College commencement is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion. Naturally you want to show your love, pride and support with a gift that is just right and personal. Let us help you choose something that’s as special as your new college graduate!
Kitchen Essentials & Appliances
Are they moving into a new apartment? We bet they could use an upgrade on household items. Bright and whimsical or plain and practical, your new grad will love these appliances.
Themed kitchen gift basket — Fill it with utensils or pans specifically for baking or grilling. Add a cookbook!
Gift certificate for a meal/ingredient delivery service like Green Chef or HelloFresh.
Would they like to sharpen their cooking skills? Buy them a knife set along with a Groupon for an online cooking class!
Dress for Success
As they prepare to enter the workforce, get your grad something that will be useful in the real world. The will really appreciate these needed items, accessories and clothing.
Someone else is sure to give the grad a copy of Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss, which leaves YOU free to choose something more original.
TED Books Box Set: The Completist — “Small books, big ideas” based on the most popular TED talks, and perfect for the bookcase or nightstand in their new grown-up place.
The best commencement addresses get made into wonderful little gift books. Three we love: Now Go Out There (and Get Curious) by Mary Karr, Make Good Art by Neil Gaiman (thoughts on creativity, bravery and thinking/living outside the box), and Congratulations by the way: Some Thoughts on Kindness by George Saunders.
Other book ideas:
Their very own new hardcover set of favorite books from childhood (Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Little House…).
“Advice” books can be playful and entertaining. Grads will appreciate Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar (aka Cheryl Strayed, the author of Wild), Adulting by Kelly Williams Brown (both hilarious and helpful), and Freshman Year of Life — essays from the MindSumo online community of young adult writers who’ve really lived this.
A world or U.S. atlas for the coffee table (and maybe a coffee table while you’re at it).
Gmorning, Gnight! Little Pep Talks for Me & You by Lin-Manuel Miranda (poetic and inspiring Tweet-length messages from the creator of Hamilton).
Provide the security deposit plus first month’s rent on their new apartment.
Pay their first post-college student loan payment.
Stock — Get your new grad excited to learn more about investing and saving for the future.
Help finance a car purchase.
If they’re moving far away, buy their first flight home for the holidays.
Preserve College Memories
Diploma frame — See more creative ideas for preserving memories here.
Set of college logo coffee mugs, alumni license plate holder, etc.
Latitude and longitude charms for bracelet, necklace, keychain — A reminder of the four years spent making memories that will last forever.
Your senior will soon turn the tassel on their graduation cap, symbolizing all the hard work they put into college. It took persistence and determination to be where they are. We hope we’ve helped you find the perfect gift to celebrate their accomplishments. Best wishes as they set out on the next stage of their life journey!
Congratulations, Class of 2022!
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