They've pulled hundreds of all-nighters, spent their last dollars on coffee and now they're getting that coveted diploma. Being a college graduate is one of the biggest achievements in someone's life. It requires grit, perseverance and passion — and that deserves a prize!
According to a 2022 report released by the U.S. Census Bureau, 23% of people aged 25 and older held a bachelor's degree and 14% of people in the same age range completed advanced education such as a master's degree, professional degree or doctorate. This is enough reason to celebrate your college graduate with a small present and show them how proud you are.
Whether they challenged their brain through nursing school to become a healthcare worker or took an extra shift to finish their internship, we've rounded up a list of college graduation gifts for every kind of student. Here are some well-deserved items to prepare them for the workforce and adulthood.
Practical college graduation gift ideas
Masterclass Subscription
Starting at $15 a month, your grad can add a new skill to their resume by some of the best in the industry in range of categories to choose from.
“I have a passion for sketch comedy, so when I was offered a free trial of Masterclass, I jumped at the chance,” says associate editor Allie Wise. “I took multiple classes from comedy legends and learned a tremendous amount about the craft. I highly recommend it for recent grads looking to explore a new field.”
Goaus Passport Holder
Help them plan and prepare for future international trips with this Shop TODAY Travel Gear Award winner for most innovative tech accessory. What's special about this passport holder is that it features a slot for their AirTag so they'll never have to stress about misplacing it.
Desk Yoga Deck of Cards
If their new job requires them to sit at a cubicle from 9-to-5, they’re bound to get antsy. This deck of cards provides them with easy and simple poses to do at their desk, to encourage productivity and get their blood pumping again.
Tile by Life360 Slim Tracker
For the grad who's always on the road, give them the gift of peace of mind. This credit card-sized travel accessory, which recently won in Shop TODAY's Travel Gear Awards for most innovative tracker, is slim enough to slide into their wallet, luggage tag or any other micro nook. Plus, for parents' peace of mind, the device can also be connected to Life360 so they can notify loved ones in case of an emergency.
If they're a Sanrio fan, get them this adorable Hello Kitty set!
Papier Wave Border Notecard Set
These personalized notecards will be perfect for them to keep in touch with the friends they’ve made throughout college as they begin their next chapter.
Diploma Frame with Tassel Holder
They've finally made it to the finish line! Showcase their achievement with this frame dedicated to all their hard work and late-night studying leading up to the big day.
Hyper Tough Household Tool Set
Whether they’re moving into an apartment right away or want to save up for a few months, they’re bound to need a hammer or two while moving in or out of their place. This tool kit is compact, sleek and the perfect way to help them get started. Associate editor Kamari Stewart says this was one of the first purchases she made for her apartment and has found it useful every day since.
Amazon Gift Card
When in doubt, get them a gift card! There’s bound to be something they need or want from Amazon.
Fitbit Inspire 3
Help them stay on top of their fitness game with the Fitbit Inspire 3. This lightweight smartwatch has tons of beneficial capabilities in its small frame including all-day activity tracking, over 20 exercise modes, essential wellness tools to track your stress, heart rate and sleep, and up to 10 days of battery life, not to mention six free months of Fitbit Premium for additional access to more in-depth health features.
Shop TODAY writer Emma Stessman put this to the test against other popular smartwatches and called out how satisfied she was with its "impressive" features and insights it provided. "There are also multiple ways to wear the device. You can swap the bands with translucent or stainless steel mesh versions. Or you can put it in “clipped on body” mode and attach it to your belt, waistband or bra with this discreet clip," she added.
Apple TV 4K
An Apple TV would be an awesome upgrade to any living room. You can stream movies and shows from hundreds of different apps including Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO, YouTube and use Siri to control it all with your voice.
Logitech Casa Pop-Up Desk
Whether they're always on the go or just don't have space for a full desk setup wherever they're living, this pop-up desk kit from Logitech is a must-have. A wireless keyboard and touchpad are stored neatly inside of this foldable case that also transforms into a laptop stand.
"Living in a small space, I can't fit a full desk in here but this pop-up desk has been a game changer for me," raves Stewart. "I set it up on a small tray table and am able to work efficiently for the entire day."
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
Have a more fitness-focused college graduate? This launch by Beats are your best bet. Not only will they be great for commuting, they're perfect for workouts thanks to their secure-fit ear hooks, sweat-resistant finish and heart rate monitoring sensors. Commerce editor and producer Julie Ricevuto says she uses them every day and loves how high-quality they are and how crisp the audio sounds.
Beis The Carry-On Roller
Get them ready for future work trips and fun travel weekends with some luggage from Beis. The brand's carry-on roller — a 2023 Shop TODAY Travel Gear Awards winner — is made out of a durable polycarbonate shell, includes multiple compartments and pouches to stay organized, has a TSA-approved combination lock to keep your things safe and it even has a weight indicator on the side to let you know whether you should move a few things to a different bag.
Unique gifts for grads
EasyHome Sleep Sound Machine
New responsibilities mean they’re definitely going to need quality sleep. Help them get a good night’s rest with this sleep machine that offers 30 soothing sounds, 36 volume levels and automatic shutoff.
Personalized Grad Box
Shopping for someone who lover sneakers? Surprise them with this personalized graduation gift box. Add a new pair of kicks for a graduation gift they'll remember for many years to come.
Uncommon Goods Microwave Pasta Pot
Whether they’re making lunch in the office or heating up a quick dinner, this microwave pasta pot cooks pasta in no time with just water and noodles. Drain the water through the included lid when it’s done cooking, add sauce and you have a meal in minutes. “No muss, no fuss. It cooks the pasta perfectly every time,” said one reviewer.
Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock
Rise and grind! Help them get accustomed to early hours with this sunrise alarm clock. It simulates the sun by gradually getting brighter over the course of 30 minutes as it gently wakes you and prepares you for the day.
If they're already an early bird, there's other ways to utilize this clock.
"I also love to use it as a reading light," says Stessman. "I’ll usually wind down before bed with a good book, but sometimes the bright light from my lamp makes it harder to fall asleep later. With this, I set it to one of the low light levels and have it gradually dim, so I can still see, but the warm, soft light doesn’t keep me awake."
Custom Map Print
This custom map print would look great in their first apartment. If they’re moving to a brand-new state or country, this housewarming gift would help them make their new place feel like home!
Uncommon Goods Collegiate Pouches
Soon they’ll be ditching their school supplies for office stationary essentials. To keep their pens and pencils in place, or even make-up and other necessities, this collegiate pouch will carry it all while showcasing their school spirit.
Uncommon Goods College Cityscape Can-Shaped Glasses
Gift them with a little touch of their home-away-from-home with this set of glasses that’s available for most major state universities. This nostalgic, yet practical decor piece helps them reflect on their alma mater while in their new home or apartment.
Be Rooted Co. More than Enough Notebook and Padfolio Bundle
Stewart is also a fan of this "More than Enough" notebook and padfolio set. "Be Rooted Co. is a Black woman-owned business that has lots of cute gifty stationery/home/decor things like this set that would be good for a college grad!" she says. The pink padfolio features a chic gold elastic closure, deeming it the perfect functional and fashionable accessory.
Home college graduation gift ideas
Society6 Framed Print
This piece from Society6 would look great in their new place. It can be placed in various frame colors like white, black, brown or red and comes in sizes as large as 26-by-38 inches.
Gibson Home Rockaway Dinnerware Set
Help them get started on stocking up on kitchen necessities with this dinnerware set. It comes with four dinner plates, four dessert plates and four bowls — and they’re made in over a dozen different colors.
Money Tree
A popular gift in East Asian culture, the money tree symbolizes prosperity, wealth, abundance and success. On top of that, it is very easy to care for and self-watering.
Our Place Always Pan 2.0
This chic yet functional pan is a great investment that will make the perfect welcoming gift into adulthood. The Always 8-in-1 pan comes in a in a wide variety of colors and additional add on to cook a variety of meals.
"Since receiving it, I use it all the time and have really gotten into one-pot meals with it," says associate editor Shannon Garlin. "It's really high-quality and nothing sticks to it, making it really easy to clean. Not to mention, the style is so sleek, I leave it out on my stove sometimes."
Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker
The “real world” is filled with early mornings and long hours. This Keurig coffee machine would make a great gift to help them get through endless days at their new job. Complement it with some reusable K-cups and their favorite ground coffee to help them save extra money on their latte habit.
College graduation gifts to read
“Adulting,” by Kelly Williams Brown
This book is funny, wise and useful for anyone who recently graduated from college. From the wise words of Kelly Williams Brown, she makes adulting in the “real world” seem less scary and more approachable, manageable, and even conquerable in 535 easy steps.
“Atomic Habits,” by James Clear
Get their “adult” life started on the right foot by determining which habits to ditch and which ones to keep, thanks to the advice in this book by James Clear.
“The Defining Decade,” by Meg Jay
Post-grad is the perfect time to get inspired and find your true passion, but it should also be one of the best times of your life! This inspirational book written by Meg Jay is filled with tools and encouragement to help your recent graduate make the most of their twenties.
“Lessons Learned and Cherished: The Teacher Who Changed My Life,” by Deborah Roberts
Surely over the course of their K-12 and college education, your college graduate has had a teacher that’s made a lasting impact on them. This novel features stories from Oprah Winfrey, Jenna Bush Hager, Rachael Ray and others sharing the lessons learned from teachers that lasted long after the dismissal bell rang.
"Lifelong Mentorship: Touching All The Bases," by Michael Fox
The worlds of baseball and business collide in this inspirational book by Michael Fox, which is packed with professional and practical advice for all career levels. Whether you're looking to mentor others, hoping to kickstart a successful career (like your college grad!) or simply interested in strengthening interpersonal relations within the world of business, this is the perfect book for you. Ricevuto loves this book, saying: "Not only is Fox's account incredibly engaging and easy to follow, his advice is timeless and can be applied to various facets of life. Consider this book a home run!"
Food college graduation gifts
Custom Message Shortbread Cookies
Whether you choose to commemorate their graduation now or wait to surprise them on the first day of their new gig, these shortbread cookies can be personalized with any message, date or inside joke and include 24 vanilla cookies.
Costco Membership
For $60 a year, they can gain access to groceries in bulk with a Costco membership. Never will they go without their favorite snacks, meal prep ingredients or even paper towels ever again.
HelloFresh Gift Card
Whether they’ve never cooked a meal in their life or consider themselves a home chef, a HelloFresh meal delivery kit would be an awesome gift since the recipes are tasty and easy to make. They have hassle-free step-by-step recipes and offer four different meal plans including meat and veggies, veggie-only, family-friendly and low-calorie.
Best college graduation gifts for her
Little Words Project Graduation Class of 2025 Beaded Bracelet
Help the grad in your life commemorate this special milestone with this adorable beaded bracelet from Little Words Project. This "Class of 2025" accessory is the perfect arm candy to wear on their wrist all summer long.
Graduation Compass Necklace
This thoughtful necklace has a dainty compass pendant, which will encourage the new graduate to enjoy the post-grad journey.
Figs Zamora Jogger Style Scrub Pants
If she’s embarking on a career in healthcare, help her survive long hours at the hospital with these comfy and versatile joggers. The pants have an anti-wrinkle material, moisture-wicking properties and five pockets for maximum convenience. This one will keep her badge and essentials in place while running through the hallway.
Kendra Scott Elisa Pendant Necklace
For a trendier jewelry gift, go for this Kendra Scott Elisa necklace. It’s perfect for everyday wear and will add a bit of sparkle to any outfit, whether she rocks it to the office or on a date.
Rent The Runway Gift Card
First impressions are extremely important when it comes to interviewing for a job. A Rent the Runway gift card will give them access to hundreds of high-end clothing and accessories to make them look best for the moments that matter most!
Clove Women's Classic Shoe
For those college grads who will have to withstand long shifts and standing hours, gift them this pair of kicks from Clove. The brand was created for nurses specifically, but the shoes can be worn in any kind of field. These shoes are designed with fluid-repellent uppers, OrthoLite inserts and for long-lasting comfort.
Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote
A work bag is a necessity for their first job! This one from Longchamp will match all of her outfits, fit everything she needs for the day and is super easy to clean.
Modern Picnic The Tote
"I've spent many years on the hunt for the perfect bag and I truly think I've finally found it," shares Stewart. "This bag is extremely spacious and I'm always surprised by how much I can fit in there. I use it for work and love that I can carry all the things I like, PLUS have room for a pair of shoes, another outfit and my lunch."
"I love that I can wear it anywhere from work to fancier events to conferences and everywhere in between. If I would have been gifted this right out of college, I probably would have saved a lot of money," she says.
Best college graduation gifts for him
Uncommon Goods Upcycled Record Coasters
For an upgraded cocktail setup, get him these upcycled record coasters from Uncommon Goods. If he loves music, he'll totally appreciate that they're made out of reclaimed records while he kicks back.
Samsonite Convertible Briefcase
If they’re working behind a desk after graduation, a briefcase is a useful and thoughtful gift to prepare them for their first job. This one from Samsonite is lightweight, sturdy and has plenty of space to organize all of his work essentials.
Coach Outlet Boxed 3-in-1 Wallet Gift Set
For all that you get, this deal is a steal. Inside this gift set is a standard wallet, that fits full-sized bills and credit cards. But it also comes with a small wallet to fit a few credit cards for when he wants to back light. However, this smaller wallet can be tucked inside the folds of the larger one for more card storage. Plus, there’s a trigger valet key fob included to watch with the set.
Fossil Men's Stainless Steel Watch
You can’t go wrong with a nice quality watch. This stainless steel and leather chronograph quartz watch is the perfect gesture for any guy graduating from college. It would look great with a suit or weekend attire.
Mark & Graham Custom Cufflinks
Custom cufflinks are a special and thoughtful gift for a new graduate. This pair from Mark & Graham is made out of sterling silver in a classic square shape and created in New York.
How we chose
Shop TODAY editors and writers scour the internet to find the best products out there. We draw inspiration from several avenues including social media and our own personal experiences.
Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s other gift guides to find the perfect present for the grad in your life including preschool, kindergarten, fifth grade, middle school and high school.
