May is always a busy month with school coming to an end, graduations, and graduation parties. If you have a 2024 graduate to purchase a gift for, these are a few awesome ideas for graduation gifts.
Now I realize that some gift guides can be really overwhelming and hard to narrow down. I wanted to create a gift guide that was simple, but also something that is useful for the graduate in your life. Below, you will find three simple ideas for graduation gifts in each category.
So, here it is! Ideas for Graduation Gifts for Graduates of All Ages
Also to note, that I am not an affiliate of any kind. Any links included in this post are purely there to make it easier for you to find the websites that you may need.
Ideas for Graduation Gifts for the College Grad
College graduation is a big deal that is worth celebrating! With two to four (or more) years of additional schooling to prepare them for their career, college grads have worked hard to earn their degree. Now that college is over they have some big decisions ahead of them, and still more learning. These are gift ideas that will be useful for the college graduate in your life.
1. Cash or Gift Cards
As lame as it may feel to give cash or a gift card, it’s definitely a favorite gift for the graduate! Let’s face is, college grads are broke. After paying school bills on top of normal life expenses, a little extra cash can go a long way as they go out to start life after college.
If you don’t want to just give cash, here are a few gift cards ideas:
- Gas gift card
- Amazon gift card
- Coffee Shop gift card
- Gift Card to their favorite resturant
- Grocery gift card
- Gift card to their favorite store – i.e. Target, Walmart, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, etc.
- Visa gift card
2. Subscription to Something They Enjoy
Going along with the idea that college grads are most likely broke, give them a gift of not having to pay for one of their favorite subscriptions. That way they can use that extra money for something else.
Subscription Ideas:
- Music Streaming – Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube Music, etc.
- Audiobook Subscription – I personally love Audible. You can read more about it in my post here.
- Amazon Prime
- Video Streaming Service – Hulu, Paramount +, Netflix, Peacock, Discovery +, Max, etc.
- Sam’s Club or Costco membership
- Newspaper or Magazine they enjoy
3. Basket or Box of “Life” goodies
I know this may seem silly, but I received a gift like this and honestly it was so awesome!
Ideas to include:
- Cleaning supplies – Microfiber towels, swiffer, daily shower spray, Antibacterial wipes, dish soap, etc.
- Kitchen supplies – Measuring spoons or cups, mixing bowls, silverware set, etc.
- Shower supplies – Loofah, Pumice stone, Shower steamers, makeup removing cloths, towels, etc.
- Air fresheners or candles
- Heating pad or microwavable heating wrap
- Photo frame – For their graduation photo!
Graduation Gift Ideas for the High School Graduate
High School graduation is a really exciting, scary, and fun time! The truth is that when you graduate high school, you really don’t know what is in store. You are an adult now, which comes with new responsibilities and experiences. Not every high school graduate has the same plans. Some may be college bound and some may already have a job lined up. Regardless of your graduates plans, these are some great gift ideas for high school grads.
1. Cash or Gift Cards
As I said above, cash is a favorite gift for the graduate. Graduating high school opens up a whole new world to your graduate. They may be getting ready to head off to college, move into their own place, or start a new job. Either way, I’m sure they can use a little extra money in their pocket.
Gift card ideas if you don’t want to just give cash:
- Amazon gift card
- Gas gift card
- Gift card for coffee or their favorite drink stop
- Visa gift card
- Food delivery gift card – Doordash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, etc.
2. An Experience
Graduating high school is exciting, and a little stressful. Suddenly you have all these responsibilities you didn’t have before, and that can be kind of scary. So, send the graduate off to the real world with one last hoo-rah or fun experience!
Experience Graduation Gift Ideas:
- Amusement Park Tickets
- Concert Tickets
- Theater or Ballet Tickets
- Indoor Skydiving
- Spa package
- Zip Line Experience
- Hot Air Balloon Ride
3. Noise Cancelling Headphones
Noise cancelling headphones can be especially useful if your high school grad is college bound. Having something block out excess noise when you’re trying to study can be a big help to keep them on track.
Ideas for Graduation Gifts for the Kindergarten Grad
Kindergarten graduation is so fun and so sweet. Your little graduate just successfully completed their very first year of school! As opposed to college and high school graduation, it’s a different kind of milestone, but it is still a big one. Going to kindergarten is a big adjustment for kids, and they have learned so much in the last year. As a result, let’s celebrate those little graduates and let them know how proud of them that we are!
1. Set of books for summer reading
In my opinion, reading is the most important skill you can learn. And sometimes during the summer it can be easy to put learning on the back burner.
A few ideas for Phonics book sets:
- BOB books
- Usborne Very First Reading Set
- A Beka Reading For Fun Library
- All About Reading Readers
- Hooked on Phonics Readers
- Now I’m Reading Readers
2. Fun subscription for summer learning
Ideas for subscriptions:
- Hooked on Phonics – Keep reading exciting during the summer with a Hooked on Phonics Subscription. Your subscription will come with physical books to read, workbooks, and access to the Hook on Phonics app.
- Kiwi Co. Crate – Kiwi Co. is a fun subscription for kids with a bunch of different options based on the child’s age and interests.
- Little Passports – This is a fun subscription where kids can learn about different countries and parts of the world.
- Magazine Subscription – Highlights, Ranger Rick and Ranger Rick Jr., National Geographic for Kids, Focus on the Family, Lego, etc.
3. A commemorative plushie
You can find some really cute plushies in caps and gowns with the graduation year on it at your local stores. These are fun because not only do they commemorate their graduation, but its a sweet toy too. (And what kid doesn’t love a snuggly buddy?)
Alternatively, if you want to make an experience out of it, take your little graduate to a Build A Bear Workshop where they can build their very own graduation friend!
Do you have a graduate you are celebrating this year? What are some gift ideas you have for them? I’d love to hear your input in the comments below!
You are doing great!
