If you buy something from the links on this page, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?
Let’s address the elephant in the room right away. If you’re looking for some great college graduation gift ideas that aren’t just a check and a card, it’s hard work. First, you have to figure out how much to spend on the graduation gift. Then, you have to figure out what to write in a graduation card. And, most importantly, you have to buy a unique gift that they’ll love — and hopefully get a lot of use out of.
Before we get started, please put down the copy of “Oh, the Places You’ll Go,” and the random novelty mug that they probably have enough of already and look towards more practical ideas, like small space furniture for their post-grad apartment, and home office gifts that they’ll use if they’re new gig includes some WFH hours.
Don’t worry, you can still have fun with your gift without getting a random toy or activity that you got an ad for on TikTok. After all, your college grad is probably still in their early 20s and needs some fun after a stressful last semester of exams. To help, our editors scoured the internet and sifted through thousands of products to bring you some great college graduation gift ideas across various shopping categories, including home decor, inspirational gift ideas, practical wishlist items, stylish finds, and cash-like gifts that grads will truly appreciate.
Read on below for some great college graduation gift ideas.
You know what’s always a great college graduation gift idea? A gift card that they can use for anything.
Have them treat themselves to a household item or some new tech on your dime. Your grad will appreciate the extra help as they adjust to life without the conveniences of a campus. This gift card even comes with an adorable graduation cap box.
More: Gifts for High School Graduates to Prep Them for College
Microsoft Surface Pro Touchscreen
One of the Best Laptops reviewed by BestProducts editors, this Microsoft Surface Pro computer offers the touchscreen convenience of a tablet with a detachable keyboard for a traditional laptop. This 2-in-1 laptop has a 13-inch screen with the thinness and light weight of a notebook and a built-in kickstand to use it with or without a keyboard.
To complete the full laptop gift package, add the Microsoft 8WV-00001 Surface Slim Pen 2 and Microsoft Surface Pro Signature Keyboard (with backlit keys) so they can get the most out of this best-selling tablet-turned-laptop.
From job interviews to happy hour with friends, these earrings are a classic accessory. This pair is made with freshwater cultured pearls and designed to stand out with any look.
Replace their backpack with one of the best college graduation gift ideas around. This crossbody bag from Lululemon has two compartments to hold their phone, wallet, and other essentials. It comes in three colors, but we’re partial to this dreamy pastel blue.
MasterClass Subscription
Keep classes going with a subscription from MasterClass. With this graduation gift, your grad will learn new skills from professionals in the field. They can learn cooking from Gordon Ramsay, writing for television from Shonda Rhimes, and more interesting skills through a series of online classes.
If the computer your college graduate used during undergrad is on its last leg (aka it sounds like a plane about to lift off anytime it’s on) it’s time to upgrade their old system for something new.
For the dedicated Apple shopper, BestProducts reviewed the best MacBooks that you should buy and chose this MacBook Air as the best overall. The updated MacBook Air has the most revised features with an 18-hour battery life, a vivid LED screen, two USB-C ports, and a headphone jack.
One of the most convenient features is the incredibly lightweight feel (4.97 pounds) of this laptop which is easy to travel with (between work trips, overnights with friends, or a long weekend at home).
Little Words Project re-envisions the beaded friendship bracelets of your childhood with upgraded designs and patterns, so you can wear an affirmation or honor an occasion with style. It’s a great college gift idea for Swifties who have wrists stacked to the brim with bracelets from the Eras Tour.
Customize a beaded bracelet to say a specific word or phrase that honors your graduate’s time at university, or with a simple word to remind them of how far they’ve come and all that’s yet to be achieved. Add to their new Little Words Project bracelet stack a few beaded designs from their sorority bracelets and collegiate bracelets collections.
Uber has become one of the most commonly used apps on Millennials/Gen Z’s phones, so it’s obviously a great college graduation gift idea for anyone on your list. Gift your newest college grad some free (or, at least, less expensive) Uber rides home from a party or any last-minute grocery store needs.
If they’re jetting off after they cross the stage, give their luggage situation an upgrade. This Away carry-on features a durable polycarbonate hard shell, TSA-approved combination lock, 360-degree spinner wheels, and enough space to pack up to seven outfits.
Help them adjust to life without a dining hall with this HelloFresh gift card. HelloFresh tops our list of best meal delivery services for its customizable meal plans, easy-to-follow recipes, locally sourced ingredients, and affordability.
Sony WF-1000XM4 Wireless Earbuds
The sound, noise cancellation, and impressive battery life of these wireless earbuds help them blow the competition out of the water. This pair earned further points with our tech editor, Stephan Vazharov, for its comfortable fit and speak-to-chat feature that automatically reduces the volume of the music when you speak.
As our tech writer Stefan Vazharov put it in his tech gift guide, “The sleek PureVis water bottle by LARQ — the maker of our favorite pitcher — is a surprisingly high-tech gift, thanks to an onboard UV-C light. The nontoxic technology will allow users to seamlessly sanitize the bottle’s interior, as well as the water inside it.”
Choose from a few different color options and gift it to your grad to keep liquids hot or cold all day long.
They’ve landed their first job, now help them land the perfect professional look with these comfy flats. It features a pointed toe and comes in other work-friendly colors and designs. Plus, they’re machine-washable for easy care.
The last thing a new college graduate (with all the adult responsibilities) wants to worry about is misplacing their keys, a runaway pet, or getting their luggage lost at the airport. Gift them an Apply AirTag that they can place on their keys, on the collar of their furry friend, or even in their suitcase to keep track of its whereabouts.
These GPS tags are compatible with Apple devices and will easily show up under the “Find My Friends” app on your phone for quick access. Pair the useful tracker with a pack of Waterproof Airtag Holders in four bright colors on a key ring, so they don’t lose the tracking device itself.
Electrolux Handheld Travel Steamer in Black at Nordstrom
Ironing isn’t glamorous, and most people (us included) don’t know how to really do it right, anyways. The Electrolux steamer makes it simple for your giftee. All they’ll have to do is fill the basin, turn it on, and steam clothes right on their hanger. Keep looking professional — no board required.
Shark Shark IW3511 Detect Pro Cordless Vacuum
Another great college graduation gift idea? A cordless vacuum that’ll keep their first adult apartment clean. This Shark model won Best Cordless Vacuum for our Spring Cleaning Awards thanks to its expert backing.
Lifestyle expert Megan Winoker said of all the best spring cleaning products and appliances out there, this vacuum is her absolute favorite. It’s got a bunch of great attachments, a slim design, and can hold a lot of gunk for up to a month.
Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker
Let this Fitbit help your grad gamify their health (and know when to take a rest day) with Daily Readiness – a score based on activity, sleep, and heart rate variability that determines whether they should go light or go all out on their workouts. It also tracks calories burned, heart rate, and the level of oxygen in their blood.
GraduationMall Diploma Frame with Tassel Holder
Thousands of hours (from studying and partying — it’s all about balance) went into getting this degree and you should help your newest college graduate honor it with this memento display frame.
This multi-layered frame includes a tassel holder, gold and black matting base, and a glass panel for the look of an expensive shadowbox, without the high price tag. Go an extra step with your gift and make the installation part easy with a pack of Command strips to quickly hang their diploma, without the need for nails or screws.
Apple iPad Air (5th Generation)
This tablet is a great option to gift as a group. The iPad Air features Touch ID for fingerprint authentication, a Retina display with True Tone tech, and a new 12-MP Ultra-Wide FaceTime camera for better video calls, which they might be taking a lot of in this post-Covid work environment.
The rear-facing camera is also another noteworthy upgrade and may even be better than your phone’s camera, while the M1 chip handles everything from emailing to streaming with aplomb, according to our tech editor’s review.
Soundcore Motion 300 Wireless Hi-Res Portable Speaker
Upgrade your college graduate’s old speaker with a wallet-friendly option that’s waterproof and durable — making the perfect music companion for hikes, picnics, or random hangouts with friends.
This device from Soundcore was chosen by BestProducts as the best budget speaker from the long list of top portable Bluetooth speakers available on the market. Its sleek design, long battery life (up to 13 hours), and high-quality sound won over our testers.
Elisabeth Narine is the Associate Editor, Reviews at Best Gifts Hub, where she spends her time interviewing experts and scouring the internet for the best gift ideas for every occasion. Her work can also be found on BuzzFeed and Forbes Vetted. She uses her love of shopping, pop culture, and cooking to help guide her search for the perfect gift.
Melanie Yates is the Senior Digital Editor at House Beautiful, where she oversees design, gardening, and home renovation content. Since joining the team in 2024, Melanie ideates, assigns, and edits digital stories from in-house and freelance writers and helps execute big-picture projects for the brand. Prior to this role, Melanie was a senior editor at Best Gifts Hub for over eight years, where she launched the site’s home vertical, conducted numerous bedding product tests, wrote The Present Perfect newsletter column, and produced video tutorials on how to wrap a gift. A lifelong enthusiast of the written word, Melanie holds a BA in broadcast journalism from Hofstra University and a certificate in copyediting from UC San Diego Extension. She’s always on the lookout for the next vintage find to furnish her Queens apartment.
