ideas
Customized Bath Towel or Robe
Well, this is one of those nice to have but why not right! If your graduate is going to be rooming with others or using the common bathrooms at the dorm why not get them a customized Bath towel or robe so they don’t mix them up with others on their floor.
Instapot
Now that your grad’s going to be on their own, why not give them something that makes cooking easy. The Instant Pot® Duo Crisp™ + Air Fryer is fast, versatile, and convenient, with 2 removable lids to help cook and crisp your favorite meals all in one pot. All it takes is cook, switch, crisp!
11-in-1 pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer, sauté pan, food warmer, sous vide, air fryer, roaster, mini oven, broiler, and dehydrator and the 2 convenient, removable lids transform the Instant Pot into an air fryer! Saves counter space as well.
Cookware
Another practical gift for your graduate: Stackable, non-stick, and most importantly, affordable essentials for your graduate so they can start cooking some meals at home and not always rely on take-outs and drive-throughs.
Or get this cult-favorite Pan that is essentially an 8in1. This non-stick pan is made from a non-toxic, nonstick ceramic that can braise, sear, steam, strain, saute, fry, boil, serve. It is designed to replace 8 traditional pieces of cookware. Comes with a spatula. Plus, it looks pretty good too! Make for an excellent graduation gift for the graduate who is moving into their own space.
Cookbook
Don’t forget to get your graduate a cookbook. Sure you can look up recipes online but it is always nice to have a go-to cookbook. I like this cookbook by my friend Archana at Ministry of Curry which has easy-to-follow recipes including some Indian ones that can be made in an Instant Pot.
Timeless & Classy Graduation Gift Ideas
Luxury Timepiece
Your grad is going to remember this day for the rest of their life, so why not give them a gift to celebrate the achievement, something that they will treasure forever, like a luxurious timepiece? You can’t go wrong with a classic grad gift for him from Rolex, Longines, or Cartier.
We picked a classic Rolex for our high school grad from Bachendorf’s and swapped the stainless steel strap for a RubberB one (they have all kinds of straps for luxury watches and Apple watches). I’m sure the watch will see many years of wear!
Blazer
A high-quality navy blazer is a wardrobe staple that every graduate should have. It will be something they need for their new career and other formal events. A nice tie, pocket square, or nice set of cufflinks make for great grad gifts as well.
Designer Bag
A nice designer bag will make a perfect graduation gift for her – a high school graduate on their way to college, or a college grad headed to the workforce.
You can find bags at different budgets but opt for a classic shape rather than something more trendy. Brands like Chanel, Gucci, Hermes have long lasting power and make for excellent gifts. Yes, the price is on the higher end but it will be something your graduate cherishes forever.
For luxury on a budget, you can consider consignment stores like To Be Continued, theRealReal or Vestiaire that carry used bags from high-end designers. Vintage designer purses, which can sometimes cost half the price of a new version, are an affordable option as well.
Miss Peachy has a good eye for bags, just like her mama 🙂 She requested a Prada Re-Edition for her graduation gift. The older version was one of my first ever designer bags many years ago!
The bag has multiple uses. Is sleek. And perfect for work, evenings, travel and can be carried in different styles. The hobo-style shoulder bag is made of Re-Nylon: a regenerated nylon yarn (ECONYL®) produced from recycled waste fibers and purified plastic trash collected in the ocean. Win-Win!
See a few other women luxury wardrobe staples that will make excellent grad gifts for her.
Something for you: The Graduate Mom & Dad
Their tassel was worth all the hassle. I’m sure as parents you put in the work to get them to this point. So go ahead and pat yourself on the back and get yourself something to celebrate this great milestone! A Trinity ring that symbolizes enduring relationships or a LOVE bracelet from Cartier perhaps 😉
Or if you are looking for something under $50, this sentimental Sterling Silver 3D Bar Necklace with Vertical Bars can be personalized and Engraved with your graduates’ name. The adorable Necklace works as a classic grad gift and works as a Christmas Gift or Birthday Gift as well. Perfect for Mother’s Day too.
Other Graduation Gift Ideas
Scrapbook & Supplies
If your grad has tons of photos and nowhere to put them, consider gifting a 12 X 12 scrapbook and few scrapbooking essentials. You can find them at Michaels or other hobby stores. A great way to preserve those memories.
Professional Photos & Headshots
Every recent college grad needs new headshots for their professional portfolio. Use code FLY25 to get $25 off your shoot with Flytographer. Book them a 30 minute session with a professional photographer that will help show the world who they really are and sets them apart from the crowd.
It’s off to bigger and better things for these two… Here is to wishing them (and your graduate) a bright future!
I hope you find some inspiration for grad gifts for your graduate here!
Love,
Priya
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