THE ULTIMATE GRADUATION GIFT GUIDE: 18 IDEAS FOR YOUR BEST FRIEND
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Graduation season is here, and we know you want to gift your friend something special to celebrate her huge accomplishment.
Of course, you could always ask the grad what she would like, and if it’s within reason of your resources (time, money, energy), then you should go with that option.
But if your friend is happy with whatever you get her, or if you want to add something to the gift she’s already requested, this blog post is here to help.
These graduation gift ideas fit a variety of budgets, range from DIY to store-bought, and are full of creativity and thoughtfulness.
Whether your friend is graduating from high school, college, a certification program, etc., you’ll definitely find the perfect gift for her that she’ll love!
18 Graduation Gift Ideas
1| Graduation Shadow Box
A personalized shadow box can serve as a mini time capsule and be incredibly thoughtful.
Shadow Box Items:
Tassels
Grad cap (you can buy a generic one and customize it)
Mini diploma
Fake flowers
Photos
Pins from clubs/associations she’s a part of
School logo stickers
2| Customized Cup
This could be an insulated tumbler, a teacup, a wine glass, a coffee mug, an iced drink glass, etc.
After you select the vessel, personalize it with waterproof graduation-themed vinyl stickers that you can apply yourself.
Or you can use websites like Etsy, Zazzle, or Shutterfly to order the customized cup.
3| Gift Cards
Everybody loves gift cards, and you can never go wrong with picking up a few that your graduate friend will love. Make them special by packing them up in a unique way.
Gift Card Presentation Ideas:
4| Spa Date
School is hard work! Give your friend the gift of relaxation. Take her to get a massage, manicure, pedicure, and facial to celebrate her accomplishment.
5| A Favorite Experience
Just as you would with a birthday gift, you want your friend’s graduation present to be all about her. Do something with her that you know she will love.
Favorite Experiences Gift Examples:
For the moviegoer friend: take her to the movies
For your fitness friend: take her to an aerial yoga class
For your dance-loving friend: take her to a salsa class
6| Gift Basket of Favorites
If your friend is more into gifts than experiences, you can never go wrong with a personalized gift basket. Think BFF care package.
Fill it with goodies that make her feel seen, considered, and loved. Don’t forget to throw in some grad-specific items, too.
Gift Basket Examples:
7| Money
Money is a gift that never fails. It allows the graduate to get whatever her heart desires or use it whenever she need it. But just like the gift cards, go the extra mile and uniquely present the cash.
Money Gift Presentation Ideas:
Money Box of Chocolates
8| School Apparel
If you’ve ever checked out a school’s gift shop, you know how expensive getting the paraphernalia can be, especially the apparel. Your friend will more than appreciate having a piece of clothing to represent her old or new school with pride.
9| Nespresso Machine or Tea Kettle
If your friend enjoys her daily dose of caffeine, then getting her the machines to make her favorite drinks is the gift that keeps on giving. Bonus points if you get her cute accessories to go with it, like coffee pods, tea bags, mugs, syrup dispensers, etc.
Popular Options:
10| Degree-Specific Gift
Gift your friend something that’s specifically related to her degree, program, or favorite subject.
Degree-Specific Gift Examples:
Creative Writing: gift her classic writing books like The Emotion Thesaurus or Save The Cat!
Nursing Program: gift her a cute set of scrubs
Fashion Design: gift her a sketchbook with quality pens and pencils
11| Graduation-Themed Charms
If your friend is into jewelry, a charm is a fun way to honor this special achievement. If she already has a charm bracelet like Pandora or Alex and Ani, try to find one within those brands first.
12| School Supplies
If your friend intends to continue her education journey, then gifting her school supplies can be an awesome graduation gift.
School Supply Gift Ideas:
Ergonomic mouse
Quality pens and highlighters
Noise-cancelling headphones
Planner
Computer bag or case
13| Transportation Gifts
We all know how expensive it can be to get around in our day-to-day travel, so a transportation gift is something practical your friend will absolutely use.
Transportation Gift Ideas:
Gas gift card
Ridesharing gift card
Train/rail pass
Bus/subway/metro pass
14| Apartment/Home/Dorm Essentials
If your friend is planning to move after graduation, whether for a new job opportunity or onto a college campus, helping out with some home essentials would be appreciated.
New Place Gift Ideas:
Shower caddy
Rolling cart
Throw blanket
Candles
15| Vacation Essentials
If your friend is going on a vacation to celebrate this major accomplishment, gift her some travel goodies to make her trip even better!
Vacation Essential Gift Ideas:
Beach bag
A book to read
Jewelry or toiletry organizer
16| Open When Letters
You can never go wrong with this classic gift idea because it’s super customizable and gives your friend plenty of variety.
The blog post OPEN WHEN LETTERS FOR FRIENDS: THOUGHTFUL AND MEANINGFUL IDEAS provides over 100+ ideas to help you personalize it for your bestie.
17| Organizers
This next step in your friend’s life may require a new level of organization, and these gifts can help her get her life in order.
Organizer Gift Ideas:
18| Scrapbook
If you have the time, putting together (or at least starting) a scrapbook for your friend is a super sweet idea. This can be a physical or digital gift, and you can also use a photo album instead of a full scrapbook if you prefer.
Scrapbook Page Ideas:
All About Her
BFF love (dedicated to you and her)
School spirit
Dreams & aspirations
Encouraging quotes and/or scriptures
Bonus Gift: A Thoughtful Card
While material gifts are cool, there is nothing better than sharing your heart with your friend. Give your friend her roses while she can still smell them.
If you need assistance on how to put together the perfect words, check out this blog post: THE 5-PART FRIENDSHIP LOVE LETTER.
Graduating from anything takes a lot of hard work, so celebrate your friend with something thoughtful that shows how much you respect and honor her achievement.
I’d love to hear your graduation gift ideas in the comments below!
