Skip the Diploma Frame: These Are the Graduation Gifts They Actually Want

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After they've walked across the stage and turned their tassel, the real fun of graduation actually begins: heading off to the next chapter. Whether your graduate is prepping for the real world or headed to college or higher education, a graduation gift is not only the perfect way to celebrate their achievements from high school or college, but also to prep them for the next step.

We've rounded up the best graduation gifts for both high schoolers and college grads, boys and girls, all in one place. From a comfy new pair of sheets that will actually get him excited to sleep on a Twin XL bed to a signet ring that's a huge step up from those gaudy class rings she'll never wear, these gifts are the ones they'll actually be excited to receive — step aside un-aesthetically pleasing diploma frame.

More honor-roll worthy graduation ideas:

• Graduation Gifts We Promise She'll Love

• The Graduation Gifts He Actually Wants

• The Best College Graduation Gift Ideas

High School Graduation Gifts

Twin XL 3 Piece Sheet Set

He might not be jazzed about having to sleep in a Twin XL bed, but these cozy sheets will definitely make the transition from his comfy bed at home a little bit easier. We love them so much that they made our list of the best sheets on Amazon.

Wristlet Keychain

She's going to ditch the purse after a few days on campus, and she'll be so thankful for this wristlet wallet when she does. It has a spot for her car/dorm keys, ID, and credit cards. If you really want to spoil her, throw an Amazon or DoorDash gift card in one of the pockets.

Reusable Smart Notebook

The bulk of his note-taking days are ahead, so make sure he's outfitted with the best supplies. This smart notebook has a paired app that will allow him to digitize his notes so he can easily wipe clean the notebook. Bonus: there's no need to lug around that massive backpack, because one notebook can be used for all his classes!

20L Carry Out Soft Cooler

Your graduate will be all set for a tailgate, beach trip, or picnic in the park with this stylish cooler bag. It's lightweight and fits 38 cans, more than enough room for a few sandwiches and LaCroix for a study sesh on the quad.

Collegiate Pouches

Choose from one of 32 colleges and universities to celebrate her alma mater or college of choice. The designs are completely woven instead of printed so you can expect this to last her four years and beyond. Each school's design was crafted using input from alumni, faculty, fans, and locals, so you can be sure that they'll pinpoint more than one special spot included in the print.

Single-Serve Coffee Maker

Save your grad a trip to the coffee shop (and some money!) with this single-serve Keurig. Its compact size makes it just right for a small space.

Tip: Ask if they're planning a color scheme for their dorm room or apartment kitchen—this handy machine comes in black, dusty rose, evergreen, poppy red, studio gray, and oasis (pictured).

Water Bottle

Hydration is key, especially after long nights spent in the library! This water bottle easily stores away in a backpack or can attach to a bag with a karabiner. Gift your grad with the must-have water bottle of the year.

Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Upgrade the dorm shower experience with this small-enough-for-a-shower-caddy speaker! It comes in six different colors and connects via Bluetooth, so no need to worry about their phone being anywhere near water.

Wooden Alarm Clock with Wireless Charger

Even though everyone warned them not to take an 8 AM class, they probably still signed up for one. This clever gadget serves double duty as an alarm clock and wireless charger, so your grad can thank you for keeping them on time!

Lap Desk

This sleek design is both stylish and smart. He can take his schoolwork where he wants—couch, futon, or a friend's dorm—with this light, portable desk that folds up in a snap.

Nirvana Robe

If her dorm has community bathrooms then she's going to want a nice (warm) robe to cozy up inside when she turns off the hot water and makes the mad dash back to her room. Here's a great option for the guys.

Can Insulator

For your college grad who loves to tailgate (and keep their drink ice cold), this can insulator might just be their new favorite thing. If you want to splurge on them a bit, consider getting this cooler they'll use for years to come.

RELATED: Backpack Coolers That Will Retain Ice for Days

Laundry Hamper

They're never going to want to do laundry, but this basket will make the chore so much easier thanks to the wheels and handles. It even comes with a divided liner so they can separate darks and lights without even thinking about it.

Weighted Blanket

Anxieties will come, whether it's the stress of an upcoming final or the craziness of their first year out of college. Help your new grad ease stress and sleep soundly with this cozy weighted blanket.

Custom Canvas Photo Prints

Dorm/apartment décor has never been easier than it is with these peel and stick canvases. Select from 4, 9, or 12 boards, add the pictures you want them to have, and then all they have to do is peel off the adhesive tape covering on the back and hang.

West & Willow Custom Pet Portrait

Your grad is going to miss their favorite family member when they go off to college! A custom portrait will keep their furry friend nearby. Anyways, is there any cuter dorm décor than their furry best friend's face?

RELATED: Gifts for Dog Lovers

College Graduation Gifts

Cloud Comforter

If he thought waking up for 8 AM classes was bad, just wait until he finds out how early he'll have to be up for work. Those Saturday morning sleep-ins will be extra special nowadays, especially when he has a comforter this breathable and cozy on his bed. It's one of the best on Amazon!

Money Tree

Legend has it that money trees will bring luck, positive energy, and financial success — something any recent college grad will welcome with open arms. Let this new plant baby serve as a reminder for her to always work hard and try her best.

Monogram Stationery Set

Handwritten "thank you" notes on personalized stationery is a top tip from recruiters when it comes to making yourself memorable during the job interview process. Kick start his career with this handsome set. We love this gorgeous script version for the gals.

6 Piece Towel Set

She could probably use an upgrade from those ratty old towels she's used the last four years. This luxurious set is one of our favorite ones on Amazon and are sure to wrap her in comfort every time she steps out.

World of Coffee

Odds are, your grad is going to become very familiar with their break room coffee maker. This delicious coffee sampler will give him a little extra pep in his step with coffees from around the world. Opt for Subscribe and Save if you really want to treat them.

Pink Wine Glasses Gift Set

Cheers to entering the real world! Get her bar cart off to the right start with this chic set of wine glasses that includes two gold stoppers and a stunning cork screw.

Electric Lunch Box

A new job most likely means plenty of refrigerated lunches enjoyed in-office. There's no need to get into the break room microwave line when they've got this lunch box on hand. It plugs in and in two hours delivers a perfectly hot meal. Leftovers have never tasted better.

Convertible Duffel Bag

Every grad needs a solid piece of luggage that they can pack efficiently for airline travel. After all, you never know where this next chapter will lead them! This duffel unzips to become a garment bag that will keep all his or her hanging clothes totally wrinkle-free.

Sam's Club Membership

Gone are the days of meal plans. A membership to Sam's Club will allow her to stock up on everything she needs to cook for herself and meal prep for the work week ahead. Plus, she'll love the savings she gets by buying in bulk.

Writing Journal Notebook

After the graduate flips her tassel, she can map out her future in a faux leather journal, perfect for jotting down thoughts or making to-do lists. This one comes in seven different colors and has a fabric bookmark to keep her place. Pair it with a snazzy new pen to seal the deal.

Bento Box with Compartments

If they're leaving the world of meal plans and entering the world of meal prepping, they'll love this useful and sophisticated lunch box. (Added bonus, it will definitely fit in their new commuter bag!) It's available in pink and green.

Adulting: How to Become a Grown-up in 468 Easy(ish) Steps

This useful book will help recent graduates figure out useful stuff they most likely didn't learn in school, like what to look for before signing a lease and how to negotiate a salary — all with a sense of humor they'll appreciate.

Plastic Storage Bins

It's far from the most glamorous gift on the list, but these storage bins are a present they'll use every day, whether it's to organize snacks in the kitchen or corral cleaning supplies under the sink. If you really want to surprise them, then make a basket out of the bins and fill them with cleaning supplies, snacks, or other goodies.

Graduation Gifts for Girls

Taylor Swift: And the Clothes She Wears

Half of the fun of moving into a new dorm or apartment for any girl is decorating it. If she's a Swiftie, we can promise you that this coffee table book is on her new room mood board.

Bouqs Celebration Bouquet

Flowers are always a good idea — especially when they're this beautiful! Whether she's graduation high school or college, this gorgeous arrangement will get her ready to start the celebration.

Claire Petite Signet Ring

Why splurge on a traditional class ring that she'll never wear when you can get her a special signet ring instead? This is a piece she'll cherish for decades thanks to its timeless style. Choose from three fonts and two engraving styles.

Work Bag

If she's headed off to her first big-girl job, get her a bag that'll make her look just as successful and sophisticated as she is. This one comes in tons of different color options to match her aesthetic.

Instax Mini 12 Instant Film Camera

Entering this exciting new stage of life means there's plenty of new memories to be made! For a generation that loves instant gratification, what better gift than an old-school style camera to document the "best years of their life." Plus, disposable cameras and Polaroids are super on-trend right now.

Personalized Luggage Tag

They'll have no problem spotting their suitcase with this monogrammed luggage tag. It comes in four different colors with five font choices. You could also get them a new weekender bag for a more expensive gift, or splurge and get them an entire luggage set (every adult needs one!).

State Disc Necklace

She'll show off her home state pride no matter where she lives with this sweet reminder of where she came from.

Graduation Gifts for Boys

Apollo Gold Chronograph Watch

Every guy needs a nice watch. What better special occasion to gift one to him than his college graduation?

RELATED: Gift Ideas for Men

Personalized Engraved Leather Wallet

He needs to look just as successful as he feels, and a new wallet is just the thing to get him there. This customizable one offers a spot for personalization on both the outside and inside, as well as a place for a special message.

Gaming Chair

Whether he's using it for his WFH setup or to catch up on Call of Duty with his high school friends, this gaming chair is a comfortable spot to both kick up his feet and get down to business.

Dad Hat

He probably doesn't want to get too sentimental about heading off to college or leaving his home for the past four years, but a nice hat like this will be just the thing he loves to sport when he wants to show a little college town pride. You can find the whole collection by state here or create a custom hat here.

Bisbee Bow Tie

This isn't your average bow tie. Crafted from hand-selected feathers and made in Charleston, South Carolina, a Brackish bow tie will last him for years to come, and it's sure to be a showstopper at every formal and wedding he has coming up in the next few years (hint: there are most likely going to be a ton of those).

Men's Sock Subscription

If his next chapter involves plenty of days in the office, then you'll want to make sure his closet is in tip-top shape. A Foot Cardigan sock subscription will keep his drawers stocked with a new pair of high-quality socks delivered straight to his door every month.

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