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42 Graduation Gifts That Grads Really Love

42 Graduation Gifts That Grads Really Love

March 28, 2024 by Giving Assistant Editorial Team

The best graduation gifts celebrate a graduate’s accomplishments, honor their experience, and help set them up for success. Today’s grads face new responsibilities, diverse living arrangements, and heavier workloads — which have all been uniquely affected by the last year.

Keeping that in mind, we’ve gathered some of the best graduation gift ideas to help your family and friends celebrate the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another.

Join us in celebrating this years class! Check out our list of this year’s best graduation gifts.

Table of Contents

The Best Graduation Gift Ideas for 2023

1. Graduation Outfits & Accessories

Lily Pulitzer Grotto Cane Tote

Lilly Pulitzer’s graduation shop embodies the beauty and playfulness of springtime florals with a fabulous collection of pastel-hued dresses, rompers, flip flops, canvas sneakers, and eye-catching accessories—like the Grotto Cane Tote, a sophisticated carry-all with a natural cane and bamboo top-handle design, gold embroidery, and colorful thread tassels.

Get Lilly Pulitzer coupon codes at Giving Assistant for the best deal.

2. boohooMAN Varsity Jacket

Men's clothing varsity jackets

Hot Deal: 40% Off Everything + An Extra 10%

boohooMAN is a UK-based retailer dedicated to men’s clothing and accessories. They have thousands of items that’ll send your graduate off in style, including varsity jackets, tracksuits, big & tall hoodies, sunglasses, pendant jewelry, tailored jackets, and dapper loafers.

Best Deal: Giving Assistant Exclusive: Right now, save 40% on all new men’s fashions, plus take an extra 10% off with code EXTRA10US including Sale. Valid through 5/16

Get boohooMAN coupon codes at Giving Assistant for the best deal.

3. boohoo Ready for the Future Styles

Boohoo Graduation Gifts

Hot Deal: take 60% off sitewide code USEVE60

You can count on boohoo to look good and feel good with trendsetting men’s and women’s clothing that celebrates individual style affordably (and now sustainably!).

Boohoo’s Ready For The Future collection is made from recycled fibers and features a sophisticated range of sustainable dresses, joggers, bodysuits, and activewear for the ladies.

Find the latest Boohoo coupon codes at Giving Assistant for the best deal.

4. Vistaprint Personalized Graduation Gift

Vistaprint Graduation Gifts

Hot Deal: Up to 30% Off Graduation Products

The custom yard sign that lets everyone know you have a graduate in the house, plus any other graduation gifts at Vistaprint, are on sale. Use code GRADUATION30 to save up to 30% on custom gifts (think personalized photo mugs, canvas prints, and blankets), stationery, and more.

Get Vistaprint coupon codes when you shop with Giving Assistant.

5. Laptop Backpack

Herschel pop quiz backpack

The Herschel Pop Quiz backpack has plenty of storage pockets and organizers, plus a padded and fleece lined 15-inch laptop sleeve that’s perfect for the campus bound graduate. You can choose from 10 solid color and statement making print designs.

Check out the best Herschel coupon codes at Giving Assistant for the best deal.

6. Luggage Set

durable luggage from Samsonite

Samsonite has a reputation for equipping first year college students and traveling graduates with durable luggage that’s ready for frequent flying, whether it’s for holiday visits, summer vacations, spring break, or cross-country job interviews.

We recommend the lightweight, scratch-resistant polycarbonate construction of Samsonite Omni Expandable Hardside Carry On Luggage. It also has 360 degree spinner wheels, TSA side-mounted locks, and a telescopic handle.

Get Bed Bath and Beyond coupons at Giving Assistant for the best deal.

7. Bose Earbuds

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds

Tune out the world, crush a workout, or study all night long with the help of wireless noise-canceling earbuds, like Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. These buds are sweat and weather resistant, plus last up to six hours per charge.

Need a quick boost of power? A 15 minute charge gives you up to two hours of battery life. 

Save more with Bose coupon codes at Giving Assistant for the best deal.

8. Engraved Pewter Graduation Frame

Cap and tassel adorned graduation frame

Relive the joy and good memories of graduation day with this cap and tassel-adorned personalized 5×7 graduation frame. Perfect for any high school or college graduate’s desk, the frame is crafted from jewelry-quality pewter, meaning it won’t tarnish. You can personalize the top and bottom of the frame with a name, school, date, and heartfelt message.

Save more with Things Remembered coupons at Giving Assistant for the best deal.

9. Glass Ceiling Necklace

glass ceiling necklace in 18karat gold

The Glass Ceiling Necklace reminds your graduate to embrace the limitless possibilities they have ahead of them, and when things get tough, they were born to “break the glass ceiling.”

Available in 18-karat gold plated and silver plated finishes, this necklace has an emerald-cut printed crystal with shattered glass effect that ships in a gift box with an essence card.

Get best Luca + Danni coupon codes when you shop with Giving Assistant.

10. Graduation Champagne Gift Basket

gourmet treats

Pop the bubbly in celebration of your college graduate’s achievements with a Champagne Gift Basket filled with gourmet treats like truffles, cookies, and chocolates, plus your choice of champagne: Veuve, Prosecco, Dom Perignon, or Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut.

Get Gourmet Gift Baskets coupon codes at Giving Assistant for the best deal.

11. Graduation Patchwork Pillow or Blanket

personalized photo blankets and pillows

Personalized photo blankets and pillows are memorable keepsakes for all ages; and are perfect for capturing your graduate’s favorite moments and celebrating their accomplishments. This is an excellent graduation gift idea for student athletes.

You can add the following customizations:

  • School colors
  • Name, school name, and year
  • Icons that represent who they are
  • Two line messages

Get Personalization Mall coupon codes at Giving Assistant for the best deal.

12. Ninja Blender

Nutri ninja single serve blender one touch kitchen appliance

Give the gift of a healthier lifestyle (and convenience) to your graduate with the Nutri Ninja Single-Serve Blender with Auto-iQ Technology, a one-touch kitchen appliance with intelligent blending programs. The blender delivers 1,000 watts of power that make nutritious protein shakes and fruit smoothies effortlessly, crushing whole fruits, vegetables, and ice with ease.

Save more with Kohl’s promo codes when you shop with Giving Assistant.

13. Bicycle Repair Kit

Walmart bike shop performance repair kit

Students who bring their bikes to college save on gas money, reduce their carbon footprint, and get to class faster, plus they don’t have to worry about finding a parking space.

The Walmart Bike Shop Performance Repair Kit is a multitool set with a hand pump, chain tool, bone wrench, and two tire levers to ensure your graduate rides safely on campus and in town.

Get Walmart coupon codes at Giving Assistant for the best deal.

14. How to Cook Everything Book

most ill equipped cooks

Mark Bittman has been guiding the most ill-equipped cooks onto the road to mastering fundamental cooking techniques with his easy to follow recipes and minimalist style. This updated, wholly revised twentieth anniversary edition includes alternative baking staples, whole grains and produce, sustainable seafood, and for the first time, color photos!

Save more with Barnes & Noble coupons when you shop with Giving Assistant.

15. Cutlery Set

18 piece stainless steel cutlery set

When graduates tire of takeout, they’ll need the right equipment to survive in the kitchen. Help yours get started with a gift they will use and appreciate for many years to come. This 18 piece stainless steel cutlery set from Farberware has a cherry stain knife block with a built-in sharpener and comes with steak knives, an 8 inch chef knife, an 8 inch bread knife, a 5 inch Santoku knife, all-purpose shears, and more.

Get the best Macy’s promo codes when you shop with Giving Assistant.

16. Customized Passport Holder

signature series personalized passport holder

Life is an adventure, and if your graduate plans to study abroad, spend the summer overseas, or see the world before embarking on a new job, this Signature Series Personalized Passport Holder makes an excellent graduation gift.

You can choose from 19 font options and personalize the exterior with any two line message. There’s also an inside flap that can hold tickets or other small travel documents.

Check out Personalization Mall promo codes at Giving Assistant for the best deal.

17. Personalized Scrapbook Photo Album

photo memory book album

Your graduate will fall in love with the Looking Back Graduation Photo Memory Book Album, a custom-crafted Avery three-ring binder that’s perfect for commemorating four years of selfies, silly snapshots, unforgettable moments, achievements, and milestones.

The binder has 1 Touch EZD Rings that accommodate 400 pages of binder inserts that you can design or leave up to the graduate. We love the year date labels on the photo frames!

Get Zazzle coupon codes when you shop with Giving Assistant.

18. Plush Graduation Bear

keepsake teddy wearing a cap

Here’s a personalized gift for Graduation Day 2021 that’ll warm the hearts of any graduate: a keepsake teddy wearing a cap and gown and holding a diploma in its hand. The bear comes with an embroidery of the graduate’s first name and class year in metallic, gold thread.

Save more on graduation gifts with Personalization Mall coupon codes.

19. Morphie powerstation go

portable car jump starter

The Morphie powerstation go is a portable car jump starter for full sized vehicles with an LED floodlight and spark-proof jumper cables for those unexpected roadside and parking lot emergencies. It also charges mobile devices wirelessly with two USB-A ports.

Find ZAGG coupon codes at Giving Assistant for the best deal.

20. Portable Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard

Ergonomic bluetooth keyboard

Whether heading off to college or entering the workforce, recent grads can use this ergonomic Bluetooth keyboard to increase their on-the-go productivity by transforming their smartphone or tablet into a computer.

Compatible with iOS, Android, Mac OS, and Windows, the keyboard has an ultra-thin, lightweight design that folds in half and stows away nicely in a backpack, purse, or briefcase.

Get AliExpress promo codes at Giving Assistant for the best deal.

21. Homesick Candles

state themed candles

Handmade in the USA, these hand-poured, state themed candles offer authentic aromas and familiar scents that surround an out of state graduate with the comforts of home.

Find the latest ways to save on unique gifts with Uncommon Goods coupon codes.

22. Polaroid Pocket Printer

smartphone printer

Print and share high school or college graduation snapshots instantly with the Polaroid Pocket Printer, a lightweight, portable smartphone printer that works wirelessly via Bluetooth.

Find the latest deals at Walmart when you shop with Giving Assistant.

23. Graduation Personalized 14oz. Whiskey Glass

Whiskey glass

Want a unique gift that will bring a big smile to your grad’s face? This whiskey glass is one of the best college graduation gift ideas out there! It is easily personalized with 3 lines of text, the colors of the school that your graduate attended, and the year that they graduated. It holds 14 ounces and measures 4 inches in height. 

Savings Tip: Check out Personalization Mall promo codes for the best deal.

24. Personalized Graduation Cap-Shaped Porcelain Music Box

Heirloom porcelain music box

This heirloom porcelain music box is hand glazed in ivory, and features a graduation cap that has a real fabric tassel attached. The mortarboard and book design features 22 karat gold letter and trim, and you can personalize it with whatever special message that you’d like. Pomp and Circumstance plays when you wind the music box up.

Savings Tip: Get The Bradford Exchange Online promo codes for the best deal.

25. Keepsake Silver Plated Red or Pink Rose

Silver Plated rose

Looking for beautiful personalized graduation gifts that are unlike anything you’ve ever seen? This silver plated rose is the perfect keepsake for any graduate that is in your life. The metal tag is customizable with their monogram, name, or date (up to 10 characters). The entire rose measures a little over a foot in length, and it’s tarnish proof, so they can cherish it forever.

Savings Tip: Get 1-800-Flowers promo codes for the best deal.

26. Personalized Graduation Acrylic Star Keepsake

Acrylic Star Keepsake

Stars are trendy college graduation gift material, and this acrylic star keepsake capitalizes on that trend. With room for 3 lines of customized text, this clear acrylic star is a lovely addition to your student’s dresser or mantle. It also reads “Celebrate the conclusion of this journey with the beginning of a new one.”

Savings Tip: Get GiftsForYouNow.com coupon codes for the best deal.

27. Personalized Portfolio – Black – Canvas

Personalized Portfolio Black Canvas

Have you been looking for a way to provide your favorite grad with a gift that they can use in the workforce? Elegant and professional looking, this personalized portfolio is the perfect graduation gift to help them make that all-important first impression at job interviews. You can personalize it with their name and a special message that can help to encourage them in their new endeavors.

Savings Tip: Get A Gift Personalized coupon codes for the best deal.

28. Personalized Graduation Blessing Cross Keepsake

Personalized Graduation Blessing Cross Keepsake home page

Blessing your high school graduate with this cross keepsake is a beautiful way to show how much you care. It has the verse of Jeremiah 29:11 on it, and you can personalize it with a message for your favorite graduate.

29. Class of _____ Personalized Graduation Coffee Mug

Exclusive Coffee Mug

Want to make sure that your graduate has a coffee mug that’s all their own? This exclusive coffee mug is personalized with the year that they graduated, so everyone in your household will know exactly whose mug it is when they open up the cupboard. It holds a generous 11 ounces of liquid and is dishwasher safe.

Savings Tip: Check out Personalized Planet promo codes for the best deal.

30. Color Imprinted Photo Floating Acrylic Plate

Photo floating acrylic plate

After the graduation party is over, you want to be sure that your new graduate has something to remember their memories by. This photo floating acrylic plate is an attractive option that allows you to choose some great photos that they cherish. You can pick anywhere from 3 to 5 pictures to be included, and they have multiple layouts you can choose from.  

Savings Tip: Get CrystalPlus.com promo codes for the best deal.

31. Canvas on Sale’s Custom Photo Puzzle

Custom photo puzzle Couple

Your graduate is getting ready for their first apartment, and you want to say congrats. This custom photo puzzle comes with 110 pieces and the customization is a photo of your choice. They can put it together again and again, or use puzzle glue, frame it, and make it a piece of wall art. It’s a fun way to get them involved in making a beautiful piece of art for their new place.

Savings Tip: Find CanvasOnSale.com promo codes at Giving Assistant for the best deal.

32. Class of 2021 Graduation Spinning Frame

2021 Graduation Frame

This unique graduation picture frame makes a great gift for any grad. The display features 2020 (or whatever graduation year it is) and the first zero has a spinning photo center. It holds a 3.9 by 3.7-inch photo. You can also customize it with their name, a special quote, a message for them, and/or a significant date.

Savings Tip: Get Things Remembered promo codes for the best deal.

33. School Memories Personalized Graduation 50×60 Plush Fleece Blanket

Plush Blanket

Everyone needs a new plush blanket to take with them to their dorm room or new apartment. This particular one can be personalized with their name, school, rank, year, titles, monograms, and whatever else that you want to include. It measures 50 inches by 60 inches and is made from 100% polyester fleece for maximum comfort and coziness.

Savings Tip: Check out Personalization Mall promo codes for the best deal.

34. Swarovski ® Kris Bear ‘Graduation’ Collectible

Swarovski crystal bear

This Swarovski crystal bear is a beautiful keepsake that is a clear representation of the beautiful future that the graduate has waiting for them. It stands 2 inches high and is customizable with your choice of a black, rose gold, red, or clear ribbon around the rolled certificate it is holding. It also comes with a gift box for easy gifting.

Savings Tip: Get 1-800-Flowers promo codes for the best deal.

35. Dream Big Graduation Pillow

Pillow 15 inches square

Dreaming big is the theme of many high school graduation gifts, and this keepsake is no exception. Filled with plenty of great advice, this pillow is 15 inches square and can be personalized with their name and whatever year that they’ve graduated. It’s a lovely way for them to remember where they came from and to step into the next chapter of their life.

Savings Tip: Get Personal Creations promo codes for the best deal.

36. Graduation Celebration Platter

Graduation celebration platter

If you’re hosting the graduation party, why DIY your own food platters? This graduation celebration platter is an absolutely perfect way to ensure that everyone gets a little bit of decadence. Pineapple, strawberries, and grapes are dipped into indulgent milk chocolate for a flavor explosion that your grad will love. It’s also topped off with pineapple slices shaped like the numbers of their graduation year.

Savings Tip: Find Edible Arrangements coupon codes at Giving Assistant for the best deal.

37. The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter–And How to Make the Most of Them Now

Book title The Defining Decade

A thoughtful gift for any college graduate is going to include some wisdom on this time of their life. This book was drawn from over 2 decades of work and weaves science with real life experiences of 20 somethings. This allows your college grad to have a unique look into their time of life and helps them to seize the day as they move forward.

Savings Tip: Find Barnes & Noble coupon codes for the best deal.

38. Blacktop Astro Blue from MVMT Watches

Beautiful cobalt blue watch

How about a really sharp looking, extra special watch for the graduate? This 47mm watch is inspired by 1960’s vehicles, with domed glass and dual dials. It’s all brought together with a beautiful cobalt blue and polished silver stainless steel color layout.

Savings Tip: Get MVMT coupons for the best deal.

39. K-Duo™ Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker

Great coffee maker

Who wants a great coffee maker? Pretty much every graduate – whether it’s from college or high school. This particular one offers two sides; a single serve side, and a carafe side so they can easily make one cup or 12, and they both share a 60 ounce water reservoir. It makes making coffee easy and quick, no matter how many people they expect to share.

Savings Tip: Check out Keurig promo codes for the best deal.

40. Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones II

Bluetooth powered headphones

Noise cancelling headphones make for a great graduation or Christmas gift for pretty much anyone. The noise-cancelling power of these Bluetooth powered headphones ensures that your grad can find peace, even in the busiest of places. It also includes an audio cable if they want a wired attachment, and the Bose app allows them to adjust how much noise cancellation that they want. 

Savings Tip: Get Walmart promo codes for the best deal.

41. 20 oz. Wide Mouth Hydro Flask

Water bottle

Your high school or college grad needs to be sure that they stay hydrated. It helps them to concentrate and keeps them on top of things. That’s why this water bottle is the perfect choice. With 20 ounces of holding space, this special flask keeps cold things cold for up to 24 hours and hot things hot for 12 hours. Hydro Flask offers several sizes and colors, so you are sure to find the perfect bottle.

Savings Tip: Find Hydro Flask promo codes at Giving Assistant for the best deal.

42. Home Color Changing Bluetooth Alarm Clock Speaker

Alarm clock

College students love new gadgets, and this alarm clock is the perfect gift for someone who’s just getting into the college groove. It helps anyone to wake up, with various sorts of alarms, color changing modes, wake to light, and even speaker phone options. It’s a lot simpler to get up and going with the right alarm clock.

Savings Tip: Get Kohl’s promo codes for the best deal.