Looking for some trendy and thoughtful graduation gifts? Here are 29 college graduation gifts for every grad you know!
Graduating college is a HUGE milestone and it needs to be celebrated the right way. The best way to do that? Giving them a gift that is thoughtful while trendy.
As a recent college graduate, I’ve been obsessed with looking at graduation gifts. A lot of my friends who are graduating got so many good gifts that they love and I went ahead and included them in this post. Those gifts are trendy but also helpful for the next life’s chapter.
So I went ahead and created a gift guide of all the best college graduation gifts I have seen.
29 Trendy & Thoughtful College Graduation Gifts For Every Grad You Know
1. BEIS Carry-on roller
The very best gift you can give your college grad is a suitcase. This one from BEIS is currently trending on Tiktok and we’re not shocked. The brand was created by people who actually travel. Plus it comes with locks so you don’t have to be afraid of someone stealing your clothes.
2. customized wine sticker
This gift is absolutely adorable and delightfully one-of-a-kind! We adore its special and personalized touch. A wine bottle adorned with a unique label like this is destined to become a cherished keepsake. Surprisingly, it often finds itself serving as a charming decoration more than anything else!
3. graduation bear
This adorable little teddy is not just a cuddly companion; it’s a sweet reminder of the day! We truly appreciate the thoughtful gesture. This one’s definitely a keeper! And hey, if you’re feeling extra spirited, you can even grab a bear that matches your school colors, thanks to Build-a-Bear’s selection of school-themed bears.
4. Nespresso Vertuo Machine
If you’ve perused our gift selection before, you’ve probably noticed us singing the praises of this gem a couple of times. Okay, you’ve caught us. We love our Nespresso.
The coffee pods may lean a bit toward the pricier side, but the machine is simply too good to resist. We prefer to seize the opportunity to stock up on pods during their sales, and we can vouch for the excellence of this machine.
5. apple watch
Everyone wants or needs an Apple Watch! If they already have one, getting a newer version is also a great idea. No matter how old they are or what they do, everyone loves and appreciates the Apple Watch. Seriously, you can’t go wrong with this one.
6. lululemon leggings
Lululemon makes workout clothes that college students love, but they can be pricey for recent graduates.
These durable and stylish Lululemon leggings make for a great college graduation gift, especially for a college girl! She can wear them for workouts, running errands, or just lounging around in her apartment!
7. Aromatherapy Candles
Aromatherapy candles are basically candles with essential oils that can help relax and calm the mind and body.
Considering your college grad might be stressed about things like finding a new apartment or worrying about grades, she’ll definitely appreciate this college graduation gift!
8. Skims pajama set
Satin pajamas are something every girl wishes they had. They’re so comfy and fancy!
Skims is alllll the rage right now. They are on the more expensive side so most college graduates cannot afford them right out of college.
9. personalized necklace
For a sentimental college graduation gift, go for customized items! Customized necklaces with initials are not only elegant but also something every young woman would cherish.
If you’re aiming for a budget-friendly option, consider this initial necklace from Amazon. Alternatively, if you’re willing to spend a bit more, Etsy offers plenty of beautiful options too!
10. personal finance book
Founder Here: I bought this book when I was a junior in College and it changed the way I managed my money. It truly is one of the best personal finance books on the market. It will teach your graduate how to manage their life and live their “rich” life.
11. BEIS work bag
If you can’t tell already, we LOVE BEIS. They put time into each of their products and this work bag is a great example of that. It has over 1,000 reviews on their website raving about the product.
12. jewelry travel case
If your grad is a fan of jewelry, a jewelry box makes for the perfect college graduation gift.
Check out this chic and budget-friendly option from Amazon. It’s not only stylish but also a practical gift for her to keep all her jewelry organized in one place. She’ll absolutely love it!
13. on-Clouds running shoes
If your graduate is a fitness enthusiast, especially into running, a pair of running shoes would be an excellent college graduation gift.
OnCloud is a highly popular brand this year and stands out for its quality sportswear. Plus, having an extra pair of shoes comes in handy, especially when moving out.
14. good smelling perfume
Has she been telling you she wants a new perfume? Or to elevate her smell? Here is the #1 trending perfume right now.
My sister got this one for Christmas and she has not stopped smelling it… not joking.
15. degree frame
Every graduate needs a place to put their new degree. Save them the trouble of having to buy one themselves and gift them one.
16. almost adulting
Adulting is hard! It’s okay to need a little extra help sometimes, and books can be really helpful. Especially books that are written by people that have experience with it.
Arden Rose is very relatable about the struggles of living alone and tells things as they are, but with a unique sense of humor.
17. graduation necklace
Does your graduate like jewelry? How about this necklace that they can wear around their neck as they navigate adulthood?
18. graduation plaque
This plaque is perfect to put on their work desk or to sit next to their diploma. It can be a thoughtful paperweight.
19. funny keychain
Are you wanting something smaller to get them? Maybe you already paid for their college and they are acting entitled. Either way, this keychain is cute, trendy, and cheap 😝.
20. Portable cooler
As your graduate embarks on a future filled with newfound freedom and responsibilities, the RTIC Soft Pack Cooler 20 Can is the ideal companion for beach days, road trips, park hangs, and tailgates.
21. grown-up sheets
It’s time to bid farewell to those dorm-room twin XLs and get adult sheets. If they prefer sheets that are soft, cool, and crisply tailored, the Brooklinen Classic Percale Sheets, one of our top choices for printed sheets, is an excellent option.
22. Bluetooth Vinyl Record Player
There’s a certain smoothness to pulling a record out, placing it on a turntable, and gently lowering the needle—far more satisfying than shouting across the room for Alexa to play a track. It’s easy to set up, offers sound quality that satisfies most listeners, and comes with Bluetooth capability for those moments when they want to switch things up and play music from their phone.
23. cookware set
This 12-piece set includes two frypans, three saucepans, a dutch oven, a slotted spatula, and a solid spoon. T-fal cookware is not only dishwasher safe but also capable of withstanding heat up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
24. cookbook for 1
Assist your grad in saving money on food with “The Ultimate Cooking for One Cookbook” by author Joanie Zisk. This comprehensive guide features 175 recipes strategically organized into chapters for appetizers, main dishes, side dishes, breakfasts, and vegetarian cuisine.
25. padfolio
Give a recent college graduate a professional edge in their job interview with this matte black document organizer. Crafted from faux leather, the Stylio padfolio comes equipped with a refillable writing pad, a convenient pen holder, and double-stitched pockets designed to securely store resumes, business cards, and other essential documents.
26. amazon prime membership
An Amazon Prime member benefits from free expedited shipping, which includes two-day delivery of prescription medication, early access to daily Lightning Deals, and exclusive discounts at affiliated stores such as Whole Foods.
27. beauty box
Each package has six or more products personally tested by Allure experts. With no shipping costs and the flexibility to pause or cancel the subscription at any time, it’s a convenient and exciting way to stay updated on the latest beauty trends.
28. things they don’t teach you in school
This card game is full of 400 random facts to add to that list and help your graduate students learn all the stuff they didn’t learn in school.
29. mini photo album
Gift your graduate a place to put all of those photos that they want to print out. This photo album comes with 256 mini photo sleeves, perfectly sized for your instant photos.
