The Most Loved Graduation Gifts

Graduation season is upon us and this is one of my most requested posts. I understand because you want to gift the grad something they will actually use and love. Then there are the myriad of graduation parties where you need to take a great gift but without breaking the bank. I’ve asked readers, my own children, and polled as many young adults as I could. Consider this your go-to gift guide for all things graduation. I’ve broken it down into categories so I hope that it is easy to navigate depending on what you are looking for.

THE BELOVED FAN

I think every dorm in America might have this fan. It’s not only necessary, but sleek and powerful. This is the lowest price I have seen (I think Costco has it for the same price right now).

You can see the fan in action in Riley’s room. Both girls had one and loved them. Highly recommend.

YES, A DOORSTOP

Here me out on this one. A friend gifted this to Riley. It was in a clear bag with paper shreds and a big bow. It looked darling. Every single college kid needs a doorstop because the doors slam shut (and many automatically lock). You absolutely need this for move in and out but also for the kids to have their doors open. With phones, people are less social than when we all went to school. An open door helps build community. Grab one in the color (Go Vols) of their school and wrap it up cute. This is great when your child is headed to 15 different grad parties. And of course you can drop a gift card in the bag, too.

GENIUS IDEA

I’ll never forget waiting by the elevator in the dorm and a student rolled up with this wagon. She had just done a grocery store run and used it to carry everything from the car. Ummmmm? Why didn’t I think of that? We started talking and she said it was a graduation gift. She said she didn’t think anything of it when she received it but now it’s one of her favorite things. So smart.

MUCH NEEDED TOOL KIT

I still remember my powder blue “do it herself” kit. A simple tool kit is a must and a nice gift for any child headed out on their own – whether it’s college or something else. I grew up with a very creative dad who always made things meaningful so you could add a thoughtful sign or label to the front of the kit. It’s those little things that show you care.

FAILPROOF MEDICINE KIT

Anyone headed off to a college dorm needs a medicine kit. But it’s not just about filling this with the basics. Once you’ve done that, take some time and write down how/when each one should be used. You would be surprised at their lack of knowledge with this. Plus, when they don’t feel, well it really comes in clutch. So a cute notecard that says . . . Stuffy nose? Take this. Headache? Take this. Sore throat? Take this. You get the idea. Don’t forget to include a thermometer.

A GREAT SPEAKER

Whether it’s for the dorm room or out on the quad, everyone needs a speaker! This one has excellent reviews and there are tons of colors. This one is also great with a lower price point. A friend of mine brought it on one of our trips and we loved using it!

PORTABLE CHARGER

A great price point ($35) and this one actually plugs into the wall. That’s huge because it’s often difficult to charge these if they don’t have the write cord. This is so much more convenient.

This might lean more towards the girls, but it’s so fun to be able to instantly print out photos of their new friends/adventures.

Noise canceling headphones are so useful for students. These are on the higher end but you can of course find them at any price point. I travel with these and LOVE them.

CASH BUT MAKE IT MEANINGFUL

Cash is still the preferred gift (especially by the boys). And that’s perfectly ok. Just elevate it if you can. This was something I put together for my niece. I printed out inspirational quotes and each of those is a little envelope filled with cash.

For the guys, you could add these quotes to a small cake. It could also be something as simple as gifting an inspirational book and placing the envelope of cash inside (along with an inscription in the book). A journal is also a nice gift to stash some much needed cash in.

*Read the complete post on this and grab the printable with the quotes I used.

MONOGRAMMED TOWEL WRAP

When I asked Riley she said that her monogrammed towel wrap was absolutely one of her favorite graduation gifts. It was given to her by a friend and she LOVES it.

I noticed this monogrammed towel wrap is on sale and there is also one on Amazon.

This ring is also something Riley cherishes. We had it engraved with her monogram and she wears it every single day.

While they are technically a birthstone bracelet, we gifted one to Riley in this green color when she headed off to Notre Dame. If they have their chosen school color it’s a really fun gift idea.

This bag is $8 and another favorite of Riley’s. She has used it two years now and still loves it. If your child is headed to a handful of parties, this is something to consider. Fill with their favorite candy, homemade cookies or a gift card. You can adjust the price point to what it needs to be depending on what you put inside. The bag on it’s own is a lovely gift, too. Take it from my daughter!

This is another home run for the neighbors or friends who are graduating and want to keep it under $25. We gifted about 8 of Riley’s friends these satin pillowcases when they graduated. Wrapped them with pretty paper and a pretty bow. Another gift Riley uses daily. Great to have on hand for those extra party invites.

PERSONALIZED STATIONERY

Riley has been so grateful for a set of stationery these last couple of years. On more than one occasion she found it appropriate to send off a hand written note. It’a s lost but important art. If a professor goes the extra mile or a friend’s parent is in town and treats you to dinner . . . this can be really useful. Also key to have on hand for the girls rushing. You just never know when it might be a good idea to write a thoughtful note.

She has also used them to write a happy birthday note to a friend on campus. A good price point for the extra parties you are invited to!

FAVORITE TRAVEL BAG

I have raved about his bag for over two years now. My sister gifted it to Riley for graduation and she uses it every time she comes home. I have one and love it, too. Fantastic bag. There is a slightly smaller version I would recommend if your graduate will be flying (it fits nicely under the seat).

A GROWN UP DOPP KIT

Such a great looking bag. Many color options and you can personalize it, too.

A LEATHER OPTION

This one has a great price point for Italian leather and is really good looking. It comes in three different colors.

A handful of you recommended a waxed duffel bag and this one is so good looking.

I also found this duffel bag for a lower price point.

LEATHER WALLET

A fresh wallet is always nice. A great price point . . . and you can add cash or a gift card to it!

PERSONALIZED STATIONERY

Sadly, the bar has fallen pretty low when it comes to communication these days. Tech and email makes things so impersonal. Whether it’s a thank you note to a professor or a roommates parent that takes him out to dinner, a hand written note really stands out in the crowd these days. These are fantastic to have on hand.

LEATHER JOURNAL

This is something I gifted my husband years ago and has had one ever since. He LOVES it. It’s a place to write down goals, next steps, thoughts. I know we will be gifting our son one as well. And this is a nice price point for those grad parties where you need to bring something without going crazy. And if you know the person very well, it’s always nice to write a note on the first page.

I really tried to keep this list intentional and truly included what we have gifted or would absolutely gift again. Feel free to add other ideas in the comments below. And congrats to all of the upcoming grads! Such an exciting time of year. Here’s to the next big adventure.

*Interested in a dorm room check list, you can find ours here.