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Great Graduation Gifts

Ideas for Gifts That Grads Can Really Use

By Liz A.Published 5 years ago 3 min read
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They worked hard for four years and now it’s time to celebrate their accomplishments. Here are some great ideas for graduation gifts:

Clothes Call

If he or she lives in jeans and sweatshirts, they could probably use a nice blazer, or little black dress for receptions with the Dean, or sorority formals. Those heading to a new job will definitely need a wardrobe upgrade. For walking to class or commuting, weather-appropriate accessories like snow boots, an umbrella, or sunglasses are great. A nice watch, or fine Jewelry also makes a special gift. You can tie it to their major or new career too, such as apple-shaped earrings for a teacher, or scales of justice cufflinks for a lawyer.

A Whole New World

Are they heading to a new city for school or work? Get them a guide book like Zagat or Lonely Planet or an entertainment discount coupon book for their location. Public transportation maps and tickets, or an Uber gift card are also welcome gifts.

Décor and More

For dorms and new apartments, they would welcome sheet sets, string lights, decorative pillows, or a gift certificate for wall art, as well as under-bed storage boxes, command hooks, and a surge protector. A gift of a tool kit (or at least a screwdriver and hammer) will come in handy.

Electronics

A laptop and cell phone are must-haves. Other great gifts include a small TV, a Roku, or Amazon Fire Streaming Stick (and a Netflix account or password) for watching TV and movies, a good alarm clock, a coffee maker, or microwave. No young adult’s living quarters is complete without their tunes. Get them a Bluetooth speaker, and/or some high quality headphones. A Kindle Fire or iPad are great for reading and watching shows anywhere.

Frame It

Have their diploma professionally framed, or get them a frame with their school name on it (check the university’s bookstore or website). Give them a shadowbox or scrapbook filled with photos and mementos from their school years like their graduation announcement, college acceptance letter, honor roll, or scholarship notifications, sports and club awards, recital programs, and more.

Feed Me

A cookbook with simple recipes will be a big help. Or create your own cookbook filled with easy family favorites. A subscription to a meal kit that delivers pre-measured ingredients and instructions will save them time and effort. Make sure they stay hydrated with a reusable water bottle they can take along to class or work.

Show Me the Money

Cash is always appreciated. Present the cash in a wallet, money clip, or in a bank, or a jar marked “pizza money,” or roll it up like a diploma and tie it with a ribbon. A slim wallet or card case, filled with gift cards to Domino’s, Bed Bath & Beyond, Walmart, Amazon, etc. also makes a great gift for any recent grad.

Survival Basket

Put together a themed gift such as First Aid (Tylenol, cold medicine, band-aids, antibiotic ointment, ace bandage, ice pack), Shower (flip flops, shower caddy, shampoo, soap, shaving cream), or School Supplies (pens, scissors, stapler, paper clips, printer ink, index cards).

School Spirit

Give them a T-shirt, hat, car sticker, or ornament with their college name and logo on it. Fill a mason jar with M&Ms in their school colors. A fleece throw blanket in school colors is perfect for dorm rooms.

You Can Take It With You

Whether they’re going on a trip after graduation or traveling back and forth to campus on breaks, they’ll need a set of luggage or a weekend duffel bag. A tote bag or backpack for going to class or a nice briefcase for work are other great gifts. A portable power bank to keep their electronics charged on-the-go is essential for traveling, commuting, or the bus trip home for the holidays.

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