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Congrats to the grads!
The class of 2023 is entering a graduation season that, after several years of restrictions, will be largely back to normal. Hooray!
Our grads have toiled, slogged and hustled to get to this point and their accomplishments should be celebrated
To help the graduate in your life feel special and to give something suitable to honor the occasion, we’ve curated a list of gift ideas. Some are designed to spark joy, while others are intended to be useful, but all are meant to honor the young adult you’re sending off into the world.
Use the arrows above the image or the link below to scroll through our best graduation gift ideas.
Up first: Tech gifts to stay connected
Tech gifts to stay connected
Equip your grad with fun and easy gadgets to keep in touch across the miles, manage life independently, or make fun photos or videos.
Google Nest Mini
It may not be as brainy as your grad, but this little Google Nest Mini wireless speaker manages devices, plays music and broadcasts sports scores, among other tasks.
Joby Handypod, Beamo LED Light and Blue Snowball Microphone
A cool tripod, light and microphone setup can record TikTok videos or facilitate high-quality chats with friends and family: Joby Handypod, Joby Beamo LED light, Blue Snowball iCE USB microphone.
Fujifilm smartphone printer
This handy Fujifilm Mini Link smartphone printer bundle is superfun to play with. Your grad can make IRL photos like we used to do. Don’t forget to throw in some film!
Docking station
A custom docking station will keep the essentials in one place, no matter where a person crashes for the next several months.
Up next: Fun gift ideas for grads
Fun gift ideas for grads
After these past few difficult years, it’s time to laugh and have fun again.
Letters to my future self
Your grad might want to document this memorable time of life by journaling with Letters to My Future Self. Then, when future generations ask, they can pull out letters they wrote to their future selves.
Acknowledging the wild ride these grads have already been on
From school shutdown to virtual school to masking all day and back again, these seniors have made it through a lot! Why not acknowledge their tenacity with a fun gift, such as novelty socks, a T-shirt or keychain.
App Store and Google Play gift cards
Play games virtually with friends and family, no matter where your grad goes next. Scrabble Go, Uno!, Yahtzee With Buddies Dice and more are available from the App Store and Google Play. Many of the apps are free, though offer in-app purchases.
Up next: Comfort gifts for grads
Comforting gifts for grads
This is a momentous time in the lives of graduates. College, new jobs and moving are all both exciting and challenging. Serve up some comfort to your grad who is preparing for their next big move.
Spoonful of comfort
Nothing soothes like soup from Spoonful of Comfort. Send a gift package of soup, sides and other “warm fuzzies.” Gluten-free and vegan options are available.
Weighted blanket
A weighted blanket can calm an anxious soul by providing consistent pressure to relax the nervous system.
Candles
The Smells Like Self-Isolation and Generalized Anxiety Candle provides both a laugh and the soothing scents of lavender fields or fresh laundry.
Up next: Next-step gifts for graduates heading off to college
Next-step gifts for graduates heading off to college
Many graduates heading off to college or to a new home or job would benefit from these gifts to aid their next steps in life.
Cookbook
The entry-level cookbook “How to Cook for Beginners” by Gwyn Novak is the new basic everyone needs in order to get comfortable in the kitchen. Novak walks newer cooks through all of the steps of making a hard-boiled egg, and then graduates them on to creating simple but delicious dishes.
Meal delivery
A meal delivery gift card will always be appreciated. Consider Grubhub or Uber Eats, among others.
Shower caddy
When you share a bathroom with one roommate or several, a shower caddy is a must-have. This shower caddy holds everything they’ll need.
“Adulting” manual
Your college grad might need a few tips on being a full-fledged grown-up before they are released into the real world. The book “Adulting: How to Become a Grown-Up in 535 Easy(ish) Steps” is the perfect present.
White noise machine
A Dohm natural sound machine will help anyone block dorm or apartment cacophony for a restful slumber or productive study sesh.
And don’t forget local businesses, which can offer familiar comfort to someone away from home. A gift certificate from a local small business you love is a great way to celebrate your graduate.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2020, and has been updated for 2023.
