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Uncertainty has been rife in graduations the last couple of years. With the absence of many in-person ceremonies, the celebrations surrounding this academic achievement have felt a bit lackluster. One way to keep tradition alive, however, is with one of the best graduation gifts, something that uniquely acknowledges their accomplishments and the direction they’re headed in.
For some graduates, college is the next stop—meaning, they’ll be needing something for their dormitory or to aid in their studies. For others, a new job or even a move to a different city (and apartment!) is up next, and thus items that are well-suited for that will be appreciated. In essence, the perfect graduation gift is custom to the person you’re giving it to. Ahead, 40 ideas for the best graduation gifts they’ll be excited to receive.
Dorm Bound
Whether they’ve just graduated from high school or are headed to a master’s program, for the graduate in your life who is beginning classes in the fall, consider a gift to enhance their new environment. A monogrammed laundry basket is a good place to start, or perhaps a modern desk lamp or cheerful bedding set? We also love the idea of a sleek electric tea kettle or vintage alarm clock to add character and functionality to their space.
Mark & Graham laundry tote bag
Hill House Home Pink Pond floral bed set
CB2 limestone table lamp
Open Spaces underbed storage
Lake pima after-bath wrap in succulent
Apple AirPods Pro
Fellow Stagg EKG stone blue electric pour-over kettle with maple handle
Cartier colisée gold-plated stainless steel desk clock
New Employee
Combining the celebration of graduation with the excitement of a new job is cause for celebration, and a gift they can use in their new role is a thoughtful way to show you’re proud of them. If you’re looking for something on the smaller side, a coffee mug or clever paperweight for their desk are both fun ideas, as is something polished like a chic work tote, tailored blazer, or a pair of loafers.
Steamery blush cirrus No. 2 Travel Steamer
Gucci leather loafers with double G
Nanushka Mariko belted vegan leather blazer
MoMA desert cactus glass paperweight
Wonkiware mug
Mansur Gavriel large tote
Cuyana flap cardholder
Trade Coffee gift subscription
Sabbatical Year
If the grad in your life is lucky enough to be able to take a year off to travel or recalibrate, consider a gift that leans into this theme of adventure. Suitcases, passport cases, and toiletry kits are all solid ideas. You can also nod to their hobbies; if they’re a novice photographer, why not gift them a new camera to document their trip?
Rimowa original cabin S
Holiday by Pamela Fiori
Naked Cashmere travel set
Leica D-Lux 7 4K compact camera
Away hanging toiletry bag
Cuyana classic passport case
Airbnb gift card
Alex Mill Perfect travel tote
New City, New Home
Most graduates will be moving to a new apartment and many of them will be relocating to a different city. Help ease this transition by gifting them items that will brighten up their space—plants, decor, and dishware should do the trick. Or, for the upgrade pick, go for a wishlist item like an espresso machine.
Our Place Dinner for 4 set
Hay pillar candle
West Elm live monstera plant with grow pot
Terra Kaffe TK-01 espresso machine
Parachute Velo flatware set
Marloe Marloe Stevie glazed ceramic vase
Sur La Table stainless steel 6-piece bar tool set
Hidden Gem hand-dyed tea towels
Summer Slowdown
If all else fails, you don’t have to gift your grad something that fits in perfectly with their current situation. Sometimes, a little luxury is the perfect way to show you care, so opt for an item that celebrates a slowed-down pace. A picnic basket and stylish bike helmet for summer afternoons, cult-favorite beauty buys they wouldn’t get for themselves, or even a customized piece of jewelry they can wear all of the time.
Thierry Atlan Thierry's Favorites 12-piece macarons
Stone and Strand initial gold diamond single earring
Byredo Gypsy Water eau de parfum
Kin Euphorics Bloom non-alcoholic strawberry rosé
Williams Sonoma classic wine and cheese picnic basket
Thousand Heritage bike and skate helmet
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRX Spectralite Faceware Pro LED-light therapy device
Parachute Cloud cotton robe