Looking for the most thoughtful college graduation gifts? Here are 27 gift ideas that are guaranteed to be their favorite gift!
College graduation is one of the biggest milestones, and it needs to be properly celebrated with the perfect gift. This is such a fun gift to shop for because the grad is probably getting their own apartment, starting a new job, or maybe even going off to grad school, so there are so many directions you could go with your gift.
I love gifting stuff for a new apartment because that stuff can get expensive, so the grad will really appreciate that they won’t have to worry about that when they move into their apartment. Here are some of my favorite college graduation gifts.
This post is all about college graduation gifts.
TOP COLLEGE GRADUATION GIFTS:
Best Overall: Caraway Complete Pots and Pans Set
“I have had my Caraway set for three years now. Absolutely the best cookware I've ever had.”
Best Under $25: One Line A Day Journal
“It's only been about a month, but already I know it's going to be so fun to look back over the years and remember the big and little things that have happened each day.”
Best Value: Nespresso Vertuo Machine
“If you've never had coffee from a Nespresso Vertuo machine, you owe it to yourself to try it out. It is a whole level beyond Keurig-type brewing.”
Most Popular: Apple Watch
“I love this product and it’s worth the investment. It’s low key life changing.”
Best Custom Gift: DIY Custom Wine Bottle Label
"The best thing about this little DIY is that it can be really budget friendly and it's a special gift they'll keep for forever."
Most Unique: New York Times Front Page Puzzle
“I absolutely loved doing this puzzle. I received this puzzle as a gift and had a lot of fun putting it together.”
Best Graduation Gift For Him: Yeti Cooler
“Great product. Stands up to typical Yeti quality. This is great for 1-2 days of ice. Quick road trips, tailgates, BBQ's, etc. Mobility and overall effectiveness is great."
THE BEST COLLEGE GRADUATION GIFTS:
1. Beis Carry On Luggage
Luggage is the perfect gift for a college grad because they will probably be traveling now that they’re out of school. Beis has the prettiest luggage, and I swear it’s made by people who actually travel.
“I’m OBSESSED!! Such a game changer for a luggage. I can’t wait to buy more! Such a simple by pretty exterior & design.”
2. Nespresso Vertuo
I am obsessed with my Nespresso! This machine is the gift that keeps on giving because you are saving your grad from spending all of their money at coffee shops but allowing them to make coffee that’s just as good.
This is one of the most popular college graduation gifts for son or daughter!
“If you've never had coffee from a Nespresso Vertuo machine, you owe it to yourself to try it out. It is a whole level beyond Keurig-type brewing.”
3. Trendy Wine Glasses
Nothing better for a college grad than an alcohol-related gift! These wine glasses are SO cute and trendy. You could also get some gorgeous coupe glasses from CB2 and give them a whole collection of cocktail glasses.
“Perfect fun wine glass set - a bit larger/wider than I expected, but I like that it's a fun + differentiated shape for having people over.”
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GRADUATION PARTY PLANNING TIMELINE
This graduation party planning timeline will make sure that you are getting everything done for a party you'll always remember.
4. DIY Custom Wine Bottle Label
When my friends graduated from college, this is what I gave them! I made the labels myself, and I shared exactly how to make them here on BSL. This DIY is a fun, customized gift that they will remember forever.
"The best thing about this little DIY is that it can be really budget friendly and it's a special gift they'll keep for forever."
5. Mejuri Hoop Earrings
Mejuri jewelry is lovely, but it’s not something that your grad probably buys for themselves often. These croissant earrings are super trendy right now and definitely will be worn often!
“I’ve had these for about 6 weeks now and wear them almost daily. They are a great everyday earring that look nice without making too much of a statement."
6. Caraway Complete Pots & Pans Set
I am obsessed with these pots and pans, and I would be absolutely thrilled if I received them when I graduated from college. The set comes with handy accessories to store them, and they are so pretty they are practically kitchen decor.
“I have had my Caraway set for three years now. Absolutely the best cookware I've ever had.”
7. Sleeper Party Pajamas Set
If you haven’t seen these pajamas all over your social media feed, where have you been? These “party pajamas” are THE gift of this year. There are so many fun colors and styles, so be sure to check them out!
“But feathers aside, my favorite part of this set was a huge surprise to me: The quality. I was utterly shocked to open the package and immediately see gorgeous seam finishes”
8. Engraved Layered Necklace
There’s nothing like a personalized gift, and this Gorjana necklace is so cute and simple but still has a touch of personalization. The little tag can be customized with the grad’s initials and comes in the cutest layering set. This could be one of the sweetest college graduation gifts from parents.
“I love that we can engrave a lil something special and customize it and make it that much more special!”
9. New York Times Front Page Puzzle
This puzzle is the most incredible gift ever for any significant milestone. You select the date you want, and then you are sent a custom puzzle with the front page of the New York Times on that day in history. It would be so cool to have this for years to come and remember what was going on in the world on the day of your graduation.
“I absolutely loved doing this puzzle. I received this puzzle as a gift and had a lot of fun putting it together.”
10. Necessaire Body Care Set
Necessaire has the most gentle, luxurious skincare products loved by many! I would be thrilled to receive this body set as a graduation gift, and I’m sure your grad will be too. Their packaging and brand aesthetic is a gift in itself.
11. Travel Jewelry Box
There are so many travel jewelry boxes out there, some of them almost $100, and that seems a little crazy. This jewelry case is inexpensive on Etsy and could be paired with some lovely earrings to make a more significant gift!
“Love this jewelry case! It’s so dainty and I’m really exited to put all of my favorite jewelry pieces in it!”
12. Homesick Candle (with their college town)
These Homesick candles are super trendy, so your grad will be excited to receive one! They have candles for almost every major city, so check their website and order one for your grad’s college town!
“Beautifully packaged and smells wonderful. Gifting this to a younger cousin who is enrolled in college on the other side of the country.”
13. The Tote Bag
If you haven’t seen this tote bag, you’ve been living under a rock. I just got this bag, and it is so convenient for carrying my laptop and all of my work essentials. A college graduate will be obsessed with not only the looks but the functionality of this Marc Jacobs tote.
“I use this bag for work, and fits everything I need without having to dump the contents to find what I need.”
14. Apple Watch
If you don’t have an Apple watch in 2022, it’s time to up your productivity game and invest in one! An apple watch is a game-changer, especially for a college graduate (with their busy lifestyle). It’s the gift that keeps on giving!
15. Winc Wine Subscription
If your college grad is a wine drinker, you need to set them up with a Winc subscription! They can take a wine quiz and then make a custom bundle that will get delivered to their front door! It’s so fun!
“It’s easy and convenient. The wine selection is amazing! I have been satisfied with every suggestion and selection!”
16. Yeti Cooler
Many college grads will be taking trips and going on adventures after graduation. You can contribute to that by getting them a nice cooler bag that they can take everywhere with them! This is the perfect college graduation gift for him.
“Great product. Stands up to typical Yeti quality. This is great for 1-2 days of ice. Quick road trips, tailgates, BBQ's, etc. Mobility and overall effectiveness is great."
17. Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Kettle
I have had my eye on this kettle forever, and I want to buy it badly! This electric kettle would be a fantastic college graduation gift because they will likely have it for many years and continue to love it.
18. The Four Agreements
This book truly changes your perspective on life, and there’s no better person to receive some life wisdom than a college graduate. I recommend everyone read this book, especially young people looking for direction in life!
“The wisdom in this book has completely transformed my life, more than anything thing else I've ever read or meditated on.”
19. Bauble Bar Custom Phone Case
Lately, these phone cases have been all over my social media feeds, and I have been dying for one. They are a little pricey, but they are one of the best college graduation gifts for her because they're something your grad would have a hard time justifying buying for themselves. There are so many fun patterns and designs, so pick one that reminds you of your grad's vibe.
20. Airbnb Gift Card
Like I said before, post-college graduation is when many people choose to take some trips before getting locked down in a job. If you want to help fund some of their adventures, get them an Airbnb gift card! If you wanted to go above and beyond, you could pair this with tickets to an attraction (where they could stay in an Airbnb).
“This gift card was a perfect gift for my cousin! It came in under 2 days (with Amazon Prime), and it was in great condition!”
21. One Line A Day Journal
I got this journal at the start of this year, and it is so easy and unique. All you have to do is write one line a day for five years, and then you have the most fantastic memory book of all time. How perfect is this for a college graduate entering an exciting new life chapter?
Seriously, it's one of my favorite ideas for college graduation gifts.
“It's only been about a month, but already I know it's going to be so fun to look back over the years and remember the big and little things that have happened each day.”
22. Acrylic Countertop Wine Rack
I was so excited to put together a trendy bar cart for my apartment after I graduated from college, and I'm sure your grad is too. This acrylic wine bottle holder would look so cute on a bar cart or countertop and would definitely be put to good use by a young grad in their twenties.
“Obsessed with this wine rack. I get compliments from guests all the time. It’s very sturdy and chic.”
23. Custom Wellness Journal
Everyone has their preferences in planners, but a wellness planner is general enough to please everyone! This "Jag" print is incredibly trendy, and the journal even comes customized with the grad's name printed on the cover. You can't go wrong with any gift from Papier.
“I'm thrilled with my book, its beautiful and i enjoy writing in it every day. Will definitely buy more.”
24. Lululemon Belt Bag
The Lululemon belt bag is genuinely life-changing! I bring mine everywhere with me, and I couldn't love it more. Because I treasure mine so much, this has become not only my favorite college graduation gifts for friends but my favorite gift overall!
“I love love love it! I usually carry a small crossbody, but I wanted something more accessible and it fits all my stuff from my crossbody.”
25. Custom Acrylic Wall Calendar
How cool is this? If you are looking for a useful custom graduation gift, this is super pretty and will, without a doubt, be the grad's favorite gift. I wish I had one of these, and I think it's so cool that you can have your name put on it!
“Seriously in love with this calendar! Looks so great in our kitchen, such a nice clean style”
26. Baggu Bag Set
Baggu Bags are my absolute favorite thing, but they're not a super substantial gift. If you give your grad a set of reusable Baggu shopping bags and pair them with a gift card to their local grocery store, you will have a fantastic gift!
“This silverware tray is very well made, love that it acrylic! It has high sides and lots of room.”
27. Gift Cards
You can never go wrong with a gift card! Everyone loves them, and you can even make them a little special (like the Airbnb gift card and grocery store gift card with the bags). If you don't know the grad super well, this might be your best bet! Men can be hard to shop for, so this is also one of the best college graduation gifts for guys.
COLLEGE GRADUATION GIFTS Q&A
What is an appropriate gift for a college graduation?
The best college graduation gifts are things that will help them in their daily lives! Get them some starter household goods, or maybe give them a gift card to go on a getaway at an Airbnb. Also, any alcohol-related gifts are usually well-received!
What do you get a college graduate in 2022?
Buy your college graduate a Nespresso machine, Wine, an Apple Watch, anything related to their college town, or luxurious items they wouldn't buy for themselves.
Are gifts expected for college graduation?
I think that gifts ARE expected for college graduation, as it may be an even more significant accomplishment than high school graduation (where gifts are definitely expected). It does not have to be anything extravagant, just something to acknowledge their achievement!
Do parents give college graduation gifts?
Parents are already spending a ton of money during graduation season, but it is nice to acknowledge your grad's achievement with at least a little gift.
What should I give my daughter for college graduation?
The best college graduation gifts for daughter are a luxury pajama set, a wine delivery subscription, a wellness journal, a custom phone case, or a luxury bag!
Whats a good graduation gift for my daughter?
Good graduation gifts for daughter are a Nespresso machine, an Apple watch, jewelry, luggage, luxury self-care items, and anything customized.
This post was all about college graduation gifts.
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The post 27 Trendy And Thoughtful College Graduation Gifts For Every 2022 Grad You Know appeared first on By Sophia Lee.