Top 7 Best Gifts for College Graduates

Graduation came and went, and is now an irreplaceable memory—the academic hood, Pomp and Circumstance playing in the background, and the cap flying in the air.

But now, graduates start a new chapter, adulthood, as countless paths unravel before them: moving into new homes, starting new jobs, traveling the world, discovering themselves, and much more.

To share their joy and give them a head start on this new adventure, consider giving them a meaningful gift that conveys your affection and support as they forge their future.

Expensive, affordable, creative, or reliable—the following gift ideas are a success waiting to happen, so don’t be afraid to give them a go.

For the New Home: IKEA Gift Card

More often than not, graduating from college means moving out and starting in a new place. Naturally, they’ll need to set up and personalize their new living space.

While you can gift them any stylish home goods you consider best for them, an IKEA Gift Card allows the recipient to choose precisely the furniture or décor that best fits their space and vision.

This gift is not exceptionally personable or inspiring, which may make it a less ideal option if you’re aiming for a sentimental present. However, it’s efficient, practical, and convenient—perfect for a pragmatic person who’d be happy to save a few bucks!

For Clearing the Mind: Books

If there’s something college students do a lot, it’s reading textbooks, guides, and all sorts of studying material they need to understand and memorize. Keeping that in mind, it may seem counterproductive to gift graduates even more books.

However, reading for college is not the same as reading for pleasure, and many bookworm graduates will be deeply grateful to be given the chance to enjoy the peace and excitement of a good book, free from responsibilities.

A few good novels, self-help books, or even inspiring texts about what to do after college are excellent options, not to mention affordable gifts if your budget is limited. For the best quality-price ratio, you can buy books through BookScouter by comparing prices from multiple vendors.

For The Kitchen: An Air Fryer

College students are not known for their healthy eating habits, so maybe upon graduation, it’s a good time to start the path towards change.

An air fryer is an excellent gift option for college graduates, as they are a compact and convenient way to prepare healthier meals quickly. They essentially function as a convection oven but occupy little space and don’t use nearly as much power, so they can fit in any kitchen and prepare delicious meals without hefty electricity bills.

However, be sure to check beforehand if they already own one—they’re a popular option for college students as well.

For The Home Office: A Laptop Desk Kit

If the college graduate you want to celebrate already has a laptop—and odds are that they do—they will probably be using it a lot from now on: preparing their resume, job hunting if needed, further research, and even for a home office.

A laptop desk kit is a practical gift that can elevate their laptop into a pseudo-desktop setup, making their workstation more professional and comfortable to use.

There are many kits available online at vastly different price points. Still, the perfect option will include: a laptop stand that can elevate the device to protect the neck, a wireless keyboard and a touchpad to make writing and working much easier, and an extended battery to ensure long-term usage anytime, anywhere.

For Relaxation: An Unforgettable Experience

While material things are excellent gifts that will stand the test of time and provide value, sometimes the most important things are intangible.

Even if fleeting, gifting an experience is something that a graduate would treasure, particularly after spending years studying and juggling countless responsibilities. It allows them to create a valuable memory right at the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

The experience you can gift depends on the person. A spa day, a concert, a festival, an all-inclusive weekend vacation, or even a skydiving adventure—all of them are the perfect choice for someone, so consider which one is the best pick.

For Joining the Workforce: Interview-Friendly Clothes

Clothes, jewelry, or accessories are prevalent and appropriate gifts regardless of the occasion, so they’d be a safe bet for a graduate. However, you can elevate it to the next level by ensuring the items you gift are appropriate for job interviews.

College graduates will most likely kick off their new life stage by participating in many job interviews, and they’ll all have to dress to impress. Gifting them clothing items or accessories that showcase professionalism is an excellent way to show your support and provide thoughtful assistance.

For The Future: Professional Financial Advice

A college graduate is taking their first steps into full adulthood independence, but they do so with a significant number of financial burdens, the most likely one being student debt.

With financial literacy being one of the most critical skills in adulthood, gifting college graduates a session with a financial advisor or planner can help them acquire the tools they need to make informed financial decisions, ensuring a strong foundation for the rest of their lives.

This gift can help them understand the nuances of student loans, health insurance, retirement plans, budgeting essentials, and much more. Luckily, plenty of financial professionals offer packages for graduates that you can consult and discuss ahead of the meeting.

The Best Gift Is The One That Fits

If you’re looking for the perfect gift to celebrate a college graduate, the previous ideas are thoughtful and charming enough to bring a smile to their face. They’re practical, convenient, and the perfect aid to start an exciting new chapter in life.

However, keep in mind that the perfect gift to give takes into consideration the person receiving it. Perhaps they enjoy traveling and would like to see the world after graduation, or have been eyeing a tablet for some time.

Whatever it is they enjoy or need, keep it in mind—it will be the best gift to start their new life.

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