Like so many of life’s celebration-worthy events, graduations are a milestone for everyone. Sure, the graduate may be the star of the event, but they also had the support of their friends and family along the way. It’s a shared accomplishment that deserves plenty of recognition.
If you’re looking forward to celebrating a graduate this season, you may be wondering about appropriate graduation gifts. Not to mention, a high school graduation gift is going to look very different from a gift for a master’s degree recipient.
Here’s a quick guide for starters:
- High school graduates are taking their first step into adulthood and independence, and practical items for their first year of college can go a long way for this group of celebrants.
- College graduates are preparing to enter the professional world and can use a variety of items to polish their presence and give them the confidence they need to succeed in their next chapter.
- Grad school/doctoral graduates have spent a long time developing their skills and knowledge. They deserve a celebratory gift and plenty of rest and relaxation before embarking on their next career step.
Now for the fun part! Keep reading to discover our top gift ideas for graduates at every stage in their education.
High school graduates
Cooking classes
Learning to cook before heading to college can save a ton of money — and it’s a critical skill for transitioning into adulthood. Cooking classes are a great gift for high school graduates who want to learn some beginner kitchen skills and practice recipes they can recreate in their dorm or apartment.
High school grads will love sporting their college letters, mascots, and colors when they’ve got new gear! Sweaters and slippers available at Macy’s!
College gear
No matter where you’re headed for college, Macy’s NCAA college shop has you covered with all the gear. Grads moving to campuses in colder climates will appreciate all the sweatshirts and beanies they can get, but even students who don’t have to brave the cold will love having a cozy pair of slippers with their college logo.
iPad
It’s amazing how much an iPad can do for how compact it is — especially when you pair it with a Magic Keyboard. Students can take it from their dorm to class, and anywhere they need to stay connected to their assignments, resources, and apps. Plus, with all-day battery life, it’s okay if they forget their charger.
Wireless photo printer
Graduates going away to college are leaving familiar people and places behind, but they’re also making new memories. With a photo printer, they bring visual reminders of their favorite things about home to their new space. And it’s so easy to print straight from their phone that they can keep adding to their collection as they get to know more people and find new favorite places.
Noise-canceling sleep mask
Tech experts voted, and this headphone-sleep mask combo was their favorite for getting great sleep. If you’ve ever had to endure a noisy sleeper or loud neighbors, you know what it’s like to live in a dorm. Give the gift of a peaceful night’s sleep and save a grad from sleepless nights — they’ll be especially grateful during exam week!
College graduates
Professional bag
Stepping out into the professional world for the first time is all about faking it ‘til you make it, and starting off with a quality work bag can give a college grad much-needed confidence. For men, a messenger bag with top carry handles offers versatility, and for women, you can’t go wrong with a quality leather tote.
Portable power bank
If you’re looking for a college graduation gift that’s practical and environmentally friendly, the Champ 5K Portable Charger is it. It’s ultra-portable and made of sustainable materials, so you can feel good about gifting this tech must-have. Plus, it charges phones super-fast, which is essential for long days on the go.
Aromatherapy diffuser
Facing the real adult world can be overwhelming, even for the most prepared of grads. An aromatherapy diffuser is a great component of a good self-care routine that they can adopt early on to help them decompress after a long day.
College grads can stay in shape even after they lose access to the campus gym when you give them the gift of fitness equipment.
Fitness equipment
For many college grads, the 9-to-5 is a stark contrast from their student schedule, and fitness can be put on the back burner without them even realizing it. Luckily, a home gym isn’t an expensive investment, and it doesn’t have to take up too much space. A cable resistance system or adjustable weights set is a great start and a great gift.
Graduates who are ready for the professional world might need some help polishing their presence, and a headshot session can give them the confidence they need.
Headshot session
Whether they’ve secured a job after graduation or are still looking, college grads will love the opportunity to sit for a formal headshot session so they can put their best professional foot forward. Remember — fake it ‘til you make it! They’ll be able to use their new photos on their LinkedIn profile and stay competitive as they climb the professional ladder.
Grad school/doctoral graduates
Montblanc pen
Earning an advanced degree is no easy feat, and it often commands more serious job roles and higher salaries. It’s a great occasion that deserves an impressive and elegant gift — so why not surprise a grad school graduate with a classic Montblanc pen? It’ll serve as a reminder of their accomplishments every time they sign an important document.
Luxury watch
There’s something about a nice watch that elevates any look — professional or otherwise. And while any smartphone can provide the time, a watch is a symbol of adulthood and refinement that makes a wonderful graduation gift. This stainless steel timepiece is a great option for women who prefer an understated style, and this leather-strapped watch is a classic that any guy will love wearing.
Meal delivery subscription
Did you know you can gift a Blue Apron meal kit subscription right through your Amazon account? Graduates exiting law school, medical school, or any other graduate or doctorate program are likely to feel burnt out, which is when they need a home-cooked meal more than ever. A meal kit ensures that they’ve got a satisfying meal ready for them to cook at the end of a long workday.
Kindle Scribe
Sure, you know Kindle makes great e-readers, but did you know that the Kindle Scribe doubles as a smart notebook that transcribes handwriting into text that you can pull up on any digital device? I can’t think of a better gift for a grad trying to balance their work responsibilities with leisure activities like catching up on their reading.
Airbnb gift card
One of my favorite ways to celebrate a milestone is by taking a trip somewhere, and I love being able to stay in an Airbnb and live like a local wherever I wind up. An Airbnb gift card gives grads the chance to test out a new potential home base, explore a corner of the world they’ve always wanted to, or revisit an old favorite.
Still need a few more ideas for graduation?
We’ve made shopping simple for you by picking out lots of great gifts under one roof at our Amazon Store. And, whether you’re planning a celebration or preparing your very own student for college, our GiveIt blog has everything from small dorm essentials to graduation party ideas and tips and tricks for staying healthy at school!
