43 Of The Best Graduation Gifts They'll Find Unique And Useful

Forbes

21-05-2025

Graduation is both a celebration and a momentous time of transition, whether your recipient is packing for college, taking a year off to travel, or preparing for their first job or apartment. When curating this list of the best graduation gifts, we made sure each pick conveys the significance of the occasion and is a high-quality item that they'll make good use of in their next chapter—and ideally beyond. From editor-tested products built to last, like Away's luggage and Onsen's waffle towel set, to luxury accessories they'll cherish for years to come, like a classic diamond necklace and personalized sterling silver cuff links, you'll find no shortage of graduation gift ideas here.
Sentimental gifts or well-made necessities (like Leatherman's customizable multi-tool) are reliable presents for this year's newfound adults, but the best graduation gift ideas are thoughtfully tailored to where your grad is headed. 'Think about what their new living situation might be,' says Kat McPeek, co-founder of East Third Collective, a woman-owned consulting business focused on intentional gifting. 'Are they headed off to college? A great weekender bag or tote for visits home is always a favorite,' she says. (If you're going that route, we recommend Calpak's Luka Duffle.) Cash, McPeak adds, reigns supreme—try gifting one of Visa's colorful gift cards—but she suggests adding a personal element to monetary gifts, like 'a thoughtful touch to add to their dorm décor, a nod to their area of study ... or something to outfit their new space.' (See: Roku's smart strip lights, Heller's chic but space-saving wall hanger, and V Coterie's stylish, healthcare-geared jewelry.)
Below, find all 43 of our best graduation gift ideas to thoughtfully congratulate your recipient on their shiny new degree. And if you're looking to further celebrate your loved ones making strides in academia, check out our guides to the best gifts for high school graduates and the best gifts for college students.
Whether they're moving dorms or apartments, studying abroad or taking a gap year, your grad is going to appreciate a well-built (and in this case, expert-tested) piece of luggage. 'I would have loved to receive one before graduating undergrad and going to grad school abroad,' says Forbes Vetted editorial director Brinda Ayer. 'A sleek option like The Bigger Carry-On from Away is a good choice; it's a durable pick available in numerous colors, and the recipient can build out a bigger set to match.'
McPeek is a huge fan of gifting something cute, useful and personal for grads to use around campus. We like Leatherology's slim leather laptop sleeve: It comes in three sizes, 10 colors (including classic neutrals and brighter hues) and three monogram styles.
Give your college grad something thoughtful (and useful) with which to remember fond campus memories, like this personalized LED night lamp. The custom plaque features a campus map of their alma mater, their name and their school's name, their graduation year and their degree information. We recommend including either the oak or walnut base with your gift.
If they'll be cooking most of their own meals for the first time, they're sure to appreciate a cookbook full of basic recipes that are also tasty and fun to make. Gift them this one by food editor and recipe developer Molly Baz: The vibrantly illustrated Cook This Book is full of simple but creative recipes, like minty lamb meatballs with crispy cabbage and tahini sauce or Niçoise sando with smashed egg and black olive mayo.
This cult-favorite duffle bag by Calpak is perfect for to use for weekends away, visits home or even just trips to the gym. It comes in a handful of classic and bright colors and is equipped with nine pockets to help with organization, including a handy separate compartment for shoes.
Two decades later, a handy multi-tool remains one of the best graduation gifts Steve John, our gear and tech writer, has ever received. 'I still have and use it at least a few times a week: everything from slicing fruit while away from the house to trimming a nail to fix fixing a loose screw here and there,' he says. I've gifted this extra-petite one from trusted brand Leatherman, which features 10 tools in one and can be personalized with everything from a classic monogram to space-themed patterns.
This sweet bookmark is worth its weight and more in thoughtfulness. Unlike paper bookmarks, this one is made with durable stainless steel and inscribed with encouraging words for the new grad as they embark on their next adventure. The 2025 hanging charm also elevates this small keepsake beyond a traditional bookmark.
As a longtime user of Intelligent Change's best-selling Five-Minute Journal, I wish I'd had this tool when I was a young adult. The brand has since released a version that's tailored for graduates with busy schedules: It employs the same simple format that makes it quick and easy to practice gratitude and boost positivity but also includes inspirational quotes and weekly challenges designed specifically for grads.
This eye-catching BaubleBar dog-tag–style pendant features a raised golden initial that pops inside an octagonal frame and turquoise background. Lightweight and minimalist, the silhouette is lined with gleaming glass stones and is as unique as your favorite grad.
Another no-fail gift for high school grads, according to McPeek, is 'late-night survival food' for those inevitable marathon study sessions. Stock their fridge with McConnell's artisanal ice cream, a favorite of our senior kitchen editor and resident foodie Amanda Arnold. This scrumptious gift bundle includes classic flavors like sea salt cream and cookies (made with velvety-thick sweet cream) and coffee (infused with both cold brew and house-made espresso—and they're going to need every drop of it).
As McPeek tells us, cash is king when it comes to the most popular graduation gifts—but ideally, you'll add a personalized touch to it, like a separate small item to pair it with. If you only have time to send digital cash, however, Giftcards.com offers both Visa and Mastercard options you can customize. Choose an amount between $10 and $250 as well as from 16 graduation-themed designs or upload your own photo, then add your recipient's name and a short custom message to the card.
This practical, personalized gift comes in a variety of contrasting colors and can be decked out with their full name (up to nine letters) or initials in a snappy striped font. Whether it'll adorn their dorm room or first apartment, it'll never be mistaken as their roommate's. The machine-washable blanket is available as a throw or in a larger size, as well as in a smaller size for kids.
Help your grad get organized for what's next with these cute planners by Studio Tigress. 'I love that they are divided by season, so you can easily set your goals and intentions for each quarter,' says special projects editor Jennifer Ferrise. 'They're the perfect size to pin to a dorm room wall or leave on your desk, so you can check off your to-do list as you go. I also love the brand's set of Very Important Plates (VIPs) as a fun way to send off your grad with well wishes.'
Good over-ear headphones are a study and travel essential, and Apple's popular AirPods Max are our top choice for the best noise-canceling headphones for iPhone users. The pair is comfortable and offers spatial audio and dynamic head tracking, and you can get the headphones engraved for free if you order from Apple's online store. If your grad isn't an Apple user, consider these Bose headphones, our editors' top pick for the best wireless headphones.
No ordinary light strips, Roku's smart peel-and-stick version comes with 16 million color options and several cool features, including sleep mode, music syncing and remote voice control—so they can easily create whatever vibe they'd like to in their dorm or apartment.
Odds are they're going to be studying, reading and lounging a lot. This faux-fur bed pillow will add a thoughtful, cozy touch to their home away from home. It'll feel like a hug, thanks to its plush fill and supportive, ergonomic design.
Forget ramen: Anyday's cooking containers are 100% nontoxic, plastic free and attractive—not to mention effective at cooking nutritious (and not-so-nutritious) meals using just their dorm or apartment microwave. The Complete Set comes in two colors, includes six sizes and can thoroughly cook raw ingredients more quickly than traditional cooking methods.
If you're shopping for a college grad, 'something to outfit their new space is always a thoughtful gift,' says McPeek. These College Cityscape Wine Glasses are both useful and sentimental: They feature a 360-degree print of a hand-drawn illustration of the landmarks and iconic buildings of their school, as well as the university's logo at the bottom of the glass. Plus, you can complete their barware collection if you wish with can-shaped glasses and rocks glasses.
If you're gifting something practical to furnish their new apartment, make sure it's made with materials that'll last. Cozy Earth's bamboo sheet set is made with 100% premium viscose from bamboo, making it both ultra-soft and temperature-regulating. It's also available in several sophisticated hues like Driftwood and Creme, as well as sizes from twin/twin XL to split king.
Smithey's deep, 11-inch skillet is something your new grad probably wouldn't have bought for themselves—but they're going to appreciate having it in their cooking arsenal. This ironware is meant to last for generations, and you can have it engraved with their name or a personal message on the bottom for a one-of-a-kind gift they'll use for years and years.
'Usually, space can be at a premium when they are moving into their first post-college place, so avoid giving things that take up coveted space,' McPeek suggests. This wall-mounted catchall by Heller, unlike regular wall hooks, is uniquely helpful for small spaces because it can hold everything from coats and scarves to smaller items like keys and wallets—and even surfboard wax and bike tubes, according to designer and surfer Anna Dawson. It's available in five colors, including black, red and yellow.
If they're taking break to travel abroad before college or their first job, they'll appreciate a stylish and well-designed case to keep their passport and other cards secure. Royce New York's RFID-blocking passport case is made with genuine leather, debossed with the U.S. passport emblem, lined with fabric and packaged in Royce's classic gift box. It's available in five colors, including blue, tan and red.
A heartfelt photo collection that highlights your graduate's favorite moments and achievements is a reliable graduation gift; even better is one that doubles as a stylish desk calendar to keep them organized. Artifact Uprising's sleek brass easel-meets-calendar comes in two finishes, three font colors and five font styles, and each of the premium 12 pages is thick and textured.
Forbes Vetted commerce editor Katherine Louie says that one of her most cherished graduation presents is a classic diamond pendant necklace her parents gifted her. 'It can be worn alone or layered with other necklaces, and I love how elegant it looks.' We like Mejuri's simple, classy version, made with 14k gold and a responsibly sourced, bezel-set diamond. 'I know this is a piece I'll wear for the rest of my life, and the classic design will never go out of style,' Louie adds.
If there's anything that Lydia Fenet—bestselling author and notable figure in the auction industry—knows a thing or two about, it's how to channel your version of 'the most powerful woman in the room.' Full of Fenet's humor, motivational advice and actionable tools on how young women can own their power, this book is the perfect sentimental gift to convey how proud you are of your grad's achievements.
Help them mark the transition to becoming a working professional or to postgrad life with this elegant multitasking tote from Quince. Equal parts stylish and functional (see: details like polished Italian leather and several dedicated compartments), this bag might end up never leaving her side—wherever she's off to.
Casper's puffy blanket robe feels like a cozy duvet—one they can wear around their dorm or apartment. This fun accessory features oversized sleeves and convenient pockets, and it's easily machine washable. There will be days when they won't want to leave their bed, and with this gift, they won't really need to.
High-end cuff links like these monogrammable ones from Mark & Graham are a great luxury gift for the grad preparing to jump-start their career. Made with sterling silver in small batches, these cuff links come in either an oval or square shape and nine text options and, best of all, include lifetime complimentary cleaning.
Whether they need a bag to use around campus or one that transitions easily from the office to post-work errands, a stylish, high-quality leather messenger will come in handy without looking tacky. This one from Satchel & Page is inspired by USPS mailbags from the early 1900s, but slimmer and more modern in design.
For the office, networking, friends' weddings and other formal occasions, gift them a tie that'll last but also matches their unique style. Tie Bar's Refinado floral tie is made with 100% woven silk, comes in four fits (including skinny and traditional), and features a floral pattern that's fun but subtle and available in 12 colorways.
Tension is bound to descend upon your grad, whether it's from long gym sessions or hours hunched over a desk. I recommend the Hypervolt Go 2 massage gun for these cases: It loosens knots using either a flat or bullet head and percussive massage in three speeds. I've been using mine for years now—and between barre and hot yoga classes, the gym and general city living, I can vouch for its overall effectiveness and value.
If your grad is setting off on their own for the first time, this home tool kit has all of the essentials and then some to handle basic home (or dorm) projects. Take it from Forbes Vetted gear writer Steven John, who received a similar kit when he graduated from high school. 'It was such a surprisingly useful commodity even in my dorm room, letting me fix things like a loose drawer or handle; once I moved into my first college apartment, it was just as useful as I built furniture, fixed creaky cabinets, tightened and mended, and generally worked on the place here and there.'
This nifty gadget will make two servings of quality brew—no espresso machine or gooseneck kettle required. And thanks to the fine microfilters it uses, their coffee will be smooth and grit-free. 'With an easy recipe adjustment, you can make everything from a strong, concentrated coffee for your cappuccino to a clean, crisp cup using your favorite floral Ethiopian coffee,' says coffee expert David Yake of Forecast Coffee.
Four things make the best bath towels stand out from the rest, according to Forbes Vetted senior reviews editor Anna Perling: 'They need to work well, feel good, hold up in the wash and dry quickly and thoroughly between uses.' Onsen's waffle version checks off all those requirements: The towels are lightweight but absorbent, soft but fold compactly and—even better for grads—stylish but minimally designed to blend in with any décor.
For a gift that's equal parts practical and pampering, a customizable pillow from a trusted sleep brand is a safe bet. As a combo sleeper who runs hot, I've been using the adjustable version of this cooling one from Sleep Number—and I highly recommend it. It uses three inserts so your grad can get their ideal loft. There are also two other (non-adjustable) shapes if you know their sleep style; all come with a cool-to-the-touch cover.
Elevate their bedroom or dorm setup with this cool smart lamp that also doubles as an alarm clock and a music player. It's not only compact, minimalist and able to function as a multi-color lighting center to set the mood, but it can also act as their 'sunrise' alarm clock—thanks to a timer feature they can adjust to the desired wake-up time. Plus, they can use it to connect to voice assistants like Alexa and Google Home.
Both space and time will likely be hard to come by for grads moving into their first dorm or apartment. An easy-care houseplant that won't take up precious counter space makes a great gift in this case. Even better if it symbolizes prosperity, like the money plant. I have this one from Lively Root, which I need to water just once a week; it has only kept growing since I got it last year (and I'm admittedly no green thumb). You also can personalize the pot with text and their graduation date and choose from a small or medium plant.
Pickleball paddles are a great sporty gift: The game is easy to pick up and a fun way to socialize and get outside. These colorful vacation-inspired paddles from On Holiday (whose paddles are our top choice for beginner players) have a durable fiberglass frame protected by an edge guard, as well as a comfortable foam grip that's sweat-resistant. This gift bundle includes a bonus court bag and a box of balls as well.
McPeek is a fan of adding personal touches to graduation gifts, including ones that tip a hat to your recipient's area of study. V Coterie's jewelry and accessories, which are tailored to a range of healthcare grads, achieve that personal touch while being cute and unique. Future nurses and doctors will adore this stethoscope ring, but you'll find a range of other gift recommendations sorted by profession on the site, including those for dentists, physical therapists and more.
If you're looking for a luxury gift for your grad, make it practical, smartly designed and one they'll be excited to display in their living spaces. Designed for beverages, Rocco's The Super Smart Fridge embodies its name, thanks to dual isolated temperature zones, an extra-quiet high-end compressor, modular shelving and smartphone app connectivity (so they can check on their fridge's contents before guests roll around). Plus, it has a spill-proof serving top so it can do double duty as a bar cart in small spaces. The fridge is available in four colors, including graphite and yellow.
Now that they're officially adults, gift them something sophisticated and sturdy to hold their precious trinkets. Mark & Graham's beautiful leather box, which is made with leather, wood and poly suede, has multiple compartments to hold watches, jewelry, cuff links and other keepsakes. The glass lid, pinstriped lining and optional monogram text elevate this piece even more.
While grads shoot plenty of photos on their phones, they'll appreciate a high-end camera to vividly capture special moments. Katherine Louie was gifted the Canon EOS Rebel T6 DSLR for her college graduation and says she's gotten a lot of use out of it since. 'I love taking photos—whether it's of friends, food or new places I'm traveling to. Every time I use this camera, I think of my parents,' she says.
A bidet may sound like an odd or funny choice for a graduation gift, but not when it's something as luxe and pampering as the Tushy Cloud Heated Bidet. Not only will your recipient be able to control the water's temperature, water pressure and spray angle, but the heated seat also comes with instant water heating, a night light, an air dryer and a UV nozzle sterilizer that activates after each use. Cheers to a bathroom that feels very grown-up, indeed.