25 Best Graduation Gifts for Her to Make It a Memorable Milestone
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Although it's been a couple of years, I still remember how rewarding it felt to graduate college. To walk across that stage in front of all those people, grab my hard-earned, expensive piece of paper, shake hands with the dean, and head toward my future was such a rush. That kind of accomplishment deserves to be celebrated. If you have a sister, girlfriend, BFF, or loved one getting ready to receive their degree or diploma, chances are you're on the hunt for the best graduation gifts for her.
Before you lock in on a gift, think about what you could get her that would smooth her transition from university to the real adult world. Is she moving into her first apartment and in need of some small-space furniture? Is she big on self-care and interested in all things skincare? Is she obsessed with TikTok and loves to test out the latest and greatest viral products, or does she need some encouragement through her self-discovery journey?
We've rounded up a variety of unique gift ideas that, in our expert opinions, will make the best graduation gifts for her. If all else fails, never underestimate the power of a good gift card. She can surely take all of the help she can get, and likely won't be picky about what form that comes in!
Below, check out our editor-curated selection of the best graduation gifts for her, so you can support your favorite graduate through this commemorative moment and beyond.
'Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice from Dear Sugar' by Cheryl Strayed
Not only is post-grad life survivable, but our struggles throughout adulthood are what allow us to emerge as better versions of ourselves. Tiny Beautiful Things is one of the best graduation gifts for her because its sharp, witty, and entertaining, with grounding, sensical advice full of personal empowerment to get your girl through whatever comes her way.
You Clever Little Shit Candle
Gift your BFF, sister, or loved one a pat on the back in a unique way with this cheeky candle. Each glass is filled with vegan soy wax, and made with a fragrance oil of your choosing. Select from scents like Pink Blossom, Midnight Queen, and Secret Beach Club to boost her mood.
Diploma and Degree Frame
College is an investment, and so is earning a degree. Gift your recent grad a way to display her impressive accomplishment with this frame. It's made with polystyrene and thick, polymer glass for durability, and the black over-gold mat backing will showcase her certificate for all to see.
Shattered Glass Ceiling Necklace
Remind her that the sky's the limit with this uplifting necklace. The shattered glass ceiling represents all the breakthroughs achieved by women throughout the years, and those who will continue to carry on that legacy into the future.
I Wrote a Book About You
Take a stroll down memory lane, tell her what you love about her, and encourage her future with this fill-in book. By the end, you'll have told a story that's truly personal to the two of you, so you can uplift her on adult days when she's feeling homesick or discouraged.
eGift Card
Help ease the financial stress of moving out of her parents house with an Amazon gift card, so she can stock up on essentials and make her next home truly her own.
Adulting Merit Badge Mug
Getting up in the morning and being a functional member of society is an accomplishment in itself. Gift your gal this merit badge mug to so she can take stock of all of her daily successes, whether they're big or small. Welcome to the joy that is adulthood!
Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless Headphones
If she's already landed her big girl job, a noise-free work environment can help cut down on distractions and keep her focused. These headphones from Soundcore filter up to 95% of low-frequency sounds and offer three different noise-cancellation modes.
Our tech editor Stefan Vazharov says the under-$100 cans produce "crisp and detail-rich sound" and users "can browse through 22 different presents for various styles of music and types of content."
Review: Soundcore Life Q30 Review: The Best Wireless Headphones Under $100
The Five Minute Journal
Help her make her dream life a reality with the Five Minute Journal. This graduation gift for her is specifically designed for positive manifestation and affirmation so she can channel her inner strengths and say goodbye to limiting beliefs. And it only takes five minutes per day!
Senior Editor Summer Cartwright says this quick journal is great for "quick self-soothing time that leads to feelings empowerment."
New Job Scented Candle
Finding a job as a new graduate is no easy feat, so help them embrace the journey with this candle from Homesick Candles. It can burn from 60 to 80 hours, with notes of cinnamon, cedarwood, and vanilla for a warm and enveloping scent.
BoxyCharm Subscription Box
Whether she's a skincare lover or makeup guru, your grad will appreciate this Ipsy beauty subscription box. It's delivered monthly, with curated products by the brand, and comes with five full-sized makeup and skincare products.
Instax Square SQ40 Instant Camera
She can document all of her new post-grad experiences with this instant camera from Fujifilm. It has built-in auto exposure, and a selfie lens with a selfie camera so she can get the perfect shot every time.
Coffee Mug Warmer
Answering Teams calls and Slack chats at her new job might mean she doesn't have the chance to refresh her cup of Joe during the day. Grab her this mug warmer, which can run for up to four hours before automatically shutting off. It can fit almost all standard mugs, so she can use her favorite.
Video Camera Doorbell
Your grad can keep her new home more secure and protected with a video doorbell camera. She can hear, see, and speak to anyone from the comfort of her couch via her phone or tablet, and she'll get notified if there is any motion at her front door.
Press, Iron & Steamer
If she's strutting her stuff in business casual attire, crease-free shirts and pants are a must. This graduation gift for her will keep her looking fresh, thanks to its combination press, iron, and steamer features for ultimate convenience. It's basically the size of a hair straightener and has six different fabric settings so she can smooth out wrinkles for anything in her closet.
Colored Wine Glasses
Making new friends as an adult can be difficult, but it's beyond rewarding to find your people. If she's in the process of building her new girl gang, gift her this set of colored wine glasses. They can liven up her wine nights with a pop of color, and six come in the pack for less than $50 at the time of this wiritng.
HydraJolt Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
Whether she's a shower singer or enjoys having music playing while she cooks, she can use this wireless speaker to listen to her top songs and artists. It's waterproof, portable, and can last for up to 16 hours off of one charge.
Campus Map Acrylic Night Light
College can be a truly transformative experience, which means her school might hold an extra place in her heart. This night light documents the exact coordinates of her alma mater, along with a campus map so she can reminisce about her favorite places.
Expandable Midtown Hardside 4-Piece Luggage Travel Set
If your little bird has left the nest or moved out of state, then visits back home can become more valuable than ever. A luggage set can have her traveling in style, and this design comes with two suitcases, a boarding tote, and a small kit bag for essentials.
Collegiate Pouches
She can carry her keys, wallet, or makeup in school spirit with these collegiate pouches. Each design is original, and woven into the fabric rather than screen printed to maintain longevity. You can select from many major universities and colleges to commemorate her time in school.
K-Express Coffee Maker
Help your new grad save time and money with her own coffee maker. The Keurig K-Express is a single-serve, with three different cup sizes depending on how much java she drinks. It has a 42-ounce water reservoir for fewer refills and brews quickly, so she can conveniently make her favorite drinks and go.
10-Piece Chef's-Classic-Stainless Cookware Set
She can still enjoy home cooked meals even after she's moved into her own place. This stainless-steel cookware set comes with two skillets, three saucepans, and one stockpot. The handles will stay cool to the touch even while she's cooking, and the included lids will lock in all the flavor.
HV301 Rocket Ultra-Light Vacuum
I got this vacuum when I moved into my first apartment after college, and I still use it to this day. It's compact and lightweight, and works well even on fuller, shag carpet. You can detach the nozzle and use the wand to clean hard-to-reach places, and the dust cup is very easy to empty.
Apex Commuter Backpack
If she lives within walking distance of her office, or taking public transit to work, then a commuter backpack will help ensure she can carry all of her essentials. This design from Troubadour has a built-in padded laptop sleeve, two bottle side pockets, and plethora of internal pockets for ample storage.
Portable Charger
By the time she's ready to head home after a day of work, the last thing she needs on a long commute is a dead phone. This portable charger can provide over two full charges for the latest iPhones, and over one full charge for an iPad. The charger is sleek and compact, so she can slip it right into her backpack.
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