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Let's be totally honest: Any college graduate would be perfectly happy with an envelope of straight-up cash or a gift card as a graduation gift (student loans, anyone?). But you might feel like getting a little more personal, sentimental, or creative when picking out a college graduation gift—new grads can be kinda hard to please, and they may not know what they need IRL yet. Don't know where to start to grab the perfect, most appropriate, gonna-make-them-so-happy graduation gift? Let us help ya out.
Below, we’ve rounded up the 48 best gift ideas that the college grad in your life needs right now. If you'd like to help them reminisce about the past few years, go for something sentimental like a photo album, keepsake box, or journal. But if you'd rather keep the focus on what's ahead, shop some of the books, office supplies, and work wardrobe pieces on this list to help them look forward to their lives and careers—even if they're just trading studying from home for working from home. Or if you'd like to give a present that's more centered on, well, the present, send something celebratory, like a bottle of wine (21 and older!), a party-themed gift set, or a funny card (which could totally have money 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.
Pros
- so long-lasting
- removable and adjustable shoulder strap
Cons
- pricey
They probably have a million of those reusable totes, but it's actually way more sustainable to just have one that's more durable that they use every day. Also? This bag looks sleek and professional making it perf for any occasion.
An Amazon Gift Card
Amazon Gift Card in a Graduation Cap Box
An Amazon Gift Card
Amazon Gift Card in a Graduation Cap Box
Pros
- fast and easy
Cons
- not a personal gift
When in doubt!! It's safe to say most college graduates or students want money. This gift card, which comes in a cute graduation cap box, makes it perfect for the occasion.
Glowing Review: "Great graduation gift for those not sure what the new graduate wants. Better than gifting money since you know where they'll be spending it."
A Clever Card Game
Uncommon Goods Things They Don’t Teach You in School Game
A Clever Card Game
Uncommon Goods Things They Don’t Teach You in School Game
Pros
- inspires conversations
Cons
- not for competitive gamers
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).
Glowing Review: "We had such a blast playing this game! Great party game. I'm not even sure if we were following the rules but we had a good time 'learning.'"
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this lucky bracelet
Karma and Luck Pursuit of Success Silver Burmese Jade Bracelet
this lucky bracelet
Karma and Luck Pursuit of Success Silver Burmese Jade Bracelet
Pros
- fair trade
Cons
- only one size
It's thematic, get it? This bracelet has actual gemstones and jade (which represents abundance, prosperity, and cleansing). Give them this bracelet and have them wear it while manifesting every single one of their dreams.
Glowing Review: "I absolutely love my Karma & Luck bracelets! They are just beautiful. The customer service is on point every time and the delivery is fast."
a grown-up lunch box
Monbento Bento Box with Compartments
a grown-up lunch box
Monbento Bento Box with Compartments
Pros
- versatile
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.
Glowing Review: "This bento is very sleek and beautifully designed, I have already received some curious questions and compliments about it. After receiving this bento it has already encouraged me to bring lunch from home more and spend less money on eating out. I already have started a Pinterest board for bento lunch ideas, I'm so excited."
A Scrapbook
Veicevol 256 Pockets Mini Photo Album for Fujifilm Instax
A Scrapbook
Veicevol 256 Pockets Mini Photo Album for Fujifilm Instax
Pros
- stores tons of pics
Cons
- plastic sometimes wrinkles
Finally! A place to put all those party pics and polaroids from the good ole days. This photo album comes with 256 mini photo sleeves that are the perfect size for instant photos.
Glowing Review: "I love this album. So much room and is a good deal for the price. The album is sturdy and the pages aren’t thin so they’re durable. Very happy with this product. Please make more colors 😁."
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Pros
- multifunctional
Cons
- needs to be plugged in
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.
Glowing Review: "Don't know why I didn't buy these previously. It's so convenient working from bed with this table. Will have to buy another one because now my daughter loves to take it from me and use it for herself."
A Funny Card
CatBoneDesign Michael Scott Graduation Card
A Funny Card
CatBoneDesign Michael Scott Graduation Card
Pros
- ships fast
Cons
- thinner than cardstock
Just wanna send 'em some cash in the mail? Pick out a funny card to go with it!
Glowing Review: "Got this for a high school graduate who loves The Office. Chose her school colors. Great quality. Would recommend."
This Custom Drink-Making Machine
Bartesian Premium co*cktail and Margarita Machine
This Custom Drink-Making Machine
Bartesian Premium co*cktail and Margarita Machine
Now 20% Off
Pros
- super-simple to use
Cons
- occasionally temperamental
Um, custom drinks they can make at home for a night in/Netflix and chill moment when they just don't want to go to the bar? Absolutely, yes—and something they prob wouldn't get themselves, so a perfect gift.
Glowing Review: "Full disclosure, I own a bar. Keeping all the mixers on hand and fresh to make this variety of drinks is a tall order. The convenience of having this at home with all the flavors premixed is hard to beat. The drinks are a surprisingly tasty and well-balanced co*cktails...[and] are not too sweet. The variety is great and they are dead simple to use. Very pleased."
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this small, but mighty ring light
QIAYA Selfie Light Ring
this small, but mighty ring light
QIAYA Selfie Light Ring
Pros
- good battery life
Cons
- smaller than you expect
I mean. This lil rechargeable ring light works for selfies and makeup, but TBH it's also terrific for TikTok. (Ya know, in their off time.) Priorities!
Glowing Review: "I love this light. It has 4 brightness settings and is rechargeable. I only just received it, but wow what a huge difference. And for the price you just can't beat it!"
A Cool Pair of Sunglasses
ADE WU Rectangle Sunglasses
A Cool Pair of Sunglasses
ADE WU Rectangle Sunglasses
Pros
- fit most face shapes
Cons
- run a little wide
Don’t forget to make a punny joke about the future being ~bright~ (get it? get it??) when you hand your new grad these sunnies as a gift.
Glowing Review: "I love these sunglasses so much. They are super fashionable, but the shape is really flattering on even larger faces. Honestly such a good value for money, I suggest getting a two pack because you will want these in multiple colors. I have the tortoise, black, and tea colors and love and wear them all so much."
This Dual Magnetic Charger
Satechi Aluminum 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand
This Dual Magnetic Charger
Satechi Aluminum 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand
Pros
- space-saving
Cons
- case Needs to be Magsafe compatible
Do they love having their phone available while they work? Get 'em this wireless magnetic charger that also gives their headphones some juice, too. Dual wireless charging while going hands-free? Yes pls.
Glowing Review: "I’m on phone calls all day. This device makes it easy for me to keep my phone charged and in front of me to interact with the mute and hang up really quickly without fumbling around my messy desk. The AirPods charger also charges other wireless headphone too."
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The First Piece of Their Office Wardrobe
Simple Retro Ann V-Neck Puff Sleeve Blouse
The First Piece of Their Office Wardrobe
Simple Retro Ann V-Neck Puff Sleeve Blouse
Pros
- versatile and timeless
Cons
- handwash only
If they're headed to an office, help kick off their grownup work wardrobe with a classic white button-down shirt. This blouse by vintage-inspired brand Simple Retro is versatile to style with trousers, jeans, and skirts. And the puff sleeves and pretty pearl buttons give it an extra flair that feels unique and special.
A Book to Deal With Post-Grad Life
Adam Smiley Poswolsky The Quarter-Life Break-Through
A Book to Deal With Post-Grad Life
Adam Smiley Poswolsky The Quarter-Life Break-Through
Now 20% Off
Pros
- practical and sensible
Cons
- lots of anecdotes
This book gives solid career advice and attempts to answer the age-old question: “How can I have a job I love that also pays my rent?” A question for everyone, but especially in your 20s!
Glowing Review: "As a lost millennial who is in the middle of changing industries, Adam's book was insightful in providing different perspectives to find my own direction without being limited to the corporate ladder...I would recommend this book for 20-30 year olds who are unhappy with their career path and are willing to self-reflect in order to change their life."
A Unique Graduation Ring
Senia Invidia Customizable Ring
A Unique Graduation Ring
Senia Invidia Customizable Ring
Pros
- fully customizable
Cons
- since it's custom, you need to allow 5-7 weeks for production
Class rings are cool and all, but this luxe ring set makes the idea look 1000 times chicer. You can have the year they're graduating commemorated in roman numerals for a special yet subtle way for them to remember (and proudly wear) their achievement. Senia's ring set is fully customizable, and you can choose between a variety of 14k yellow, white, and rose gold bands and 14k white gold hardware with diamonds.
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A Sleek Card Holder
MaxGear RFID Credit Card Holder
A Sleek Card Holder
MaxGear RFID Credit Card Holder
Pros
- durable and light
Cons
- only holds six cards
A thin case in a trendy rose-gold shade is perfect for holding business cards. You know, for all that networking they’re about to do.
Glowing Review: "I've dropped it many times and it still opens and closes like its supposed to. Most of all I love the size of it. I can fit it in my coat or pant pocket very easily. Helps me not have to lug around a big wallet. It has 6 card compartments...Very nifty little thing, and I get a lot of compliments on it."
Pros
- multifunctional
Cons
- a bit small
Nothing says “getting my sh*t together” like penciling post-grad plans and goals into a cute graphic calendar. They'll look, and feel, so adult!!
Glowing Review: "On the inside there is a detachable ruler and plenty of note space. It's big but not so big that it takes up too much space; it's the perfect size. It has space for extra important dates i.e., wedding dates or birthdates. There is a phone book section that I think is adorable...I got all my main goals written down with dates and the inside of planner is for the little details and steps needed to reach those goals."
A Nice Leather Journal
Leatherology Medium Wrap Journal
A Nice Leather Journal
Leatherology Medium Wrap Journal
Pros
- luxe-looking
Cons
- small
Time for the new grad to put the spiral notebooks to rest and switch to a nice leather-bound option for note-taking at the new job.
Glowing Review: "Great quality journal for my needs! The leather is soft and supple but feels like it can handle a lifetime of use. Fine craftsmanship and the embossing looks fantastic."
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Pros
- multiple different sizes
Cons
Now that they've graduated, they'll have to make some mature decisions in their future. One of which? Settling on their signature scent that is lightyears away from the $10 body spray they had throughout school. We recommend this one from Who is Elijah with floral and musk notes.
A Place to Store Keepsakes
West Elm Marble Vanity Boxes
A Place to Store Keepsakes
West Elm Marble Vanity Boxes
Pros
- sleek and heavy
Cons
- unlined
A keepsake box for storing their graduation tassel, stole, medals, and other mementos is absolutely, unexpectedly great. If you really feel like going all out, slip a little gift card inside, too.
Associate Shopping Editor
Daisy Maldonado is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan who loves writing about fashion trends, must-have beauty products, and digital culture. When she's not writing, you can almost certainly find her shopping (she knows her credit card numbers by heart) or obsessing over celebrity news. Although she’s acquired an extensive closet over the years, her favorite item she owns is a Harry Styles Love On Tour hoodie she purchased at his concert in Manchester. Daisy's work has appeared on Refinery29, The Daily Beast, E! News, Allure and more. Keep up with all of her chaotic travels, NYC life and fashionable moments on her Instagram.