Let's be totally honest: Any college graduate would be perfectly happy with an envelope of straight-up cash or a gift card as a graduation gift (student loans, anyone?). But you might feel like getting a little more personal, sentimental, or creative when picking out a college graduation gift—new grads can be kinda hard to please, and they may not know what they need IRL yet. Don't know where to start to grab the perfect, most appropriate, gonna-make-them-so-happy graduation gift? Let us help ya out.
Below, we’ve rounded up the 48 best gift ideas that the college grad in your life needs right now. If you'd like to help them reminisce about the past few years, go for something sentimental like a photo album, keepsake box, or journal. But if you'd rather keep the focus on what's ahead, shop some of the books, office supplies, and work wardrobe pieces on this list to help them look forward to their lives and careers—even if they're just trading studying from home for working from home. Or if you'd like to give a present that's more centered on, well, the present, send something celebratory, like a bottle of wine (21 and older!), a party-themed gift set, or a funny card (which could totally have money in it. Just sayin'.).
Scroll down or bookmark this page so the next time you get a graduation announcement in the mail, you’ll know exactly what to get 'em.
They probably have a million of those reusable totes, but it's actually way more sustainable to just have one that's more durable that they use every day. Also? This bag looks sleek and professional making it perf for any occasion.
When in doubt!! It's safe to say most college graduates or students want money. This gift card, which comes in a cute graduation cap box, makes it perfect for the occasion.
Glowing Review: "Great graduation gift for those not sure what the new graduate wants. Better than gifting money since you know where they'll be spending it."
They might have had the flexibility to eat wherever during college, but if they have an office job lined up, they’ll be rlly thankful for this practical lunch box set—which comes with three removable containers.
Glowing Review: "This bento is very sleek and beautifully designed, I have already received some curious questions and compliments about it. After receiving this bento it has already encouraged me to bring lunch from home more and spend less money on eating out. I already have started a Pinterest board for bento lunch ideas, I'm so excited."
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A Clever Card Game
Uncommon Goods Things They Don’t Teach You in School Game
A Clever Card Game
Uncommon Goods Things They Don’t Teach You in School Game
Cue alllllll the jokes about learning things in school that you’ll never need to know. This card game is full of 400 random facts to add to that list (and it'll draw out your grad into chatting about their lives).
Glowing Review: "We had such a blast playing this game! Great party game. I'm not even sure if we were following the rules but we had a good time 'learning.'"
A Book to Deal With Post-Grad Life
Adam Smiley Poswolsky The Quarter-Life Break-Through
A Book to Deal With Post-Grad Life
Adam Smiley Poswolsky The Quarter-Life Break-Through
This book gives solid career advice and attempts to answer the age-old question: “How can I have a job I love that also pays my rent?” A question for everyone, but especially in your 20s!
Glowing Review: "As a lost millennial who is in the middle of changing industries, Adam's book was insightful in providing different perspectives to find my own direction without being limited to the corporate ladder...I would recommend this book for 20-30 year olds who are unhappy with their career path and are willing to self-reflect in order to change their life."
since it's custom, you need to allow 5-7 weeks for production
Class rings are cool and all, but this luxe ring set makes the idea look 1000 times chicer. You can have the year they're graduating commemorated in roman numerals for a special yet subtle way for them to remember (and proudly wear) their achievement. Senia's ring set is fully customizable, and you can choose between a variety of 14k yellow, white, and rose gold bands and 14k white gold hardware with diamonds.
Time for the new grad to put the spiral notebooks to rest and switch to a nice leather-bound option for note-taking at the new job.
Glowing Review: "Great quality journal for my needs! The leather is soft and supple but feels like it can handle a lifetime of use. Fine craftsmanship and the embossing looks fantastic."
A thin case in a trendy rose-gold shade is perfect for holding business cards. You know, for all that networking they’re about to do.
Glowing Review: "I've dropped it many times and it still opens and closes like its supposed to. Most of all I love the size of it. I can fit it in my coat or pant pocket very easily. Helps me not have to lug around a big wallet. It has 6 card compartments...Very nifty little thing, and I get a lot of compliments on it."
A Scrapbook
Veicevol 256 Pockets Mini Photo Album for Fujifilm Instax
A Scrapbook
Veicevol 256 Pockets Mini Photo Album for Fujifilm Instax
Finally! A place to put all those party pics and polaroids from the good ole days. This photo album comes with 256 mini photo sleeves that are the perfect size for instant photos.
Glowing Review: "I love this album. So much room and is a good deal for the price. The album is sturdy and the pages aren’t thin so they’re durable. Very happy with this product. Please make more colors 😁."
Now that they've graduated, they'll have to make some mature decisions in their future. One of which? Settling on their signature scent that is lightyears away from the $10 body spray they had throughout school. We recommend this one from Who is Elijah with floral and musk notes.
If they're headed to an office, help kick off their grownup work wardrobe with a classic white button-down shirt. This blouse by vintage-inspired brand Simple Retro is versatile to style with trousers, jeans, and skirts. And the puff sleeves and pretty pearl buttons give it an extra flair that feels unique and special.
Anyone who's WFH would love one of these adjustable laptop stands. They can use it when they're lying in bed or on the couch, then convert it into a stand-up desk when they need to stretch their legs.
Glowing Review: "Don't know why I didn't buy these previously. It's so convenient working from bed with this table. Will have to buy another one because now my daughter loves to take it from me and use it for herself."
If they made it all the way through college without one of these babies (they’re basically a necessity for hosting parties), they definitely need one after they graduate.
Glowing Review: "Great sounding speakers. 😎👍Clear crisp with full bass. The originals are great, the 2nd [generation] is like an update with L & R stereo mode and outdoor mode. As for sound quality it is hard to tell a difference from the originals. Love these speakers. 🔊🎶"
Another way to be sustainable (and cut down on single-use plastic) is by gifting them a water bottle they can slip in their bag. Also? This is a self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system so your water's always tasting fresh.
Glowing Review: "This water bottle is the best! It keeps my water cold at all times and fits in cup holders of cars perfectly! Best I’ve ever used!"
They might not have superlatives in college, but a recent grad'll have fun playing this sentimental party game with their friends to rehash the good times.
Glowing Review: "HILARIOUS game to play in big groups! I think someone wins after having 6 cards, our group decided to make it 20. Hours of fun!"
Nothing says “getting my sh*t together” like penciling post-grad plans and goals into a cute graphic calendar. They'll look, and feel, so adult!!
Glowing Review: "On the inside there is a detachable ruler and plenty of note space. It's big but not so big that it takes up too much space; it's the perfect size. It has space for extra important dates i.e., wedding dates or birthdates. There is a phone book section that I think is adorable...I got all my main goals written down with dates and the inside of planner is for the little details and steps needed to reach those goals."
A keepsake box for storing their graduation tassel, stole, medals, and other mementos is absolutely, unexpectedly great. If you really feel like going all out, slip a little gift card inside, too.
A new protective case for their work laptop would be such a nice touch (and a stylish way to start a new gig). This one's made of strong polyurethane leather and has a pearly finish.
Glowing Review: "Literally had my computer out for 30 seconds and everyone around me was commenting on how beautiful this case is! Well made and fits perfect!"
Buy this luxe cocktail shaker, ice bucket, tray, wine cooler, angled jigger, and tongs separately, or make a little bar cart gift set with the whole collection.
Daisy Maldonado is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan who loves writing about fashion trends, must-have beauty products, and digital culture. When she's not writing, you can almost certainly find her shopping (she knows her credit card numbers by heart) or obsessing over celebrity news. Although she’s acquired an extensive closet over the years, her favorite item she owns is a Harry Styles Love On Tour hoodie she purchased at his concert in Manchester. Daisy's work has appeared on Refinery29, The Daily Beast, E! News, Allure and more. Keep up with all of her chaotic travels, NYC life and fashionable moments on her Instagram.