43 Best College Graduation Gifts For Her To Congratulate The 2023 Grads
The graduation season is just around the corner. It’s time to find the best college graduation gifts for her to celebrate her transition into adult life and the real world.
To be honest, gift cards or cash from friends and family will always make great graduation gifts for any college graduate. However, if you’re also looking for something more creative and practical, then you’ve come to the right place.
Check out these college graduation gift ideas to congratulate her hard work and welcome her to post-grad life!
(Prices change frequently, so they could be slightly different from what we mentioned at the time of publication)
1. A Meaningful Photo Gift to Congratulate Her
You Are Braver Than You Believe Graduation Plaque
$29.95 $24.95
If you always wanted her to be strong and independent, voice her opinions fearlessly, and be immensely proud of her academic achievements, then on her memorable day, gift her this custom photo desktop plaque.
2. A Mug With Her Favorite College Memories
Class Of Graduation Year Collage Mug
$26.95 $22.95
We love personalized and unique gifts because one can cherish them for life. Although there are so many college graduation gifts to choose from, this one is right up at the top. A class of graduation year mug is a memorable present that will always remind her of a significant milestone. This one will make for special yet affordable grad gifts for friends and close family!
3. A Nice And Classic Work Bag
Leather Laptop Tote Bag
$37.99
Nothing says welcome to post-college life like a nice leather tote bag. It’s one of those college graduation gifts that are often underrated. It features a long shoulder strap and can function as a handbag, shoulder bag, or even a crossbody bag. There’s also a padded compartment that will keep her laptop protected at all times. It will make for the perfect weekday-to-weekend partner for her!
4. Best Personalized Option
Graduation Word Art Canvas
$59.95 $49.95
College graduation is a huge milestone for her. Celebrate her hard work with this custom print canvas. Such a sentimental gift will make her college graduation ceremony that much sweeter. A creative print is one of the coolest graduation gifts you will ever come across!
5. A Meaningful Keepsake
Congratulations Pillow
$27.95
It’s time to congratulate the graduate! Their achievement is deserving of this soft and squeezable present. This eye-catching cushion pattern stands out when personalized with a name, graduation year, and school. Looking for something to get your sibling? This pillow is the perfect graduation present for your sister. Stuffed with fluff, it’s a huggable and loving gift she’ll love!
6. An Instant Coffee Maker
Coffee Maker
$104.99
That caffeine-induced boost of energy is so vital in the morning. A coffee maker is one of those gifts that’ll give the collegiate crowd instant gratification during that morning rush. This Hamilton Beach coffee maker makes a refreshing, great-tasting cup of coffee that will make her mornings vastly better. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best gifts for college grads!
7. A Motivational Journal
Inspirational Positive Quote Journal
$34.95+
Are you getting bored of buying the same old gifts for college graduations? Don’t worry! We have a more original personalized gift idea for her. In our experience, thoughtful presents make for the best gifts for college students. This notebook journal is the perfect college graduation gift for her. She’s now ready for the next phase of her life. This journal will surely inspire and motivate her to take on the world!
8. A Memorable Keepsake For Years To Come
Memory Photo Desktop Plaque
$39.95
You’ve been through it all together. You shared the good times and the bad times. Celebrate your bond with one of the top college graduation gifts for besties. This sentimental custom photo canvas is the perfect gift to bind that friendship for a lifetime!
9. A Tumbler To Keeps Drinks Hot For Hours
Floral Monogram Tumbler
$54.00+
We’ve found a creative way of showing love to the graduate in your life. She’ll never get to work with lukewarm coffee again with this college graduation gift. We can also confirm that no Starbucks stop will be necessary. Heck, grad students will even enjoy drinking a nice glass of wine out of this cheeky personalized tumbler.
10. An Amazon Gift Card
Amazon Gift Card in a Graduation Style Gift Box
$25.00+
Sometimes it’s just better to let the student decide what they want. This Amazon gift card is the best way to achieve that. She’ll have access to millions of items across Amazon. Beautifully nestled inside a graduation-style gift box, she will love this one. Is there a better quarantine college graduation gift? We highly doubt it!
11. A Smart Watch
Apple Watch
$274.99
If you are looking for elegant college graduation gifts, we’ve got you covered! One of the perks of being a graduate is receiving expensive gifts that you couldn’t otherwise afford. COVID-19 has shown us the importance of technology and how it keeps us connected. That’s why an Apple Watch is such an appropriate present. This watch features Apple’s largest display yet and the most impressive features, including automatic workout detection.
12. A Gift Card For Her Meal Plan
Blue Apron Gift Card
$70.00+
She’s been working so hard the past few years. So we understand if she hasn’t had time to learn how to make mac and cheese! In that case, this Blue Apron gift card tops our list of college graduation gift ideas for her! They will deliver the ingredients for a meal of her choice with detailed step-by-step instructions. Make her post-college life fascinating with this thoughtful gift!
13. A Nice Planner
Daily Planner
$16.99
Is there anything better than a 2023 planner to get her feeling optimistic about the future? Post-grad life is something to look forward to with hope. Celebrate what’s to come with one of our meaningful college graduation gifts!
14. A Professional Yet Trendy Blazer
Striped Blazer
$34.99
Who doesn’t want to look cool and stylish on their first day on the job? Get this glamorous striped blazer for the graduate in your life. The impeccable tailoring of this timeless double-breasted blazer makes it the perfect post-graduation gift. It’s professional enough to sport at work but also trendy enough to wear on a night out with the girls!
15. New Sheets For Her Adult Apartment
Sateen Sheet Set
$49.49
There are so many lovely moments from college for graduates to cherish. However, she’ll probably want to forget those single-campus residency beds. Embellish her adult bed with this Sateen sheet set. The sheets have an unparalleled softness and breathability that will keep her in bed most mornings. She deserves it! It’s the best way to mark her college graduation.
16. A Map for Their College Town
Map Wall Art
$9.00
Who doesn’t love a unique piece of decor? Leaving college to start a new job is so exciting. But sometimes, she’ll find herself missing her college town. We have a great gift idea for her! A map of her college location is one of the best graduation gifts from parents we have come across. This poster will bring an elegant look to the wall decor of her home or office.
17. A Big Gift For Her
Apple AirPods
$269.99
This list wouldn’t be complete without at least one other Apple product. Some graduation gifts for college are on the expensive side. But, once she puts these on, she will be immersed in rich, high-quality sound. This one tops the list of the coolest college grad presents. The AirPods automatically sense when they are in your ears and pause when taken out. You’ll thank us later for this one!
18. Going To The Best Studio Fitness In Town
Classpass Gift Card
$50.00+
A gym membership can be quite overwhelming for someone with a busy schedule. Boutique fitness classes are easier to commit to in the post-grad adjustment period. A Classpass gift card is a creative yet subtle way to make sure she’ll commit to being active. Classpass lets her try a variety of studio fitness classes in her city at very affordable rates. It’s one of those college graduation gifts she’ll appreciate!
19. Motivational Timeless Jewelry
Strength Bracelet
$19.99
Nothing embodies strength like this bracelet. It’s simply inspirational. Not only did she get through all the headaches of college, but now she has to face adulthood. This dainty bracelet is all about love, support, and positive vibes. It will always remind her that the strength within her is greater than the journey ahead of her. What a beautiful way to celebrate our college graduates!
20. A Great Card Holder
Business Card Holder
$15.49
Since you are reading this right now, we know you are not looking for a typical graduation gift for college. Here’s an original idea for you. Nothing says, “Bring it on” to the world like a business cardholder. The smart and sophisticated design makes it the perfect graduation gift. With this elegant, personalized business card holder, she’ll be ready to shine at every networking event!
21. An Alarm Clock to Wake Her Up Gently
Wake-up Light Alarm Clock
$201.94
No one may appreciate sleeping more than a recent graduate. All those sleepless nights are sure to make one value a good night’s sleep. This wake-up light alarm clock will make her virtual college graduation more delightful. She deserves blissful sleep so that she can enhance her productivity. It is highly recommended by doctors and pharmacists for establishing a healthy sleep and wake routine. That’s why we love it too!
22. A Passport Holder For Her Future Trips
Passport Holder
$22.00+
Now that this chapter of her life is complete, what’s next? There are so many destinations around the world she wants to visit. How about we make sure travels in style. This cute and personalized passport holder will have her name and in a color of her choice. We love chic grad gifts, and she will love them too. We can guarantee it!
23. A Smart Device
Echo Dot
$39.99
Alexa, play “Laugh Now Cry Later” by Drake. Is there anything cooler than Alexa among the unique college graduation gifts for her? This smart-home device can turn the lights on, play music, answer questions, and set alarms. It can also check the weather, read the news, control compatible smart home devices, and much more. Using the Amazon Echo Dot is like having a personal assistant to make life more convenient!
24. Best Book For Her Post-Grad Life
Welcome to Adulting
$12.79
Nothing can prepare you for the realities of the real world. But we hope this book can help your niece on her life journey. For many young people, the transition can be daunting, fraught with opportunities to make mistakes and bad choices. This book combines entertaining stories from the author’s own experiences, insights from the Bible, and compelling evidence from research. We feel it’s an essential present for college graduation!
25. A Meaningful Keepsake
Custom Graduation Ornament
$16.95
So you’re looking for unique college graduation gifts? When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a meaningful graduation ornament. There’s no better way to give the graduate in your life a badge of honor. She has achieved so much this year, considering the circumstances. So, it will surely put a smile on her face whenever she sees it!
26. A Good Carry-on
Luggage
$123.49
Now that she’s graduated, there are many trips to look forward to. Whether it’s a work trip or just a trip with friends, she’ll need something to pack all her essentials. This Kenneth Cole Reaction “Renegade” rose gold suitcase has a sleek and stylish exterior. Very few graduation presents for college can compare to this one. Did we mention that it even expands an additional 2 inches for extra carrying capacity when needed?
27. A Cooking Book She Will Actually Need
What’s Gaby Cooking
$10.99
The graduate in your life will be over the moon with this inspirational cookbook. Most graduates don’t know their way around the kitchen. Who can blame them? These days you can pick up boxed mac and cheese and have it ready in a few minutes. A cookbook is one way to get their post-college life on the right track. This cookbook makes food approachable and delicious. She’ll love it!
28. A Reminder of Her Home
State Map Glass
$17.00
We know that there probably won’t be a big grad party this year. Nevertheless, our graduates can still have a drink and have a good time with a few friends. A state map is engraved into this glass, resulting in a beautiful, creative gift. It’s a cool gift to remind college graduates of their hometown. Can you think of a better college graduation present?
29. A Vintage Bluetooth Speaker
Turntable
$52.70
This vintage gift for college grads will have the recipient looking like the coolest kid on the block. Nothing says cool like a Bluetooth portable suitcase record player. She will surely appreciate this combination of retro with modern technology. This speaker is worth every single cent. It has an unparalleled sound quality, and the exquisite craftsmanship will leave her in awe. Show appreciation to her with this unique gift!
30. A Good Blender
NutriBullet Blender
$56.00
Sometimes life gets in the way of our health. Between the job applications and interviews, our graduate might not have a lot of time on her hands. This NutriBullet blender is the easiest solution for making nutrient-packed smoothies. With this thoughtful gift, she can quickly make a smoothie to go. We love coming up with the best useful college graduation gifts!
31. A Relaxing Candle
Scented Candle
$35.99
They say simplicity is the ultimate sophistication, but life’s simple pleasures needn’t be simplistic. Adorn the graduate in your life with a touch of class and sophistication. Her individuality will flourish, and her home will certainly smell divine. This jasmine-scented candle will make it easy to relax after a long day at the office. Get this premium candle for your new graduate!
32. All The News Of The Real World
The New York Times Subscription
$1.00+
Today the youth are at the forefront of so many issues that matter to them. We could argue that there is nothing more important in the information age. Make sure the graduate in your life is well-informed with a subscription to The New York Times. With so much misinformation spreading around the world, social media news doesn’t cut it anymore. It’s not your typical or average gift for college graduation!
33. A Leather Portfolio
Leather Portfolio
$156.60+
So, you’re looking for a more sophisticated college graduation present. We’ve got just what you need! This trendy portfolio is made only of genuine leather and is available in a wide color range. It will have her looking like she’s been in the corporate world for years. It is a classy, high-quality gift for a college graduate. We genuinely think it’s one of the best college graduation gifts for her!
34. A Book Every College Grad Should Read
Why Didn’t They Teach Me This in School?
$13.82
Most graduates will openly admit that they have limited knowledge about personal money management. It certainly isn’t their fault! Most colleges have absolutely no requirements for students to learn about it. Having a book on hand that can motivate their ambition and reaffirm their post-college priorities is crucial in their twenties. This book makes complex financial issues simple to comprehend!
35. A Subscription For Her To Dress & Impress
Stitch Fix Gift Card
$20.00+
There’s no such thing as too many gift cards. If your graduate is particular about what she likes, she’ll love this one. Stitch Fix curates all kinds of pieces for their style, price, and fit preferences. What more could she want? It’s a thoughtful and cute college graduation gift idea for those who appreciate personalized items. Can this list get any better?
36. No More Wrinkles Shirt
Fabric Steamer
$59.95
We couldn’t finish this list without at least one useful, essential household item. What says welcome to adult life like a handheld steamer? For those busy and hectic mornings, we have the Electrolux portable fabric steamer. Its continuous steam ensures quick and efficient steaming that will have her ready for work in minutes. There are a few better adult college graduation gift ideas!
37. A Lunch Box For The Office
Lunch Box Set
$26.94
Imagine opening your lunch box during a break only to find your food ruined. Is there a worse feeling? Nothing beats a fresh meal during a stressful day. This lunch box set makes meal prep and transporting healthy lunches on the go convenient. It is perfect for college graduates looking to take on the corporate world. A thoughtful gift will always rank high on our best college graduate gifts list!
38. A Perfectly Designed Backpack
Convertible Backpack
$45.00
We adore multi-purpose gifts! This Targus Newport bag is the perfect companion for students and professionals who are always on the go. It is a 2-in-1 convertible tote bag/backpack, quintessential for the urban lifestyle. It is a combination of simple, minimalistic, and stylish that the graduate in your life will cherish. Look no further for cool college gifts!
39. Good Knives For Her Home-Cooked Meal
Knife Block Set
$74.00
Starting a home post-graduation can be challenging. Even just getting the small household items can be quite taxing. That’s where this Cuisinart knife set comes in handy. It’s a practical and useful gift to get for one of your graduates. It features high-carbon stainless steel blades that will ensure precision and accuracy when she’s making her favorite dishes.
40. Simple Yet Fashionable Earrings
Earrings
$18.55
Earrings! Where do we sign up? She’ll go crazy about this one. We don’t think there’s anything that would make her happier at her college graduation celebration. She can rock these super dainty and elegant long pearl earrings on any occasion. Celebrate her special moment with this traditional college graduation gift!
41. A Beautiful Serving Board
Serving Board With Handles
$90.00
Post-grad life deserves a sophisticated cheese board. It will come in handy for her next party at the new apartment. The cheese board features high-quality Acacia wood with a unique ocean-inspired resin art design with 3D waves. This great option is one of our top college graduation gifts. Help her say goodbye to those dreadful microwavable mac and cheese bowls for good!
42. A Holder For Wine And Coffee Lovers
Wine Glass Holder
$52.00
This list wouldn’t be complete without a special gift to accentuate her new home. This wine glass holder is the perfect college graduation gift for her. Sometimes life weighs us down. She needs a reminder that the day starts with a cup of coffee and ends with a glass of wine. We know she’ll cherish this fun college graduation gift forever!
43. A Fun Way To Congratulate Her
She Believed And She Did Mug
$22.95
This mug is the ideal gift for any new graduate in your life who has never given up on their dreams. It’s a wonderful way to congratulate her on one of the most important days of her life. The mug can be personalized with her name, photo, and graduation year.
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