Graduation gift ideas
It’s nearly graduation time for the class of 2021, which means it’s time to consider gift ideas. Whether you’re buying for a daughter, sister or cousin, or you’re part of the graduating class looking for a gift for your friends, this roundup includes gift recommendations for all budgets.
As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s graduates have had more challenges thrown their way than most. This guide can help you with finding a gift to celebrate their momentous achievement.
Graduation gift ideas for her
Graduation teddy bear
A teddy bear is a classic graduation gift. This adorable teddy bear complete with a graduation cap is ideal if you don’t want to spend a lot of money but are looking for a little token gift that’s bound to be loved.
Picture frame
A frame makes a great gift for that special graduate in your life. You can either put a photo in it yourself or leave it up to them to choose what to put inside. This Malden frame from Kohl’s is designed for 2021 graduates, but a classic, standard frame works too. Either way, this gift will let them display a special high school or college memory for them to look back on.
Flowers
Flowers are a staple congratulatory gift and are always bound to be a hit with new graduates. These Congratulations Assorted Roses can be ordered online and delivered straight to their door to show them how proud you are of their achievement.
If roses aren’t their thing, 1-800 Flowers has a large range of flower bouquets and there’s something perfect for everyone. You can also add chocolate or a card to any flower order if you want to send something extra.
Planner/organizer
Even after being finished with school exams and assignments, a planner makes a useful graduation gift. Whether they’re starting a new job or simply want to keep track of all the celebrations they may have planned, a planner helps keep new graduates organized. We love this 100-page daily planner — it comes in four different colors and is undated, so they don’t need to wait until the start of a new year to be able to use it.
Scrapbook
For many, high school and college are experiences filled with friends and adventures. Buying an empty scrapbook so that they can fill up the pages with photographs of their favorite memories is a thoughtful idea. A blank scrapbook like this one from Amazon allows graduates to personalize their own book. To kickstart their crafting, you could also add some graduation stickers for them to use.
Key ring
This map key ring makes a lovely keepsake for graduates. It can be added to existing keys or new ones if they’re leaving home. They can be personalized with any location as a reminder of a special place. Consider customizing the keyring with your graduate’s college town for a sweet and thoughtful gift that’s unique to them.
Bracelet
Jewelry is usually a solid option if you’re unsure what to buy as a graduation gift. We love this sterling silver cuff bracelet that can be engraved with a personal message on the inside, as it’s something they can keep forever. If you’re looking for something a little less expensive, these graduation bracelets are a fun option, particularly if you’re looking to get a few for a group of friends.
Coffee machine
Coffee becomes a staple for most college students throughout their studies, so celebrate it by getting them their own coffee maker. The Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker is reasonably priced, made for individual use and is less than 5 inches wide, so takes up very little space in the kitchen.
Travel cup
A travel mug makes a smart gift for those graduates who may be starting a new job and commuting to and from work. This travel mug is double walled for extra insulation that keeps drinks hot for longer. Available in a variety of colors and dishwasher-safe, it’s as stylish as it is practical.
Passport holder
For many graduates, life after college means exciting opportunities for travel, so help get them organized with a passport and ticket holder. The Royce Leather Airline Ticket & Passport Holder has many color options, so choose their favorite color and you have a gift the adventurous graduate is bound to love. This passport cover from Etsy makes a special gift, as it can be personalized with the graduate’s name or initials.
Book
Though many graduates may want a break from reading lengthy texts for a while now that they’ve finished school, this little book of motivational quotes is a nice gift idea. Graduation marks the end of an era and can be a daunting time for many, so a gift like this gives supportive reminders that they can flick through whenever they may need.
Bedding
Is your loved one moving away from home after graduation? Bedding always makes a house feel a little more like home, so help her settle into her new place with fresh bedding. We love this Vintage Rose 3-piece duvet cover set from Bed Bath & Beyond.
Champagne glasses
Champagne glasses are made for celebration and are something that new graduates can keep for a long time. These personalized graduation champagne glasses can also be customized with names to make them extra special. You could also finish off this gift with a bottle of champagne or prosecco like this one from Drizly and help her celebrate graduation in style.
Heather Roy is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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