The 58 best graduation gift ideas for the class of 2025

Collegiate Pouches

Whether your grad is going to college or leaving, they'll want a handy pouch to show their school spirit. We love these customizable pouches from Uncommon Goods, as they are functional and artistic items. 

Luzdiosa Candle Warmer Lamp

Beyond looking cute, this lamp serves a unique function: Activating candles without lighting them. Using its warming technology, the candles "burn" and release any scents, but at a much slower pace and without setting off any finicky fire alarms.

Ticketmaster Gift Card

Have they been talking about snagging tickets to a favorite artist for months? If so, a Ticketmaster gift card to put towards those tickets is a really thoughtful gift. You can choose any amount from $25 to $500. 

Bombas Ankle Socks

There's a reason we love Bombas socks — in the several years we've tested socks, they've consistently ranked as the most comfortable and durable. Your graduate will be grateful for these socks. Find out more in our Bombas socks review. 

Urban Stems Floral Bouquet

Send flowers to your graduate — whether you're sending them in lieu of being there yourself or as a supplement a digital gift or card. We highly recommend UrbanStems; the company's bouquets are among the best flower delivery services. 

Catbird Tiniest Name Necklace

Nameplate necklaces are timeless, this one even more so for its tiny, all-lowercase font. You can fit up to 10 letters (the cost goes up after two), so you can customize it with their name, nickname, city, or anything else.

Away is a cult-favorite luggage brand for good reason. Help your graduate jet-set to wherever they need to go in style with some of our favorite suitcases – and throw in packing cubes if you really want to go the extra mile.

Our Away luggage review has more details on why we love these suitcases. 

Portable Plush Weighted Blanket

A weighted blanket is one of the best items to have in a new dorm room or apartment. Get this comfy, portable blanket so your graduate can get cozy and lounge in whatever space they're in. For more options, check out our guide to the best weighted blankets.

Brooklinen Super Plush Robe

This plush bathrobe from Brooklinen is absorbent enough to step in for a towel after a shower, and plush enough to want to lounge in long after you're done. If your grad is about to be living in a dorm or sharing an apartment with roommates, they are going to need something to wrap themselves in when walking to the bathroom. 

Polaroid Film Camera

If they love taking instant photos, this camera lets them do that, plus print out photos from their phone via a Bluetooth app. And if that's not enough, it comes with two lenses (standard and portrait), so they will truly never miss their shot at a great pic.

Nintendo Switch

Whether they want to play solo or with their friends, they've earned some uninterrupted game time. The Switch remains a bestseller for its simplicity and versatility (plus, it won't take up too much space in a small apartment). Pair it with a crowd-pleasing game like Mario Kart or Minecraft.

HydroFlask 32 oz. Wide Mouth Water Bottle

Whether running around for work or class, it can be easy to forget to hydrate. Gift your graduate a nice water bottle to carry around all day. HydroFlask bottles are very durable and won't leak in their backpack. And let's face it: we're all happier when we're hydrated. 

Astrology Birthdate Book

For fans of astrology — or anyone who's on a serious post-college path to self-discovery — this customized birth chart book is sure to be something they turn to time and time again. All you need is their birth location and time to snag a 70-page hardcover tome of who they are and what to expect in their future. If you only know their birthday, you can also opt for a Birthdate candle or necklace.

Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label Champagne

If they drink (and are old enough to drink), send them a nice bottle of bubbly to celebrate their big achievement.

Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack

Dagne Dover's neoprene backpacks are a sleek, safe bet if you want to get them something for their future travels or commutes. Beyond their trendiness, they're super comfy, are made from recycled materials, and offer lots of compartments and pockets for optimal storage.

Sony Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones

A nice pair of headphones make a great gift for just about anyone, but especially graduates. The noise-cancelling technology is essential for getting work done. But these will come in handy for a plethora of occasions, like watching Netflix when roommates are asleep or listening to favorite tunes while walking.

Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Pour-Over Kettle

Fellow has one of the most beautiful electric kettles around. It doubles as an art piece on your kitchen counter, as well as an easy and convenient way to make morning coffee or tea. 

Cuyana System Tote 13-inch

This work bag from Cuyana is a great option for a graduate who will be commuting to work. We've tested it and decided that it's the best tote in our guide to the best work bags for women, as there are various pouches and a laptop sleeve inside. 

Anthropologie Ramona Coupe Glasses

Even if they're already stocked up on kitchen items, they likely don't have these colorful coup glasses. Whether they use them for homemade cocktails, mocktails, or bubbly, they're sure to get a million compliments on them every time they host.

Dash Mini Waffle Maker

Even the most cramped kitchens can fit this mini waffle maker, which comes in a variety of fun colors and iron shapes. It's an affordable, adorable way for them to make breakfast throughout their post-grad years.

Standard Baggu

If your graduate is moving to a new city, they might need a compact bag for grocery shopping, picnics with friends, or commuting to work. Baggu makes some of the best options, as the bag folds up into a small pouch, and there are tons of different artistic styles to choose from. 

Brooklinen Gift Card

Brooklinen is one of our favorite brands for all your bedding needs. To help your graduate get a good night's sleep, hook them up with a gift card to purchase sheets, blankets, or a duvet cover. For more information, read our Brooklinen sheets review. 

Lodge Chef Collection Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

A cast iron skillet is an important kitchen tool that never gets old. In fact, as one of the more durable cast iron skillets on the market, this pick will help your graduate cook for years to come. 

Mejuri Large Croissant Dome Hoops

If they've been eyeing Mejuri's Dôme hoops forever, you've found the perfect gift. These minimalist gold vermeil earrings go with everything, so you can be sure they'll wear them for years to come. Read our full Mejuri review for more options. 

Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug

This mug will control the temperature of their coffee or tea, so they won't have to reheat or dump it out every few hours. A former teammate called the Ember "life-changing." You can also buy a travel-friendly version.

L.L. Bean Wicked Good Slippers

L.L. Bean makes one of our favorite pairs of slippers, as we rate this the top pick for warmth that we tested in the best slippers for men. Your graduate will appreciate this gift, especially if they're moving somewhere with colder weather. 

Leatherology Henderson Laptop Brief Bag 

Leatherology makes luxe leather goods and delivers them in gift-wrapped boxes. This laptop brief bag is one they can own for many years, and it's a luxe step-up from the backpacks of their past. You'll find a few more budget-friendly options at Herschel Supply Co.

Grafomap Personalized Map Poster

Grafomap makes cool posters with custom maps, so you can get your graduate one with a place that you know means something to them. It's a great way to decorate a new space with extra sentimental value. 

Bandolier Crossbody Case

For anyone who laments digging through their bag for their phone or wallet, this stylish phone case-wallet crossbody case keeps their essentials close without any hassle.

Our Place Always Pan

The internet-famous Always Pan is meant to replace eight pieces of cookware which, if they're living in tight quarters, can especially come in handy. You can choose from a few vibrant, matte colors and treat them to a pan they'll be excited to break in.

Fanatics College Gear

Get them excited for their college days or commemorate them with a wearable bit of school spirit. Fanatics is full of clothing, hats, bags, balls, games, and drinkware for NCAA schools. Your grad will be able to spot a fellow alum from miles away.

Punny Llama Graduation Card

Grab a funny, sweet card and use it to tell them how proud you are of them.

Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer

Listed as the top pick in our best air fryer guide, the Instant Vortex Plus is one of the most impressive models on the market. We tested a ton of air fryers, so you can be confident in arming your graduate with a fantastic kitchen appliance that will serve them well. 

The Sill Snake Plant Laurentii

Plants are the best way to brighten up a room, and it's likely your grad will be moving to a new place — so why not help them out? This snake plant from The Sill is easy to take care of and hard to kill, making it a great choice for even an inexperienced plant owner. 

Apple iPad

Since a number of companies give their employees work computers, it's not totally necessary to get one's own. But for streaming Netflix or surfing the web at home, an iPad can be a budget-friendly alternative that better suits their lifestyle. 

We still think the 2022 standard iPad is the top pick for general-purpose use, and it's surprisingly affordable. You can read more in our buying guide for the best iPads.

Fitbit Inspire 2

Fitbit's affordable Inspire 2 tracker has no shortage of useful features to keep someone informed about their physical activity — tracking calorie burn, resting heart rate, and heart rate zones. It's also one of the least expensive Fitbit models.

You can find our ranking of the best Fitbits in our tested buying guide. 

Instacart Gift Card

Starting a new chapter can be exhausting, and they may be pulling long hours studying or working. We recommend a gift card to Blue Apron (our top pick for meal kits) or Instacart (our top pick for online grocery services) to do their grocery shopping for them. Both will show up at their doorstep.

BestSelf Co. Self Journal

The Best Self Co. Journal helps people map out their five- or 10-year plans in a tangible, easily managed way. It's a nice way to provide growth and direction after graduation, whether your graduate is on their way to college, a new job, traveling, or anything else.

Framebridge Gift

Most of us appreciate some nostalgia. Since your graduate may not feel like investing in a nice frame, frame a photo of their friends or some of their favorite memories from school or home, so they can take them anywhere.

Headspace Meditation App 

Give them the gift of a meditation app that can help give them the tools to destress, practice mindfulness (which has positive effects on personal happiness), and possibly improve their focus. 

Pottery Barn No Nails Dual Function Board

A practical piece of decor for a dorm room or apartment, this whiteboard-pinboard combo can be used to scribble to-dos, leave notes for roommates, and show off pictures of friends and family. Plus, it hangs up easily with adhesive strips for damage-free installation.

Theragun Mini Massage Gun

We love the Theragun Mini for workouts — it's easy to bring to the gym or park, and it really helps loosen up your muscles before and after to help relieve pain and soreness. Help your graduate live a healthy, active lifestyle with this gift. 

Leatherology Business Card Case

If they're entering a new career, they can hold their business cards in this polished cardholder. You can even opt to get it monogrammed, and it'll arrive ready in a gift box.

Le Labo Santal 26 Classic Candle

A candle is always a great gift for any graduate. Whether they're moving into a dorm or new apartment, this scented candle from Le Labo is sure to make their room smell better and fresher. 

Uber Gift Card

Whether they're heading into a new college town, starting a new job, or taking a gap year, there will be nights when it's more convenient or safer for them to Uber home. Make it an easier decision with a gift card for a ride home.

"Congratulations, By The Way" by George Saunders

This short read is a transcript from author George Saunders' Syracuse University commencement speech, in which he focuses on one simple but significant message: The value of kindness. When so much of the post-graduate advice out there centers on career success or hustling to get ahead, this sweet and beautifully written book will remind them of what's most important in life.

Bodum Chambord French Press

If their new job or college major requires lots of early mornings, they'll probably appreciate a good cup of coffee. The Bodum Chambord is our favorite French press; it's timeless, compact, easy to operate, and entirely unfussy. It's also affordable to replace, so they don't need to be too precious with it.

Disney Plus Gift Card

We all occasionally want a break from being a grownup — and Disney Plus is a good place to do it. Disney Plus lets subscribers stream movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and more. You can also bundle it with Hulu and ESPN+.

Embroidered College Pillow

Want another way to help your graduate show their school spirit? These throw pillows are a lovely choice, and once again, customizable with lots of college options to choose from. 

Grubhub Gift Card

They may not have the energy to cook every night after work or classes. Get them a gift card for the impending evenings in which takeout feels essential.

Trade Coffee Subscription Gift

If they like a great cup of coffee, they'll enjoy Trade. The coffee subscription service has a huge variety of coffee, and it's easy to customize based on their tastes. We ranked it as the best coffee subscription service you can join.

If they're a tea drinker, we'd also recommend checking out an Atlas Tea Club subscription.

Ultimate Ears WonderBoom 3

A great Bluetooth speaker is a must for every graduate. They'll want to take their tunes on the go, whether they're meeting new friends at a park or going to the beach. 

ClassPass Gift Card

No matter what their work schedule looks like, it's important that your graduate still gets healthy exercise. Lower the barrier to entry and gift them a ClassPass gift card. With it, they can try tons of boutique fitness classes in their area — or, if they need to unwind, meditation sessions or spa days.

Rocketbook Core Reusable Smart Notebook

If your graduate goes through notebook after notebook, this reusable option offers a long-lasting solution. They can use the included pen to take notes, scan each page with an accompanying app to save the pages digitally, and then wipe away the notes to use the same page over and over again.

Milk Bar Treats

Who doesn't love a sweet treat? Celebrate your graduate with cake or cookies from Milk Bar, a famous New York City bakery that is sure to be a hit. 

Artifact Uprising Everyday Photo Book

Get them a photo book that can be filled with memories of friends — because they just graduated, they'll want to remember all the amazing times they had and who they shared it with. 

Cartman 148 Piece Tool Set

No matter the handiness of your graduate, they will definitely appreciate having this toolkit in their new dorm or apartment. It will be used, inevitably, when something breaks or goes wrong — and they'll have you to thank for saving the day with the necessary equipment to fix it. 

Target Gift Card

When in doubt, Target never fails. Hook up your graduate with a Target gift card for all their home and kitchen needs, as well as groceries, snacks, and even clothes.