11 Thoughtful Graduation Gifts

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The day they’ve been working so hard for is finally here. Your favorite student is graduating! Show them you’re proud of them with one of these beautiful graduation gifts. Helpful, memorable, practical, and fun, your student will be happy to receive any one of these gifts when they walk off the stage with diploma in hand. 

1. Amazon.com Gift Card in a Grad Cap Box

Cute, useful, and always welcome, an Amazon gift card (in this adorably appropriate mortarboard gift box) is the perfect graduation gift. Let them show the world how self-sufficient they are when you give them an Amazon gift card. They can then choose their own gift. The gift cards come in this box in denominations ranging from $25 to a generous $2,000.

2. 101 Secrets for Your Twenties by Paul Angone

The twenties can be turbulent times with job hunting, low starting salaries, and that first go at independent living. Give them some help with the 101 Secrets for Your Twenties by Paul Angone. This book has all the advice a person needs to face all the challenges and hurdles they’ll be facing in the coming years.

Agone can help new graduates navigate office life, interpersonal relationships, and much more with wit and wisdom. It’s a defining decade, to be sure, but your favorite graduate doesn’t have to go through a quarter-life crisis. Not if they’re prepared with this handy and helpful book.

It is available in paperback, on Kindle, and as an audiobook.

3. Frame with Diploma Holder by Faithworks

They’ll be proud to show off their hard work with this great diploma holder. There’s room for their diploma, a graduation day picture, and a wonderful quote from Thoreau. “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you imagined!” There’s a place for the tassel too. This frame will look great in their first apartment, new home, or the office they were just hired to work in. These Faithworks Heartfelt frames are available in black and white.

4. EastArts Custom Graduation Blanket

A personalized graduation blanket can definitely allow them to remember this special day! The Eastarts custom Graduation throw blanket allows you to personalize with six photos, the student’s name, their school, and their graduation year. There are a variety of sizes available ranging from 32” x 48” to 60” x 90”. The blanket itself is made of microfiber polyester fabric.

EastArts also offers a variety of other personalized styles and options if this particular layout isn’t to your taste!

5. Vintage Refillable Compass Journal by MaleDen

Some grads like to keep a journal, scrapbook, or memory diary. Others just need somewhere to write down all those important appointments. Or if they were a creative writing or English major, they need somewhere to craft their next story.

This refillable leather notebook is also perfect for the artistic graduate who loves to write, draw, or sketch. Containing 160 blank pages, it comes in 7 great colors and keeps your memories safe with a leather wrap. The compass is a classic symbol of new journeys. A post graduate life definitely qualifies as a brand-new adventure.

6. Graduation Bear with Cap by Aurora

This cute little graduation bear serves as a great reminder that earning a degree is a major accomplishment. His grad cap and tiny diploma are perfect touches for those kids who suddenly may not be “kids” anymore. This Graduation Bear with Cap will keep your favorite graduate company long after the ceremony is over. Even adults can find this little stuffed animal cute. They don’t have to leave childhood entirely behind.

7. Penny Graduation Keychain

This little keychain can hold major items like house keys, car keys, and even that all-important USB drive for work. It will also remind them that all your hard work finally paid off. The keychain features a penny, a diploma and graduation cap, and 2022. Perfect for every graduate, no matter what college they are coming from.

Show your favorite student some love on their big day with these great graduation gifts.

8. Oh, The Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss

This is a classic graduation gift, especially for those graduates who received their first reading lessons with Dr. Seuss! Oh, The Places You’ll Go can be a nice little touch to remind them just how proud of how far they will come and, of course, how far they’ll go. They can see it on their shelf for years to come and be reminded of their own accomplishments, too.

There is even a Dr. Seuss Graduation Card based on the book from Hallmark! You can absolutely find unique graduation cards on both Amazon and Etsy to include your own private message to your child about how proud you are of them.

9. Apple Watch Series 7

Don’t want to lose touch with your graduate who is all grown up and want them to have the resources they need to succeed in their career field? A new phone or an Apple Watch Series 7 can help them achieve great things, stay on top of their appointments, and get notified when you need to get in touch. It’s available in a variety of colors, comes with health apps and resources, and workout assistance.

10. 529 Plan Contribution

529 plans are not just for children under 18 – they can be for anyone pursuing higher education. If your college graduate is planning on going to graduate school in the future but not immediately, a 529 contribution could be exactly what they need to help afford their education. Or you could even opt to start one for future grandkids if your child already has one of their own!

11. Something For Their Dorm or Apartment

Does your graduate have their own apartment already, or are planning to get one in the coming weeks? Getting them something for their place can help set them up for success! This can be anything from pots and pans, a Hello Fresh subscription, furniture, or photos to decorate their walls. If in doubt, a gift card won’t steer you wrong here either.

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