10 Fun and Thoughtful Graduation Gift Ideas

Graduation season is just around the corner. I was shopping for a graduation gift last night, and thought you might like to see the fun and thoughtful gift ideas I found for graduates.

Now, let’s keep it real. I have had one child who has graduated from high school, and I can tell you, cash is the item kids need and want the most. Truly. However, my daughter did receive some jewelry to commemorate the accomplishment, and she wears that jewelry almost daily. It’s something she can keep forever, and a sweet memento of that snapshot in time.

There’s a time and place for cash, gift cards, and physical gifts. Rest assured, no matter what you give them, they’ll still raid your pantry when they come home.

Here are 10 fun and thoughtful graduation gift ideas:

Personalized M&Ms | M&Ms

You can’t go wrong with candy. M&Ms lets you order customized M&Ms in school colors, and you can decide what’s printed on the M&Ms! You can also order party favors if you are planning a big shindig.

(image: M&Ms)

P.S. You can customize M&Ms for almost any occasion, not just graduation.

Custom Minifigure | Etsy

If you know someone going into teaching, counseling, a science-related field, or who really likes Lego, this would end up being fun office decor.

There are a bunch of ways to customize this gift.

(image: LunaMemoGift via Etsy)

P.S. The Lego Graduation Cap at the top of this blog post is also from Etsy. You can get it here.

Collegiate Pouches | Uncommon Goods

These pouches are so cool. I wouldn’t mind one, but as I keep reminding myself, I’m not shopping for me.

The pouch could make a fun “gift bag,” and you could tuck a gift card inside. If the gift is for a high school graduate planning to live on campus, you could turn this into a mini first aid kit with Band-Aids, first aid cream, pain reliever, etc.

(image: Uncommon Goods)

Diploma Frame | Amazon

For college graduates, they might really appreciate a frame for their diploma. It’s something they probably haven’t thought about yet, but when they do, it’ll be something that they don’t want to spend money on.

Keep in mind, this is not a helpful gift if the size of the mat doesn’t match the size of their diploma. 8.5 x 11 is a common size, but you need to Google or call the institution to confirm the diploma size. You could also give a gift certificate to a framing supply store.

(image: Amazon)

Faith-Based Custom Blanket | Etsy

If your grad is feeling nervous about the next steps, a personalized comforting blanket with faith-based words of encouragement on it might be appreciated.

In terms of blankets, I can tell you that, in general, girls in college LOVE blankets and pillows to make their dorm rooms cozy. My daughter will somehow be leaving her freshman year of college with more blankets, pillows, and plushies than when she moved in. They multiply!

(image: KinandCalling via Etsy)

Cork Globe | Uncommon Goods

If your graduate is lucky enough to be traveling after graduation, Uncommon Goods has the coolest cork globe where they can mark their travels. Again, I feel like I’m shopping for myself. Ha!

(image: Uncommon Goods)

Snarky Pen Set | Etsy

If sarcasm is your graduate’s love language, they will appreciate these pens. I laughed out loud when I read the sayings. I have definitely used “I love that for me” sarcastically.

(image: Let’s Write This Way on Etsy)

Custom License Plate Art | Etsy

I wish I had thought of this idea! How cool is this upcycled license plate art? You can request at least one section from a particular state.

(image:  JustPlateCrazy via Etsy)

Necklace | Etsy

This necklace seems very on-trend for the Gen Z crowd, and the accompanying message is sweet, too.

(image: HopeLoveShine via Etsy)

P.S. This knot necklace is also quite lovely. I think I like it even more because it has some sparkle!

Customizable Backpack | Etsy

This backpack feels like a long-lasting sort of gift that hopefully gets better with age. It comes in different sizes, one of which fits a laptop. You can customize the bag with your own saying.

This is certainly classier than the backpack Handy Husband carries to work.

(image: GoldBurtonCo via Etsy)

Being there to bear witness to someone’s accomplishment of graduating from school is such an honor. If you’re attending a graduation, don’t forget to pack your tissues.

I wish all your graduates the best with whatever comes next for them, whether it be more school, work, or something else. I hope these fun and thoughtful graduation gifts give you a jumping-off point for your shopping. Just remember, cash is always appreciated by graduates!

How long ago was your graduation? Kidding. You don’t have to tell me. But if you want to,  you can comment on this blog post, email me here, or reach out via direct message on Instagram or Facebook.

Happy Graduation!

It’s a busy season, so thank you for taking the time to read today’s blog post. If you have another minute or two, I have a blog post you might enjoy!

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