35 Good Graduation Gift Ideas to Celebrate Their Big Day
Thoughtful finds for high school, college, and even post-grads.
Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
If you're anything like Ree Drummond, you likely think of graduations as a bittersweet occasions that involve, among other things, "crying for ninety years." The waterworks are inevitable when a big life event happens. As The Pioneer Woman herself discovered, watching your kids head off to college (she's done that five times now!) or grown-up life isn't exactly the easiest task. Luckily, there's a way to make the whole event a little easier: simply invest in a few good graduation gifts!
It's true that the perfect present may not be able to turn them back into little kids, but it will put a smile on their faces. Here, you'll find inspired picks for every grad on your list, including college graduation gifts for her, graduation gifts for guys, and even some grown-up finds if they've gotten advanced degrees. You can opt for something super practical like an Amazon gift card, a kitchen gift for their first apartment, or a weekender bag... you know, to make sure they come back to see you from time to time. 😂
Whatever you decide, there's something on this list for you. And although it is absolutely the thought that counts the most, you'll be happy to note that most of these finds are super affordable, too. So pick the budget that suits you best: gifts under $100 or gifts under $25. Then, the rest can go in a piggy bank for them to save for a rainy day!
Keep the celebration going:
Warming lamps are such a good idea for candle lovers. They make the candle last longer and they are way safer to use since they don't require any open flame. Plus, they provide a lovely warm glow.
Whether they're into livestreaming, capturing content for social media, or joining the corporate world for Zoom calls, a ring light that attaches to their laptop will help them look their best.
Freshwater 'Pearls of Success' Gold Dipped Necklace
Pearls are a classic choice for a graduate, and this necklace gives it a more delicate, modern spin. She'll easily transition it into her new work wardrobe.
Starting a new stage in life is super stressful. Gift them a better headspace with this popular meditation app. It helps reduce stress and improve sleep, something they'll definitely need!
This is a super popular pick for dorms and first apartments because it's compact, easy to use, and makes individual waffles in just a few minutes. They can even make hash browns and pizzas in this, so it's more versatile than you would have thought!
Being away from home for the first time can be hard on their sleep schedule. A weighted blanket can provide much needed extra snuggly comfort. Choose from several different weight options depending on their size.
How many electronics does your grad use on a regular basis? Probably a ton! Make their lives easier with this charging station. They can plug up to six USB plugs in at once, so they never have to fight over the electric outlets with their roommates.
Pick their school or just their favorite colors, customize the message written on the candy, and a super personalize package of M&Ms will be delivered. They'll think you're just as sweet as the gift.
This internet-famous pan is perfectly named, because your grad will always use it. With one pan, they can do ten different things: bake, roast, sauté, braise, steam, sear, fry, boil, strain, and serve. It's such a great idea for a first apartment.
This ready-to-gift package is filled with thoughtful self-care gifts for the grad: scented candles, bath salts, body oils, and other indulgent treats. Plus, it comes in a personalized keepsake box!
They're going to need so many new items for their new life—so help them out with a gift card! You can order one in whatever denomination you want, too, so it will work for any budget.
'The 5-Ingredient College Cookbook'
Subtitled, "Easy, Healthy Recipes for the Next Four Years & Beyond," this book is perfect for burgeoning foodies. It'll have them excited to cook in their dorm rooms come fall!
They either really want a Stanley if they don't have one or really want another color to add to their collection. You can't go wrong with grabbing one while it's in stock!
Help her keep up her reading habit in college with a brand-new Kindle Paperwhite eReader. It's incredibly versatile and works outside, at night, and in just about any other reading environment.
Instant cameras are cool again! They'll want to snap photos with it all day long at graduation, and they will because this set comes with 60 sheets of film to start.
They've certainly earned some shut-eye! This silk eye mask is super soft and will block out any light. It's hypoallergenic, too.
They might be moving on, but you'll still want them to come home on the weekends. Give them a roomy weekender bag so they take the hint! This is Alex Drummond's go-to when she travels to see her mom Ree.
The Pioneer Woman Frontier Speckle 12-Piece Aluminum Cookware Set Blue Denim
Make their day with an entirely new set of cookware from Ree's Walmart collection. If there's a better gift for the grad who loves to cook, we haven't seen it yet.
Spell out a congratulatory message using doughnuts! Yes, really. These customizable batches are so fun and can be delivered to many locations around the country.
She'll love wearing your encouragement day in and day out—and these sorts of letter-bead bracelets are very "in" right now, too. Win-win!
AnnMarie Mattila is the Senior Editor for The Pioneer Woman, covering a wide range of topics from food and cooking to home, beauty, style, and more.
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