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Let’s address the elephant in the room right away. If you're looking for some great college graduation gift ideas that aren't just a check and a card, it's hard work. First, you have to figure out how much to spend on the graduation gift. Then, you have to figure out what to write in a graduation card. And, most importantly, you have to buy a unique gift that they'll love — and hopefully get a lot of use out of.
Before we get started, please put down the copy of “Oh, the Places You’ll Go,” and the random novelty mug that they probably have enough of already and look towards more practical ideas, like small space furniture for their post-grad apartment, and home office gifts that they’ll use if they're new gig includes some WFH hours.
Don’t worry, you can still have fun with your gift without getting a random toy or activity that you got an ad for on TikTok. After all, your college grad is probably still in their early 20s and needs some fun after a stressful last semester of exams. To help, our editors scoured the internet and sifted through thousands of products to bring you some great college graduation gift ideas across various shopping categories, including home decor, inspirational gift ideas, practical wishlist items, stylish finds, and cash-like gifts that grads will truly appreciate.
Read on below for some great college graduation gift ideas.
1
For the Grad Who Needs Help Adulting
Rockridge Press ‘How to Adult, A Practical Guide: Advice on Living, Loving, Working, and Spending Like a Grown-Up’ by Jamie Goldstein, PsyD
1
For the Grad Who Needs Help Adulting
Rockridge Press ‘How to Adult, A Practical Guide: Advice on Living, Loving, Working, and Spending Like a Grown-Up’ by Jamie Goldstein, PsyD
Prep them for life’s challenges after college with this college graduation gift. From careers to finance to relationships, this guide will provides practical advice to your new #adulting grad.
2
For the Techy
Microsoft Surface Pro Touchscreen
2
For the Techy
Microsoft Surface Pro Touchscreen
One of the Best Laptops reviewed by BestProducts editors, this Microsoft Surface Pro computer offers the touchscreen convenience of a tablet with a detachable keyboard for a traditional laptop. This 2-in-1 laptop has a 13-inch screen with the thinness and light weight of a notebook and a built-in kickstand to use it with or without a keyboard.
To complete the full laptop gift package, add the Microsoft 8WV-00001 Surface Slim Pen 2 and Microsoft Surface Pro Signature Keyboard (with backlit keys) so they can get the most out of this best-selling tablet-turned-laptop.
3
To Remember Their Successes
GraduationMall Diploma Frame with Tassel Holder
3
To Remember Their Successes
GraduationMall Diploma Frame with Tassel Holder
Thousands of hours (from studying and partying — it’s all about balance) went into getting this degree and you should help your newest college graduate honor it with this memento display frame.
This multi-layered frame includes a tassel holder, gold and black matting base, and a glass panel for the look of an expensive shadowbox, without the high price tag. Go an extra step with your gift and make the installation part easy with a pack of Command strips to quickly hang their diploma, without the need for nails or screws.
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4
For the Blooming Work Boss
LOVEVOOK Laptop Tote Bag
4
For the Blooming Work Boss
LOVEVOOK Laptop Tote Bag
Nothing says “Welcome to the Working World” like a chic, spacious, and durable work bag that’ll last through their many career moments. This tote bag is made from scratch-resistant and waterproof PU leather with a quick-wipe finish if it ever gets wet. They’ll be able to carry all they need for the day ahead, and any night plans afterwards.
There’s a bag option for various fashion choices and style tastes with 44 colors ranging from neutral browns, creams, and grey to vibrant reds, blues, and pink.
5
To Protect Their Wrists
Logitech MX Master 3S Wireless Mouse
5
To Protect Their Wrists
Logitech MX Master 3S Wireless Mouse
Spare your grad hand cramps as they start their new job and give them this ergonomic mouse by Logitech. It’s not only designed to be comfortable to hold — one charge lasts up to 70 days. On top of those, its ability to connect to three devices and fast electromagnetic scrolling wheel make it the top choice among tech lovers.
The last thing a new college graduate (with all the adult responsibilities) wants to worry about is misplacing their keys, a runaway pet, or getting their luggage lost at the airport. Gift them an Apply AirTag that they can place on their keys, on the collar of their furry friend, or even in their suitcase to keep track of its whereabouts.
These GPS tags are compatible with Apple devices and will easily show up under the “Find My Friends” app on your phone for quick access. Pair the useful tracker with a pack of Waterproof Airtag Holders in four bright colors on a key ring, so they don’t lose the tracking device itself.
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7
For the Forever Student
MasterClass Subscription
7
For the Forever Student
MasterClass Subscription
Keep classes going with a subscription from MasterClass. With this graduation gift, your grad will learn new skills from professionals in the field. They can learn cooking from Gordon Ramsay, writing for television from Shonda Rhimes, and more interesting skills through a series of online classes.
8
For Their First Apartment
Cartman Orange 39-Piece Tool Set
This 39-piece toolkit may seem fairly boring for a college graduation gift. But just wait. They’ll be happy to have this on hand for when they move into their new apartment.
The extensive set includes a tape measure, a box cutter, numerous pliers and screwdriver bits, scissors, and a hammer.
9
For the Picky Grad
Amazon Gift Card in a Graduation Cap Box
9
For the Picky Grad
Amazon Gift Card in a Graduation Cap Box
You know what's always a great college graduation gift idea? A gift card that they can use for anything.
Have them treat themselves to a household item or some new tech on your dime. Your grad will appreciate the extra help as they adjust to life without the conveniences of a campus. This gift card even comes with an adorable graduation cap box.
More: Gifts for High School Graduates to Prep Them for College
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10
For Tracking Their Gains
Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker
10
For Tracking Their Gains
Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker
Let this Fitbit help your grad gamify their health (and know when to take a rest day) with Daily Readiness – a score based on activity, sleep, and heart rate variability that determines whether they should go light or go all out on their workouts. It also tracks calories burned, heart rate, and the level of oxygen in their blood.
11
For the Worker Bee
4NM Small Desk with Storage Bag
11
For the Worker Bee
4NM Small Desk with Storage Bag
The metal sides of this desk fold out and the fiberboard surface drops right on top for quick assembly. If your recipient is between living situations, this gives them a space-saving spot to work, eat a quick meal, and store items. It's a great college graduation gift idea for anyone you know moving out on their own for the first time, getting ready to take on their first hybrid job.
The removable cloth basket can accommodate odds and ends, while the three side hooks hold bags, cables, and other items.
12
For Their Morning Smoothies
Ninja BL610 Professional Countertop Blender
12
For Their Morning Smoothies
Ninja BL610 Professional Countertop Blender
Now 10% Off
Along with an affordable price tag, this blender boasts a large jug and three speed settings to help them blend, purée, and process food, plus crush ice for tasty frozen beverages. It’s also dishwasher-safe, making clean-up easier so they have more time to enjoy their culinary creations.
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13
Best Sheet Set
Brooklinen Luxe Hardcore Sheet Bundle
You know what's always a great college graduation gift idea? Quality bedding.
A crisp set of bed sheets will upgrade their cheap, undergrad bedding. Gift Brooklinen’s Luxe Hardcore Sheet Bundle as a foundational set with its high-quality, silky sateen weave. The seven pieces allow them to mix and match the sheets with the pillowcases and the duvet cover.
14
For a Closet Makeover
Stitch Fix Gift Card
14
For a Closet Makeover
Stitch Fix Gift Card
Even if they’ve slowly been acquiring business attire over the last few semesters, soon, much of their wardrobe will need to be office-appropriate. Help them start their closet makeover with a Stitch Fix credit that makes for a great college graduation gift idea.
Stitch Fix is a stylist-curated clothing box picked for their specific tastes. They’ll fill out their own style profile on the site and set a date for their first shipment. And anything they don’t like, they can send back. If they love the service, they can sign up for recurring boxes.
15
For the One Who Loves to Accessorize
Mejuri Bold Pearl Drop Earrings
15
For the One Who Loves to Accessorize
Mejuri Bold Pearl Drop Earrings
From job interviews to happy hour with friends, these earrings are a classic accessory. This pair is made with freshwater cultured pearls and designed to stand out with any look.
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16
For the Apple User
Apple 2022 13-inch MacBook Air M2
16
For the Apple User
Apple 2022 13-inch MacBook Air M2
If the computer your college graduate used during undergrad is on its last leg (aka it sounds like a plane about to lift off anytime it’s on) it’s time to upgrade their old system for something new.
For the dedicated Apple shopper, BestProducts reviewed the best MacBooks that you should buy and chose this MacBook Air as the best overall. The updated MacBook Air has the most revised features with an 18-hour battery life, a vivid LED screen, two USB-C ports, and a headphone jack.
One of the most convenient features is the incredibly lightweight feel (4.97 pounds) of this laptop which is easy to travel with (between work trips, overnights with friends, or a long weekend at home).
Uber has become one of the most commonly used apps on Millennials/Gen Z’s phones, so it's obviously a great college graduation gift idea for anyone on your list. Gift your newest college grad some free (or, at least, less expensive) Uber rides home from a party or any last-minute grocery store needs.
18
For Hassle-Free Listening
Sony WF-1000XM4 Wireless Earbuds
18
For Hassle-Free Listening
Sony WF-1000XM4 Wireless Earbuds
Now 35% Off
The sound, noise cancellation, and impressive battery life of these wireless earbuds help them blow the competition out of the water. This pair earned further points with our tech editor, Stephan Vazharov, for its comfortable fit and speak-to-chat feature that automatically reduces the volume of the music when you speak.
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19
For Grad Heading into Their First Office Job
Rothy's The Point
19
For Grad Heading into Their First Office Job
Rothy's The Point
They’ve landed their first job, now help them land the perfect professional look with these comfy flats. It features a pointed toe and comes in other work-friendly colors and designs. Plus, they’re machine-washable for easy care.
20
For the One Who Always Has the Aux
Soundcore Motion 300 Wireless Hi-Res Portable Speaker
20
For the One Who Always Has the Aux
Soundcore Motion 300 Wireless Hi-Res Portable Speaker
Upgrade your college graduate's old speaker with a wallet-friendly option that’s waterproof and durable — making the perfect music companion for hikes, picnics, or random hangouts with friends.
This device from Soundcore was chosen by BestProducts as the best budget speaker from the long list of top portable Bluetooth speakers available on the market. Its sleek design, long battery life (up to 13 hours), and high-quality sound won over our testers.
Alexis Gaskin
Freelance Writer
Alexis is a writer who finds joy in expressing her thoughts on the various random ideas floating through her mind. Her work, which covers fat fashion, beauty, culture, and politics, has been published in Elle Magazine, Allure, WWD, InStyle, and Glamour. She is perpetually on the lookout for new and innovative products, diligently sifting through the vast array of "stuff and things" to find the best deals. Alexis's love language includes a well-crafted spreadsheet and anything that sparkles.
Elisabeth Narine
Elisabeth Narine is the Associate Editor, Reviews at Best Products, where she spends her time interviewing experts and scouring the internet for the best gift ideas for every occasion. Her work can also be found on BuzzFeed and Forbes Vetted. She uses her love of shopping, pop culture, and cooking to help guide her search for the perfect gift.
Melanie Yates
Senior Service Editor
Melanie Yates is the senior service editor of Best Products, where she writes and reports pieces pertaining to the etiquette, dilemmas, and how-tos of gift-giving for different occasions. Previously, she was the site's senior home editor, covering all things decor- and bedding-related since 2015. Her digital byline can also be found on Bustle, House Beautiful, and Elle Decor. A longtime classical-music enthusiast, Melanie spends her off-hours enjoying performances big and small across New York City.
