Shopping for a college graduation gift is no joke. Graduating from college is one of the biggest accomplishments in a person’s life (I know it was for me), so you’ll obviously want to find a gift that reflects this important milestone. Needless to say, the pressure is on.
College graduates always appreciate money, of course, but an occasion as important as this one warrants a gift more special than a card with a check. Take it from someone who has many graduation gifts to buy this year; Shopping for graduation gifts is not easy. You want to get a gift that is meaningful but useful at the same time. If the grad you’re shopping for is moving in themselves, a nice apartment gift is always a solid choice. Or maybe they decide to backpack Europe after graduation — which is where a customized travel journal comes in handy. Whatever the circumstances, here are some of the best college graduation gifts for 2023.
For the traveler
For $300, you get a checked bag, carry-on luggage, packing cubes and a luggage tag. I’ve spent countless hours researching different luggage options and can guarantee this is the best deal I’ve seen so far. Those intending to depart for foreign destinations after graduation will be set with the CalPak starter bundle. Of course, the luggage itself isn’t top of the line and doesn’t include all the bells and whistles higher-end suitcases can offer, but it’s what a graduating college senior needs for their upcoming trips. .
Every frequent flyer knows that a good personal item can go a long way. If your graduate is getting ready to jet set around the world then having a personal item that can hold more than a laptop is important. The Monos Metro Backpack has a sleek design and comfortably holds a laptop, books and any extras.
One of the best things a person can have is a journal. Remembering entries from my travels and younger years is one of my favorite things to do when I’m feeling down. Give the graduate a customized journal so they always have a special message to look back on as they document their new adventures.
Sunseeker Sunglasses from GOLF le FLEUR*, a fashion brand founded by artist Tyler, The Creator, fit every college graduate with a bright future and a ticket to a tropical destination. As a not-so-proud owner of several affordable sunglasses, I can say that Sunseeker Sunglasses truly change the game. The sharp rectangular designs make them a solid choice for all the sun-seeking graduates out there.
For the new apartment dweller
These hand-poured soy wax candles have different scent profiles for each state. For example, Arizona smells like desert sand, blue agave and citrus. Kentucky has notes of bourbon and praline, while the Colorado candle evokes spruce, sandalwood, amber and cinnamon.
Cold brew is very tempting, especially in the summer months, but new graduates often need to cut costs. Help them make coffee at home. Vinci Express Cold Brew brews cold brew drinks in 5 minutes (normally the process takes 18 hours). Bonus: The compact size of this model is perfect for first apartments.
Influencer Emma Chamberlin’s Chamberlin Coffee brand has taken the coffee world by storm over the past few years. That’s why every caffeine-conscious grad will probably love Chamberlin Coffee’s Cold Brew Starter Pack. The pack includes a 10-pack of Chamberlin Coffee single-serve portions (you can choose which blend), stainless steel straw and a Chamberlin Coffee mason jar.
In college, my only drinking utensils were wine glasses, a corkscrew and a shot glass or two. Honestly, in college, that’s all you need. However, as you enter the adult world you begin to realize the intricate world of bartending and that perhaps a well-crafted cocktail is better than straight shots of vodka. For the college graduate looking to incorporate a bar cart into their new apartment, the Monday Cocktail Creator Set is a great place to start. The set includes a cocktail shaker, Hawthorne strainer, fine mesh strainer, bar spoon and pourer.
Gen Z loves houseplants, so a plant is already a great gift idea. But a Money Tree is a slam dunk: It’s said to bring luck and fortune. $38 gets you a small crop, or splurge on the $118 XL size (more luck?). There is also an option to add a pot or basket to your gift. Bonus: Money trees are great for beginning plant parents.
For the new business professional
For me, a nice watch is what differentiates an intern from an employee. Adding a watch to your everyday accessories truly signifies the onset of adulthood. (Obviously, I’m new to the whole adulting thing.) Of course buying a college graduate a Rolex might be a bit much, but there are tons of great watch options out there for under $1,000. I love the beautiful designs of MVMT watches, but Fossil also offers great affordable watches.
If your grad is looking for something more high-tech, the Apple Watch Series 8 is a great choice for smartwatch lovers.
The Work Tote by Beis is the work bag of every young professional’s dreams. The bag contains a zippered pocket, a laptop pocket and an adjustable strap. My favorite aspect of the tote is the design itself. The tote comes in a variety of designs, all of which help the bag easily transition from a work bag to a happy hour tote.
Cuff links are one of those things that a young adult can’t buy for themselves, but they’re nice to have on hand. They can be worn for weddings and other formal occasions, and they can even be worn in the office. This classic sterling pair from J.Crew makes a thoughtful graduation gift.
I ordered the Work From Anywhere Kit on a whim before I started my job and I now swear by it. As remote and hybrid work continues to take over the job market, having a kit on hand that holds charging cables, passwords and other small items that are often forgotten at home is more than useful. The case includes a two-in-one charging cable, phone stand, sticky notes and more.
For grads going on to grad school
The iPad Mini 6th generation is Apple’s latest mini iPad and can function as a notebook, sketchbook and TV screen. Although the iPad mini may not be compatible with some keypads, the iPad Mini can connect to all Apple pencils. The best part is that the Mini doesn’t take up much space, allowing it to easily fit into most bags.
While a backpack might not be at the top of someone’s wish list, as someone whose entire work life depends on carrying a 16-inch MacBook, I can attest that a good backpack is important. Graduate school means more books and technology than undergrad, and having a nice backpack that allows you to comfortably carry everything you need without breaking your back can be invaluable. Although they are a bit pricey, Troubadour backpacks sit at the top of my best backpack list. The design is professional and it’s light on your back, even though it’s full to the brim.
For inspiration
Oh The Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss cemented his place on every list of the best graduation gifts. Whether your loved one is graduating from elementary school or college, the book applies to every stage of life. For my college graduation, my best friend gave me a copy of this classic with all my friends and professor’s signatures on it, along with their top recommendations for places to go after graduation.
For the college graduate looking for some life advice on everything from love to career to family struggles, Cheryl Strayed’s Tiny Beautiful Things covers it all. The book is a compilation of Strayed’s advice column, which he wrote under the pseudonym “Sugar.” Featuring many of Strayed’s columns, the book can help guide anyone through confusing situations in their lives.
Because if you can’t be there in person
Fresh Sends sends beautiful bouquets straight to the graduate’s door. I used Fresh Sends recently to send flowers to my friends who graduated in Nashville and they loved it. Bouquets come in a variety of sizes and designs, and you can even attach a card and personal video to them!
