50 College Graduation Gifts That'll Be SO Useful in ~Adulthood~ (2024)

Talk to any soon-to-be college grad and they’ll probably tell you that they’d be perfectly happy with a card stuffed with some cash or a Venmo payment as a college graduation gift. But you might feel like going a little more sentimental than cold, hard cash—after all, this degree was years of work in the making! In that case, let us help you find the perfect, lavish-yet-useful-and-appropriate college graduation gift to commemorate the special occasion.

Below, we’ve rounded up the 50 best gift ideas that the college grad in your life needs right now. It’s traditional to either splurge on something nice yet practical (think high-quality work wardrobe pieces or a tech device that’ll help ‘em out in the post-grad world) or give a sentimental gift (like a gorgeous ring, keepsake box, or photo album) to mark the end of a chapter. But you could also bring all the celebratory vibes with a bottle of bubbly (given that it’s age-appropriate, ofc) or a funny card (which could totally have cash in it… just sayin’).

Scroll down or bookmark this page so the next time you get a graduation announcement in the mail, you’ll know exactly what to get 'em.

“Omg, it smells like New Job in here!” said no one ever, but a yummy candle that they burn when starting their first job is still a cute way to make scent memories during a pivotal time in their life. The brand also makes location candles, so you could purchase one with their new city on it as a “congrats on moving!” or “don’t forget about us!” gift.

I guarantee that your Swiftie grad has had their eye on this beautiful vinyl version of Taylor Swift’s most recent album, The Tortured Poets Department.

Cue alllllll the jokes about learning things in school that you’ll never need to know. This card game is full of 400 random facts to add to that list (and it'll draw out your grad into chatting about their lives).

If you’re celebrating a soon-to-be nurse, physician’s assistant, or doctor, gift them a pair of Cloves—these sneakers are designed for healthcare workers who are on their feet for 12+ hour shifts and need fluid-resistant (...yeah, I know) shoes that are easy to clean. Plus, they’re cute! My personal favorite is this pair that Clove designed in collaboration with Owala, aka Gen Z’s favorite water bottle brand.

If you’re planning on taking the ol’ card-and-money route, snag this cute little grad bear to round out your gift. It’s a fun on-theme keepsake and, of course, devastatingly cute.

For those post-grad travelers in need of a luggage refresh, these lightweight carry-ons have a hard case and a locking pad to protect their valuables. Oh, and it's so stylish.

Nothing says “getting my sh*t together” like a shelf filled with self-improvement books. Get their collection started with this best-selling book on making the most of the new decade they’re navigating.

Not only does this mini printer spit out the cutest little photos straight from your smartphone, it also can print sticky-backed photos that’ll totally change the game for anyone who loves journaling or scrapbooking.

It’s thematic, get it? This bracelet is a cute lil spin on the classic name necklace with each letter of their name spelled out on a pretty four-leaf clover to wish your new grad the best of luck in their new chapter of life!

Anyone who's WFH would love one of these adjustable laptop stands. They can use it when they're lying in bed or on the couch, then convert it into a stand-up desk when they need to stretch their legs.

It steams, it fries, it makes yummy soups and chicken that actually tastes good—this is the kitchen hero that every twenty-something needs to save them from sad, boring work lunches.

Class rings are cute and all, but I’d bet money that what your new grad has actually been eyeing is the Oura, a health-tracking smart ring that gives you tons of insights on everything from your sleep to your resting heart rate. Check out our full review of the Oura ring here!

They might have had the flexibility to eat wherever during college, but if they have an office job lined up, they’ll be rlly thankful for this practical lunch box set—which comes with three removable containers.

The new grad is inevitably going to have frozen chicken tenders for dinner when they don’t feel like cooking after a long day of work, okay? Give them this nifty air fryer toaster that’ll crisp up anything from leftover fries to frozen food in a snap.

Nothing is worse than entering adult life and realizing how many new things you have to buy. Like, wdym sheets and rent and a vacuum and work clothes cost $10,000? Gifting them something mundane yet incredibly useful is the way to go, like this All-Clad bb that’ll last them for years to come. They’ll appreciate not having to shell out money on a frying pan along with everything else!

Replace the loose knife they’ve been using to chop everything (that is, if they even own a knife at all, lol) and they’ll love you forever. A good set of knives is one of those things you don’t realize you really needed until you start using it—and trust me, they’ll reach for these kitchen knives all the dang time.

Just cuz they might need to carry a ~briefcase-like~ bag to the office doesn’t mean it has to be ugly, k? This vegan leather option comes in a bunch of colors, fits a standard laptop, and boasts a handy luggage strap that’ll keep it perched on top of a carry-on for any work-related travel.

Their new place will feel more like home with a gift set of three different candles to brighten up their space, made up of three of Boy Smells’ most popular candles (Cameo, Hinoki Fantôme, and LES).

It’s a blowout brush, a curling wand, AND a curling iron. They’ll save so much bathroom space with this tool that does triple duty.

Get them a blazer that’s chic enough to sport at their new job but trendy enough to wear with jeans or a mini skirt when they’re OOO. It’s an investment that’ll last ‘em years.