The 40 Best Graduation Gifts to Start Anyone’s Next Chapter Right

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I’d like to propose a toast to years of commitment and hard work, to earning a degree that will advance a career, and, perhaps best of all, to never having to wake up for an 8 A.M. class again—ever. Finishing school is a big feat, and whether the graduate in your life is off to college, joining the workforce, or getting their master’s, all that effort deserves to be celebrated, so why not do so with one of the best graduation gifts imaginable?

Gifting for a big life event can be hard, but I’ve done the work for you to make sure the present you give is personal, useful, and guaranteed to be cherished. Maybe the grad in your life has a knack for cooking and loves all things food. Or, perhaps they like the finer things in life and would prefer a fabulous pair of shoes or a blingy accessory. Whatever their personality may be, with a little help from the list below, you’re sure to find something that wows.

So, caps off to the grads—and to you, of course—for being the best gifter and doing your research. Read on to find the 40 best graduation gifts that will make all that hard work feel even more worth it.

Carry-On Trunk

For many, graduation is just a final step before summer vacation—or a gap year, perhaps. Whatever the case, anyone is sure to love this amazing trunk from July.

Super-Plush Towel Move-In Bundle

While a towel set might not be the flashiest present, it’ll definitely come in handy, particularly if your graduate is moving into a dorm or new home.

Lab Grown Sapphire Tennis Necklace

What’s that blinding me? Ah, just this gorgeous tennis necklace from Mejuri. Crafted with lab grown gemstones and sterling silver, this dazzling piece is durable and designed for everyday wear.

Mini Perfume Sampler Set

Everyone needs a signature scent, and this sampler set from Sephora makes it as easy as can be. Simply choose your favorite and redeem your gift for a full-size bottle—for free. My personal favorite is Juliette Has A Gun, for whatever it’s worth.

Birthstone Ring

Each of these gorgeous 14k gold-plated rings is handcrafted with the birthstone of your choice. It’s unique, beautiful, and a great option if you’re all out of ideas.

Thé Matcha 26 Eau de Parfum

You can never go wrong with Le Labo. All of the scents are unisex, so they smell great on just about anyone. It feels impossible to pick a favorite... but this one has to be mine.

Filtered Showerhead

If your graduate is headed for run-down student housing, or taking on a brand new city, elevate their everyday routine with the Jolie filtered showerhead. This gorgeous gadget filters out all of the harsh chemicals found in water, leaving hair and skin glowing.

Smart Sleep Assistant

Although you can’t gift a great night’s sleep, this Hatch alarm clock is the next best thing. Featuring a gentle sunrise alarm and soothing sleep sounds, your graduate will get the best rest ever with this gadget.

Santa Croce Tote

Having a big-kid job means you’ll need a big-kid bag. I love this pick from Dragon Diffusion because it fits a laptop, works for every season, and flaunts a gorgeous trapeze shape.

Tubéreuse Large Candle

This Diptyque candle smells as good as it looks. I love that this gift can double as room décor, elevating any space with ease.

The Graduate Send

You could go for an average, plain bouquet, but you could also opt for something more personalized. The Graduate Send bunch comes wrapped in the school colors of your choosing, making this the ultimate gift for graduation season.

Classic Bathrobe

Soft, absorbent, and oh-so-luxe, every day will feel like spa day in this Tekla number.

Acton III Bluetooth Speaker

A quality speaker is a must-have for any young adult. Full stop. Whether for dinner parties, getting ready for a night out, or just cooking dinner, this Marshall speaker will be used constantly.

Subscription

We could all use a little help sometimes. Headspace offers support for stress, sleep, and overall life improvements. As a Headspace user myself, I recommend it to everyone.

Subscription

Reading is cool again! If your grad breezes through books, a literary subscription is perfect for them. Just pick how many book credits you want to gift, and they get to choose from a selection each month, delivered right to their door.

Jane Bracelet Watch

I heard this watch described as “champagne taste on a beer budget,” and I couldn’t agree more. Classic, elegant, and affordable.

Membership

Graduation doesn’t have to mean the end of learning. If your grad has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, MasterClass is the perfect out-of-the-box gift.

Maison Oval Locket Necklace

Kinn has endless gifting options, and this locket is one of my favorites from the bunch. Bonus points if you add a photo inside before gifting.

Meal Subscription Service

Make their life a bit easier with dinner delivered right to their door. This is a perfect option for recent college grads that might not have the time (or funds) to grocery shop every week.

Custom Big Effing Clip

If you’re looking for something a little smaller to give, this personalized clip from EmiJay is sure to woo anyone.

Gel Manicure Starter Kit

Three words: Infinite. Gel. Manicures. It’s a budgeter’s dream.

Medium Bag Silver

Put an end to schlepping. The Hulken bag is designed for hauling everything from groceries to laundry. This mighty yet stylish bag will be among their most used gifts.

The Summer Set

Clean, vegan, and cruelty-free, Merit is easy to love. Give your student a stash to use all summer long.

AirPods Pro

We could all use a fresh pair of buds, but if your giftee doesn’t have a pair of these already, consider this an urgent necessity.

Weekender Bag

No brand does travel quite like Away. My favorite part of this bestselling weekender bag is it zips open like a suitcase, so everything is easily visible. I’m tempted to plan a getaway just for an excuse to use this gorgeous bag.

Membership

Finding a fitness routine can be challenging, especially in the midst of major life changes. ClassPass makes it easy to find what works best for you, whether it be pilates, hot yoga, cycling, or something else. Simply use your credits to try something new or keep going back to a workout you love.

Airstrait Straightener

We’ve all heard the buzz about the Dyson Airwrap, but if blowouts aren’t really her thing, the Airstrait is a great pick. It dries and straightens at the same time—and with no heat damage, to boot.

Coffee Maker

I have dreams about this Smeg coffee maker. It comes in five gorgeous colorways and looks great on every counter. Doesn’t it look like a movie prop?

Cookware Set Pro

Nothing signifies adulthood like a beautiful set of cookware (expect maybe health insurance and taxes). Welcome to the real world! Next thing you know, sconces will excite you, too.

Vomero 5 Sneakers

Speaking from personal experience, trekking across campus from class to class will wear out your favorite shoes at record speed. Upgrade their old trainers with this fresh pair of metallic sneakers.

Gems Wine Glasses

Cheers to a new chapter! Celebrate their big moment with a set of stunning glassware. These get bonus points for the fun hues.

Leather Card Case

Keep things simple with this card case from Royce. It’s a great price for genuine leather, and personalization is free, too.

Facial

After all that hard work and all-nighters, their skin could use a little TLC. Take my advice and give them the gift of ahhhhhh.

X100VI Digital Camera

If a film and a digital camera had a baby, you would get this Fujifilm gem. They’ll never have to buy expensive film or wait weeks for developing because this high-tech camera is fully digital, but offers the same look as film.

Monogram Journal

Whether it’s for journaling, work, or just scribbles, everyone needs a nice leather notebook. I love that this one from Papier has subtle but sophisticated embossing.

Japanese Kitchen Knife Set

Gift them this knife set, and maybe they’ll cook you a nice dinner as a thank you. You both win.

45 Hard Cooler

Perfect for camping, boat days, tailgates, and beyond. Durable and versatile; Yeti just does coolers right.

Julie Sunglasses

Here’s what you can write in the card for this one: “Your future is so bright, I thought you might need a new pair of shades.”

Whitney Leather Loafer

A classic pair of loafers can make for a great gift, and I especially love this pick from G.H. Bass. They’re high quality, great for work, and will be a constant in her rotation for many years to come.

XL Train Case

No more bags inside of bags inside of bags. Keep things organized (and stylish!) with a personalized cosmetic case like this one.

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