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Top 15 Grad Gift Ideas

Written by CB Experts

Graduation is such as exciting time in one’s life! This event should be commemorated not only with celebration but with a gift as well.

If you’re not sure what to get your grad when they finish college, here are 15 amazing ideas you should consider:

1. Frame

Why not give the graduate the perfect frame to show off their new diploma? Finishing college is a huge accomplishment and one they should hang proudly on their wall!

2. Travel Kit

If the graduate in your life plans on traveling after college, give them a travel kit that includes a sleep mask, travel-sized products (like toothpaste, shampoo, etc.), earplugs, earphones, and a portable phone charger.

3. Photo Blanket

You can choose between plush, sherpa, or fleece blankets and personalize it with a photo of the new grad. Or you can have their degree printed on the blanket so it can literally keep them warm at night!

4. New Home Gift Set

Following college, the graduate may be ready to set themselves up in a new home or apartment. Put together a new home gift set that includes a first aid kit, candles, kitchen utensils, a keychain, and home decor items.

5. Calendar/Planner

Out in the real world, the graduate may need something to help them keep their work and home life on track. Planners are a great way to keep track of bills, appointments, and schedules!

6. Meditation App

Leaving college can be a huge change for graduates, so you can help them out by paying for a meditation app. Check out ones such as Headspace which provides guided meditations and courses to combat stress, anxiety, and insomnia.

7. Subscription Meal Plan

Another great service you can pay for as a grad gift is a subscription meal plan such as Blue Apron and Hello Fresh. This will help them wean off their college diet and help them learn how to eat more balanced and nutritious meals!

8. Luggage

Whether the graduate plans on traveling or is moving away, a nice new set of luggage would make the perfect grad gift! Consider getting them a carry-on backpack, suitcase, or duffle bag to help them in their travels.

9. Alarm Clock

College schedules can be all over the place! You can help out the graduate by giving them an alarm clock for when they start work. Look for gentle alarms that will wake them up gradually instead of jolting them out of a dead sleep.

10. Gourmet Coffee

Another great way you can help the new grad battle mornings is to gift them gourmet coffee. You can also include a personalized mug and grinder to brighten their day.

11. SodaStream

SodaStream can help the grad save money on carbonated beverages and improve their diet by avoiding unnecessary sugars. SodaStream makes smaller versions, such as the Fizzi One Touch, that are easily portable and can fit into smaller spaces.

12. Budgeting App

Leaving college and working can be a financial shock to a new graduate! Give them the gift of a subscription budgeting app such as YNAB (You Need a Budget). This app is perfect for young adults to track their income and spending as well as create savings goals.

13. Smart Speaker

If your grad is moving into their first apartment, consider giving them a smart speaker such as an Amazon Echo or Google Home. These can be used to play music, set alarms, check the weather, and even turn on the lights using a voice command!

14. Smartwatch

Smartwatches are the perfect accessory for the new grad! It can be synced to their phone to monitor calls and texts, track their fitness, and control their other smart-home devices.

15. Gym Membership

If your grad was accustomed to staying in shape on campus, give them a year’s membership to a local gym. This will help them maintain their fitness routine!

Grad Gift Tips

  • Make it personal! Graduation is a special time, so you can always give them a personalized gift such as a mug, tumbler, phone case, and more!
  • Give them money. A recent grad is probably going to focus their finances on paying off their student loans. You can always give them some spending money so they can enjoy themselves.
  • Ask them what they want. There’s no point in giving a new grad a gift they won’t use. Ask them if there’s anything in particular they want or find out what their favorite store is so you can get them a gift certificate.

Happy Graduation!

Finishing college requires a lot of time and effort, so it’s important that you reward the grad with a gift they will appreciate and treasure.

And with these 15 amazing grad gift ideas, you’re sure to find one that’s a hit!

About the author

CB Experts

Content created by retired College Admissions consultants.