We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Why trust us?
All of these ideas can be personalized to your high school or college grad.
The exams are over. The tassels have been turned. And now, it's time to celebrate your high school or college grad. And while it's become a tradition of sorts to hand over a card filled with cash, take the more personalized route by showing up to her graduation party with one of these meaningful graduation gifts for her.
As you browse through these gift ideas, consider what your grad needs most as she embarks on her next chapter, whether she's furthering her education, taking a gap year or entering the working world. Maybe she needs a handwritten keepsake to take on her cross-country move. Or she's furnishing her first "big girl apartment" and needs more practical items (think: bath towels and air fryers). But if her future's a little uncertain at the moment (hey, we've all been there), then stick with something that focuses on the now, like a special piece of jewelry that symbolizes just how far she's come. There aren't any rules when it comes to celebrating milestone moments — just find a gift that fits your budget, pair it with a heartfelt card and say "congrats" every chance you get.
Looking for something more specific? Take a look at these gift guides to find the perfect present for your nursing or law school graduate.
Now, she can wear your heart on her sleeve. Jot down a short (but seriously sweet) message and send a copy to this Etsy seller, who will turn your words into a silver, gold or rose gold bracelet.
Even if she's done with school (for now, at least), she'll still need to find ways to keep her deadlines, events and to-dos organized. She can see her entire week at a glance, then tear off the page to start anew.
A little sparkle is always welcome, especially during milestone moments like this one. The rhodium-plated studs are "designed to last," so they'll bring sparkle and shine through all of life's adventures.
A bottle of nice wine is the way to her heart. To make it more appropriate for the occasion, wrap this label around the bottle of your choice (well, hers).
Little by little, she's trying to make her wardrobe look more adult. Start her off with this day-or-night crossbody, which has an interior pocket and built-in card slots to keep everything organized.
Help her put her best — okay, most hydrated — face forward as she embarks on the next chapter of her life: college. Pick a cup in one of her school's colors, then add its name (and hers, if you'd like).
Round up 30 of her best high school or college photos, and have Minted arrange 'em in a heart-shaped display. Because 30 is always better than one, right?!
Comfort is key — especially when she's trying to crank out an essay in record time. When she wants to work from her bed or couch, she can pop open this portable desk to hold her 16" laptop, notepad and fuel of choice (ahem, coffee).
Nail down the coordinates of her hometown or college campus and send them to this Etsy maker, who will stamp them on the outside of a gold, rose gold or silver ring.
The more gadgets she has, the more cords and clutter she has to deal with. That is, unless she uses this wireless charging station, which has a designated spot for her compatible smartphone, smartwatch and AirPods.
Next stop: wherever her heart desires! While it may just be a luggage tag (and a chic one at that), this Kate Spade pick will remind her that the world is ready and waiting for her.
As long as her name is no more than eight letters, you can spell it out on a gold, rose gold or silver chain. If her name doesn't make the cut, go with her nickname or another word that sums up what you think of her — "beauty," perhaps?
Depending on how you steep it, cold brew typically has a stronger flavor and more caffeine compared to standard coffee. That said, she can brew up to four servings in this pitcher and pour out a cup when she needs a pick-me-up.
Her laptop is her, well, everything. Keep her 12" or 13" laptop nice and secure with this trendy case, available in neutrals, pastels and cute patterned styles.
This rotating tower only takes up a few inches of space when it's in its resting position, but she'll uncover four hidden compartments when she gives the wooden handle a spin. Although it's small, Amazon reviewers say it's the perfect size to store jewelry, watches and small trinkets.
Pick from six different boxes — all made with an assortment of products to help relax and rejuvenate. Then send the Etsy seller the name of your grad, so they can tailor the box to her.
It's time to retire the backpack she's been using for the last for years. This faux leather option, comes in eight classic shades, and can easily hold all of her essentials — 15" laptop, brown-bagged lunch, notebook and more. Plus, it has a luggage trolley sleeve, so she can take it from work straight to the airport.
New chapter, new towels — that's how it goes, right? Upgrade her bathroom with this five-piece set, including two bath towels, two hand towels and a bathmat, in Brooklinen's absorbent Turkish Cotton.
In Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s eyes, feminism is a "lifelong journey." So, as she's about to embark on her next chapter, encourage her to sit down, fill out the prompts in this book and reflect on how she'll make the world a more fair and equitable place.
Even if she's limited on counter space, she'll find a way to make room for an air fryer. With just a little bit of oil, she'll be able to air fry veggies, roast meats, reheat leftovers and dehydrate fresh produce in half the time.
Make laundry day less of a chore with this canvas tote, complete with a durable carrying strap, wipeable lining and mesh compartments to hold detergent, dryer sheets and stain removers. Clip in the detachable zippered pouch to keep her smartphone, money and keys secure on her way to and from the laundromat.
Tell her to attach this tracking device to anything she frequently loses — her keys, wallet, backpack, you name it — so she can track it down with her iPhone or iPad. It'll save the both of you a major headache.
Let's face it: She doesn't have a degree in laundry just yet. As long as she has this print nearby, she'll be able to decode the labels and treat her garments right a.k.a. no more shrinking.
Consider this colorful planner a sign that there are brighter days ahead — even in the midst of homework assignments, exams and group projects. Inside, she'll find monthly and weekly spreads, planning pages and motivational quotes to encourage her when times get tough.
She'll be living in her bathrobe, whether she's studying in her dorm or working from home. In that case, get her an ultra-plush one with her name or initials stitched on the front.
Bring Lilly Pulitzer's signature style to her study space with this writeable desk mat. Add a gold foil monogram for an extra personal touch.
Instead of cluttering her bedside table with books, gadgets, remote controls and other nighttime essentials, she can stash 'em all in this pouch. Opt for the larger size, if she likes to have options.
Sometimes, it's more about the act of taking a Polaroid picture than the photo itself. But now, this album frame will let her show off 56 of her favorite snaps — just flip through it to reveal another memory.
While it can be used in a pinch, this dish towel is more for decoration. She'll proudly hang it with the poem or illustration facing out, so everyone can get a glimpse of the place that made her who she is.
Enter the chicest weighted blanket we've ever seen. This chunky-knit beauty reaps the same calming benefits as the other staple styles on the market, but it's more of a statement piece than an eyesore. If you're not sure which one to go with, keep in mind that the blankets should ideally be around 10% of a person's body weight.