The 40 Best Graduation Gifts to Start Anyone’s Next Chapter Right
No more coffee gift cards; think bigger!
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I’d like to propose a toast to years of commitment and hard work, to earning a degree that will advance a career, and, perhaps best of all, to never having to wake up for an 8 A.M. class again—ever. Finishing school is a big feat, and whether the graduate in your life is off to college, joining the workforce, or getting their master’s, all that effort deserves to be celebrated, so why not do so with one of the best graduation gifts imaginable?
Gifting for a big life event can be hard, but I’ve done the work for you to make sure the present you give is personal, useful, and guaranteed to be cherished. Maybe the grad in your life has a knack for cooking and loves all things food. Or, perhaps they like the finer things in life and would prefer a fabulous pair of shoes or a blingy accessory. Whatever their personality may be, with a little help from the list below, you’re sure to find something that wows.
So, caps off to the grads—and to you, of course—for being the best gifter and doing your research. Read on to find the 40 best graduation gifts that will make all that hard work feel even more worth it.
For many, graduation is just a final step before summer vacation—or a gap year, perhaps. Whatever the case, anyone is sure to love this amazing trunk from July.
While a towel set might not be the flashiest present, it’ll definitely come in handy, particularly if your graduate is moving into a dorm or new home.
What’s that blinding me? Ah, just this gorgeous tennis necklace from Mejuri. Crafted with lab grown gemstones and sterling silver, this dazzling piece is durable and designed for everyday wear.
Everyone needs a signature scent, and this sampler set from Sephora makes it as easy as can be. Simply choose your favorite and redeem your gift for a full-size bottle—for free. My personal favorite is Juliette Has A Gun, for whatever it’s worth.
Each of these gorgeous 14k gold-plated rings is handcrafted with the birthstone of your choice. It’s unique, beautiful, and a great option if you’re all out of ideas.
Le Labo Thé Matcha 26 Eau de Parfum
You can never go wrong with Le Labo. All of the scents are unisex, so they smell great on just about anyone. It feels impossible to pick a favorite... but this one has to be mine.
If your graduate is headed for run-down student housing, or taking on a brand new city, elevate their everyday routine with the Jolie filtered showerhead. This gorgeous gadget filters out all of the harsh chemicals found in water, leaving hair and skin glowing.
Although you can’t gift a great night’s sleep, this Hatch alarm clock is the next best thing. Featuring a gentle sunrise alarm and soothing sleep sounds, your graduate will get the best rest ever with this gadget.
Dragon Diffusion Santa Croce Tote
Having a big-kid job means you’ll need a big-kid bag. I love this pick from Dragon Diffusion because it fits a laptop, works for every season, and flaunts a gorgeous trapeze shape.
Diptyque Tubéreuse Large Candle
This Diptyque candle smells as good as it looks. I love that this gift can double as room décor, elevating any space with ease.
You could go for an average, plain bouquet, but you could also opt for something more personalized. The Graduate Send bunch comes wrapped in the school colors of your choosing, making this the ultimate gift for graduation season.
Soft, absorbent, and oh-so-luxe, every day will feel like spa day in this Tekla number.
Marshall Acton III Bluetooth Speaker
A quality speaker is a must-have for any young adult. Full stop. Whether for dinner parties, getting ready for a night out, or just cooking dinner, this Marshall speaker will be used constantly.
We could all use a little help sometimes. Headspace offers support for stress, sleep, and overall life improvements. As a Headspace user myself, I recommend it to everyone.
Reading is cool again! If your grad breezes through books, a literary subscription is perfect for them. Just pick how many book credits you want to gift, and they get to choose from a selection each month, delivered right to their door.
I heard this watch described as “champagne taste on a beer budget,” and I couldn’t agree more. Classic, elegant, and affordable.
Graduation doesn’t have to mean the end of learning. If your grad has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, MasterClass is the perfect out-of-the-box gift.
Kinn Studio Maison Oval Locket Necklace
Kinn has endless gifting options, and this locket is one of my favorites from the bunch. Bonus points if you add a photo inside before gifting.
Make their life a bit easier with dinner delivered right to their door. This is a perfect option for recent college grads that might not have the time (or funds) to grocery shop every week.
If you’re looking for something a little smaller to give, this personalized clip from EmiJay is sure to woo anyone.
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