10 Awesome Grad Gifts for Your Favorite High School or College Graduate

By Cat GallagherPublished on May 25, 2023

Graduating from high school and college are such big achievements that are meant to be celebrated. But how do you give a gift that shows just how proud you are of someone for graduating? We’ve curated a list that will wow everyone at the graduation party with these unique grad gifts!

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Grad Gifts for High School Grads

There are so many things to get a fresh high school grad. Whether they’re taking a year off before going to college, are going straight into the workforce, or are starting their first semester of university in just a few months, there are great gifts to choose from. Before buying a gift for a high school grad, keep in mind the next stage of life they will be in so the graduation gifts won’t go to waste. You can ask their parents or friends what they think the recent graduate would most likely appreciate, ensuring you’ll get something they’ll actually use. 

Here are some of our favorite grad gifts for high school grads:

1. Dorm Room Essentials 

If your high school graduate is moving into a dorm room in a few months, they’ll need a lot of things. There are so many gifts to choose from. Start with:

These are great grad gifts because they are things they’ll need in just a few short months. 

2. Gift Cards

You can never go wrong with getting someone a gift card or cash. To make it more personal, give it to them in a card or gift box with a heartfelt message and let them know the amount on the gift card. With gift cards, recent grads can buy whatever they want for themselves! It’s one of the best grad gifts out there and is always appreciated by the recipient. 

3. Headphones

Even if they have a pair of headphones, a newly upgraded pair is a great gift. There are a ton of options out there to choose from. There are headphones for whatever your recent graduate is into!

4. College Apparel 

For those high school graduates who are going off to college, get them some college gameday gear to show their school spirit! Whether they’re attending Florida State University or Texas A&M, there is plenty of college apparel out there for you to choose from. Sweatshirts, t-shirts, and reusable water bottles are also good options if you don’t know their clothing sizes. 

5. Coffee Maker

Everyone loves a fresh cup of coffee, especially students who are about to enter the workforce or start their first semester of college. A new coffee maker is a great grad gift and can be used for years to come.

6. Laptop

If you’re feeling generous, a new laptop is always appreciated. Laptops are convenient to have for work, school, and personal use. During the holidays, you can usually find good deals on them at any electronic store!

7. Wireless Speaker

Who doesn’t love music? With a wireless speaker, your high school graduate can listen to music while they cook, work out, work, and study. They are durable, portable, and provide great sound. Plus you can get them waterproof and in all different sizes.

8. Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets are known to be calming for sleepers. They can also be used for helping with anxiety and are a great grad gift! We suggest getting one that’s around 10% of the person’s body weight for a comfortable fit. 

9. Essential Oil Diffuser

Essential oils smell great and add aromatherapy to any space. Add an essential oil diffuser to your gift list along with a few popular essential oils to give that recent grad some relaxation! 

10. Luggage 

A luggage piece is essential for an adult so give a durable gift like this! They will use it for years to come and will always think of you when they’re jet-setting across the country. We suggest a carry-on suitcase so it’s not too bulky!

Grad Gifts for College Grads

Graduating college and going into the workforce is a huge transition and accomplishment. Celebrating with a great gift for the recent grad will help them during this period of their life! No matter their career or if they’re going to get higher education, they can use some of these gifts. 

Here are our favorite grad gifts for college grads:

1. Spice Rack

Say goodbye to dining hall food and hello to fresh home-cooked meals! Your college grad is going to need some new spices and what better way to give it to them than with a cool spice rack?

2. Gift Cards

As we said before, you can never go wrong with a gift card for a recent graduate. It lets them choose exactly what they want and eliminates the awkwardness of getting them a gift they actually don’t like. 

3. Tool Kit

A basic tool kit is essential for a young adult which is why it’s a great graduation gift for college students. Whether they’re fixing their dryer, putting together apartment furniture, or hanging up their new painting, it will come in handy. 

4. Frames

A nice frame for their college diploma is a great gift to give. They can hang it in their office or at home to show everyone this huge accomplishment! If your student isn’t into that, buy them some fun and affordable frames from a home goods store to highlight your favorite memories from college.

5. Book of the Month Club subscription

A Book of the Month subscription allows the new graduate to pick whatever book they want to read. Even though they’re finished with school, they should still keep their minds sharp!

6. Espresso Machine

It’s time to upgrade from a regular coffee machine to an espresso machine! The coffee tastes amazing and makes them feel like a barista! No more wasting money at a coffee shop drive-thru!

7. Kitchen Essentials

We can’t emphasize enough how important kitchen gear is for recent college graduates. Help them stock their new kitchen with essential items like new:

Proper kitchen tools can change your favorite graduate’s cooking game.

8. Smart Home Products

“Alexa, what’s the weather like today?” Smart Home products like Alexa Echos and Google Nests are super popular and convenient. Any recent graduate would love one in their space! They can listen to music or news while they cook, look up recipes and much, much more.

9. Vacuum

A good-quality vacuum is the rite of passage for a college graduate who is entering adulthood. While it might not be the most exciting gift, they’ll appreciate that they don’t have to spend their own money on one. This will be especially appreciated if they entertain often, or it they have a dog or cat living with them!

10. Alma Mater Gear

We love a sentimental gift so you can always give them something from their college! A medallion, license plate, or apparel are all great options. 

When giving gifts to recent college and high school graduates, be sure to include a gift receipt in case it doesn’t work for them or they already have it. Happy shopping!