35+ Graduation Gift Ideas for Every Type of 2025 Grad

Set your grad up for success with high-quality personalized stationery. After all, between all the gifts they’ll receive for graduation and the amount of interviews and networking they’ll be doing, they will definitely have the opportunity to send more than a few thank-you notes in the near future. The key here is to pick a stationery design that matches your grad’s aesthetic. Minted has a huge variety of designs, and you can choose from different card shapes (round edges, square, framed, etc.), styles, monogram options, sizes, and even paper types. Once you’ve selected the card you like, you can customize the color of the card and add your grad’s name or monogram.

Pro Tip: Consider creating a coordinated set with matching stationery and a business card holder for a put-together professional look they'll be proud to use at their first networking event.

Help your grad level up their workspace with thoughtfully designed desk accessories that make every day feel a bit more put-together. A pen case or pencil tray keeps their writing tools organized while adding a touch of sophistication to their desk. If your grad prefers a wire-free workspace, an appliance cord box is the answer – turning charging cable chaos into a tidy, organized space that keeps their desk looking polished and professional. For the book lovers, sophisticated bookends add both style and function to their beloved collection.

While it is a good bet that nearly all of the tableware your graduate used throughout college could use an upgrade, we love giving new grads a special, one-of-a-kind vase. Artisanally made vases make for such great gifts because it is something your new grad is likely not going to buy for themselves (especially on an entry-level salary!), but is something that will bring a sentimental smile to their face every time they use it.

Whether it is a picture of them surrounded by the family they built for themselves while away at college or of them with their actual family, your graduate will definitely appreciate a high-quality framed photo. And don’t worry if you can’t pick just one favorite snapshot, Minted offers plenty of photo art collages that have room for all of their college favorite memories.

Want a more versatile option? A sleek picture holder lets them easily swap out different memories throughout the year – from family photos to concert tickets to inspiring quotes.

Gas station lighters, begone! Help your grad level up their home by gifting them a supply of high-quality matchsticks. Pair them with a super-cute holder, perfect for lighting their favorite candles or setting the mood for dinner parties.

Celebrate moving out of dorms or college-town apartments that banned candles by stocking your grad up with a few chic options to light at their new apartment. If you know your graduate’s taste is adventurous or fun, go for a set of tapered candles in funky colors or unique shapes for them to use to decorate bookcases or to put out on the table when they host their first dinner parties. Or, if your grad’s taste is a little bit more reserved, opting for a scented candle or pillar candle in a neutral color is always a good idea.

Whether they’re inheriting furniture from their college apartment or are ready to upgrade to something more grown-up, help your grad protect their new space by giving them a set of chic coasters. Minted’s marketplace has a ton of fun options for every type of interior design style, from playful to classic.

As your grad enters a new phase of their life, gifting wall art is the perfect way to help them level up their interior design game. Minted’s collection of fine art prints includes more than 3,000 limited edition pieces created by talented artists. Look through themes like abstract, landscape, watercolor, figurative, sketch art, and so much more to find a style and piece that you think matches their decor taste (or, let’s be honest, sets the tone for their decor taste). Once you’ve found the perfect print, you can further personalize it by selecting the size and frame option that best will fit their new space.

Help your grad host their get-togethers in style with elevated versions of classic games. Surprise them with whimsical playing card decks and elegant ceramic chess sets that look as good on their coffee table as they are fun to play. For outdoor entertaining, gift them modern takes on paddleball, beer pong, and tumbling timbers – perfect for backyard parties and weekend gatherings. And don't forget those park and beach days – a travel-friendly backgammon or mancala set will let them bring the fun wherever they go.

A beautiful bar set is a classic coming-of-age gift that marks their growth from frat parties to more sophisticated entertaining. An engraved ice bucket sets the tone for any gathering, paired with wine bottle coasters that guard against spills and rings. Complete their collection with chic wine toppers that blend form and function – turning every bottle into a design statement while keeping contents fresh.

Time to retire those solo cups! Give your grad a sophisticated start with personality-forward drinkware that's perfect for their next chapter. Think cocktail glasses for hosting their first dinner party, or artisanal everyday glasses that make even water feel special. Choose one-of-a-kind or artisan-made pieces that reflect their style and add character to their bar cart or kitchen shelves.

Bring your grad’s new post-college space to life with the gift of a houseplant. The key here is to do your research — pick a plant that you know is easy to care for (your new grad is likely going to be busier than ever!), and that can thrive in spaces that are potentially low light. Then, be sure to pair the plant with an equally cute plant pot

Graduation is a time of year when school spirit is at an all-time high, so help your grad carry those feelings into their new chapter by gifting them a custom pennant, flag, or banner. Show off how proud you are of where they’ve been and where they’re headed with a pennant or flag that has their high school and college on it. Or get one made that features their favorite sports teams, fictional characters, or artists…your imagination is the limit!

If your high school graduate is off to college in the fall, get their wardrobe ready by kitting them out with gear from their new school. Going with a classic sweatshirt from their college’s student store is a failsafe option — and is something they’ll be sure to reach for again and again for everything from tailgates to keeping warm in the freezing library.

Whether your grad is getting ready to head to college or out into the working world, they likely have some travel ahead of them. Minted’s collection of custom bags and pouches is the perfect high school graduation gift idea because if there’s one thing a grad-on-the-go needs, it’s a chic way to transport important materials to and from home effortlessly. Choose from a tote to help your grad get to and from the library (or their office), a duffle for them to carry on weekend trips home, or a dopp kit that will come in handy everywhere from dorm bathrooms to volunteer trips.

No matter which style you choose, be sure to personalize it with a custom foil-pressed leather tag with the grad’s name or initials on it!

For the graduate who is less-than-organized, giving them a few Bluetooth trackers — like Apple AirTags or Tiles — is a great idea. Encourage them to put one in their wallet, on their keys, and anything else that they just can’t seem to keep track of. Your grad (and their mom) is sure to thank you!

From football games and Greek life to exploring a new city, your grad will be snapping even more photos than they usually do come fall. Help them share those memories IRL — and decorate their new dorm or apartment with personal touches — by gifting them a printer that allows them to print Polaroid-style photos straight from their phone.

Help your new grad’s home feel a little bit more like, well, home by gifting them a few fun and unique throw pillows to use to decorate their space. Go for a pillow that is packed with personality that they can use to help their bed stand out in their dorm room…or to make their university-issued desk chair feel a little bit more comfortable.

Going off to college is an exciting time, but it can mean that there may be a few hard goodbyes for your grad to make as they step into their independence. And one of the hardest? The beloved family pet. Help your grad bring a little bit of home with them, wherever they’re going, by commissioning a custom pet portrait of their furry BFF. Minted works with a variety of independent artists who can help capture a pet in all their cuteness — simply upload a photo to get started.

Fuel late-night study sessions and help your grad get to 8 a.m. classes on time by gifting them a mini coffee maker or electric kettle. Just be sure to pick one that is as low-profile as possible to make sure that they’ll have space for it in their dorm, and don’t forget to stock them up with a few of their favorite coffee or tea flavors!

Help your grad keep track of her keys and jewelry with a cute trinket dish. To elevate this gift from something nice to something truly special, look for a dish that features details meaningful to her — like a design that features something that will remind her of her home state, if she’s moved away, or one that features her initials.

Similarly, throw pillows featuring your grad’s name make for another great graduation gift. This is especially true if your grad is off to college and will want to personalize her dorm, or is moving in with multiple roommates.

Chic embroidered napkins are the perfect gift idea for the grad who is a hostess in the making. Look for ones that feature sweet details like an embroidered monogram or go quirky with ones that feature fun iconography like champagne bottles or even hotdogs.

This is the perfect gift idea for the college freshman who wants to put her stamp on everything. To get it just right, do some research into the color scheme or decor style she has planned for her dorm, and then find a tissue box cover within the same palette or vibe.

Graduation gift ideas like this one will help the new grad get grounded and organized in this new chapter of their life. Minted’s collection of personalized journals has 250+ designs, making it easy to find one that matches your grad’s taste. Choose from designs that have bold typography, floral patterns, and geometric arrangements. Minted also gives you the option to customize the front of your notebook with photos so you can surprise the grad with images that hold great memories. Customize it further by adding their name to the front of the notebook, and setting up the interior pages to match what your grad needs most: a weekly planner, address book, or blank space to jot down their thoughts and feelings.

Whether you go for a necklace featuring her birthstone or a signet ring with her initials, jewelry is something your grad is sure to treasure forever — and take with her into this new chapter, as well as all of the ones to come after. Consider presenting it in a keepsake box she'll treasure, or pair it with a jewelry stand or earring holder that gives her special pieces a proper home.

Give her the gift of cozy comfort with a plush bathrobe that makes every morning feel a bit more special. Whether she's sipping coffee or going through her skincare routine, this everyday luxury turns ordinary moments into small indulgences. Make it extra special with her monogram.

Give her bathroom counter an artisanal upgrade with beautifully crafted accessories. A textured soap dish brings a touch of sophistication to her daily routine while keeping her counters neat and dry. Complete the look with coordinating pieces like a sleek toothbrush holder or a stylish cotton swab jar to corral her everyday essentials.

For the grad stepping into a world of interviews and first impressions, a monogrammed compact mirror is both thoughtful and practical. Slim enough to slip into any bag yet stylish enough to pull out anywhere, it's the kind of accessory that makes her feel put-together and confident wherever she goes.

Every graduate needs a proper wallet for their next chapter. Gift him a rugged leather wallet embossed with a monogram – perfect for carrying his first business cards and keeping his essentials stylishly secure.

No matter if your graduate is moving away from home for the first time, or is moving out of a college home that he shared with all of his friends, a custom home portrait is a wonderful gift idea. This piece of art can be hung in a dorm room or new apartment post-college as a reminder of where they came from and all the great memories they made. Start with a good picture of their home, then select from several styles for the art piece — which can include text or unique luxe printing techniques like letterpress. Once you’ve finalized your design, you’ll then be able to select a frame and size that fits your grad best.

Help your grad keep track of his possessions in a dorm or apartment full of new roommates by giving him a one-of-a-kind personalized mug. Minted offers a huge selection of mugs made by artisans from around the world — select a style that matches your grad’s vibe, and then further customize it by featuring his initials.

A classic gift that's perfect for celebrating milestones and special moments. From engraved flasks to sophisticated whiskey sets complete with crystal glasses and granite stones, these timeless accessories help him toast to his achievements in style. Perfect for celebrations with friends or adding a refined touch to his first apartment bar cart.

Level up his entertaining essentials with a well-crafted bottle opener that combines style with function. It's the kind of everyday luxury that makes hosting friends feel more special. Consider adding his monogram for a personal touch.

It’s time to leave that old fleece sports-themed blanket behind! Help your grad step into a new — more adult — phase of his life by giving him a cool (but no less cozy) throw blanket. Go for one that features a few of his favorite colors or motifs, and encourage him to drape it across the end of his bed, or even hang it as a tapestry for an easy way to fill a blank wall.

Keep your graduate on time for class, work, and everything in between by gifting him a stylish artisanally made clock. A clock designed to sit on a bookshelf or mantle like this one is perfect for those moving into dorms or apartments where they won’t be able to hang anything from the walls.

Minted’s custom art allows you to upload the text of your grad’s favorite author, songwriter, move lines, or family saying and make it an artfully framed masterpiece. Choose from a few different print options such as standard printing, letterpress, or foil-press, and then select the layout, size, frame, and color of the font to completely customize the final look of your wall art. Your grad will be able to hang this on the wall of his new dorm, apartment, or office as a stylish keepsake. (If you need some help picking the perfect quote to feature, check out Minted’s guide to the 120+ best graduation quotes and sayings!)

Take time to wrap your gift with care – crisp corners and neat folds show extra attention to detail. Choose sophisticated wrapping paper in the graduate's school colors, or opt for elegant metallic or solid papers that feel celebratory. For irregularly shaped items, consider using gift bags with coordinated tissue paper.

Choose a card that reminds you of your grad, then write a message that celebrates both their achievement and their future. The stationery experts at Minted have put together 50+ graduation card message ideas in this article, but here’s a winning formula: start with warm congratulations, add a personal memory or quality you admire, and close with your wishes for their next chapter. If you're including a gift card or check, mention it discretely in your note rather than on the envelope.

Some cultures have specific gift-giving customs around academic achievements. When in doubt, ask family members about appropriate gifts and presentation. Consider the graduate's background and beliefs when selecting both the gift and its presentation style.

Even the most thoughtful gift-givers can stumble when it comes to graduation presents. Here's a quick guide to help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your gift hits the perfect note.

• Size & Fit: When ordering personalized items like bathrobes or custom bags, always verify measurements and size charts to avoid fit issues – and keep gift receipts handy for easy exchanges.
• Timing is Everything: Order customized gifts well in advance of graduation to avoid shipping delays during peak season, and always have a backup plan for timing issues.
• Budget Smart: Consider your relationship to the graduate when setting your budget, and don't feel pressured to match others' spending – thoughtfulness matters more than price.
• Avoid Duplicates: Check gift registries and coordinate with other gift-givers to avoid duplicates, especially for bigger items. For common gifts like frames, add a personal touch to make them unique.
• Choose Wisely: Ensure your gift aligns with the graduate's next chapter – avoid items that might not be practical in their new living situation or inappropriate for their circumstances.

If mistakes happen, address them promptly and positively. Focus on solutions rather than apologies, and stay flexible about returns or exchanges.

Start shopping 6-8 weeks before graduation, especially for custom items. During peak graduation season (May-June), factor in longer processing times and potential shipping delays. Order time-sensitive gifts early and choose tracked shipping when possible. If shipping directly to the graduate, include a note specifying if the gift should be opened on graduation day.

Start by designating one person to manage contributions and communications. Set a clear budget and deadline for everyone's contributions. Use digital payment apps to collect funds easily, and keep everyone updated on the gift selection. When presenting, have all contributors sign a single card, and consider creating a shared digital message or video for a personal touch. Most importantly, ensure everyone who contributed is acknowledged in the presentation.

While there's no strict rule, consider your relationship with the graduate and your budget. For close family, many spend between $50-200, while for friends or colleagues, $20-50 is common. Remember that thoughtful personalization often matters more than the price tag.

Consider creating a themed gift basket with smaller items, organizing a group gift with other friends or family, offering your skills as a service (like photography or career mentoring), or putting together a meaningful photo collection. DIY gifts that showcase your time and effort often mean more than expensive purchases.

No, one thoughtful gift is appropriate for both occasions. The same gift can be presented at either the ceremony or the party – choose the timing that feels most appropriate for your gift and relationship with the graduate.

Opt for classic, versatile pieces in neutral colors or timeless designs. Consider practical items they can use in their next phase of life, or ask family members about their plans and preferences. Gift cards also allow them to choose items that match their taste.

Several thoughtful options are available at the last minute:

• Digital gift cards that arrive instantly via email
• Local experiences they can enjoy
• Print-at-home customized photo collections
• Rush shipping on select items
• Digital subscriptions for their next chapter

If you can't attend in person, send your gift in advance with a clear marking that it shouldn't be opened until graduation day. Consider scheduling a video call for the gift opening, or send a video message to make the moment more personal. For digital gift cards, use the graduation date as the delivery date for a timely surprise.

Consider gifts that help them grow or create memories:

• Professional Development: Career coaching sessions, professional headshot sessions, industry conference tickets
• Learning Experiences: Cooking classes, financial planning workshops, language courses
• Adventure Experiences: Concert tickets, travel vouchers, local food tours
• Practical Skills: Personal styling session, home organization consultation, meal prep classes

Pro tip: Consider pairing an experience gift with a small physical item to give them something to open on graduation day.