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43 Best College Graduation Gifts for Her and for Him in 2023

The real world is tough, but these thoughtful presents will get recent grads started off on the right foot.

By Jamie Ballard and Jamie Kravitz
best college graduation gifts going places gold compass necklace and keurig single serve coffee maker
Baydurcan/Keurig

A college graduate has a whole world of options in front of them, so it makes sense that choosing a perfect graduation gift for her or for him can be a challenge. Whether you're looking for a personalized, sentimental gift idea, a unique graduation gift, or simply an affordable gift for your grad, the best college graduation gifts fall under a number of categories. That's why we've rounded up the best college graduation gift ideas in 2023.

When picking out a college graduation gift, consider what their plans are post-college. We've got gifts that will help them as they enter the workforce, like stylish laptop bags for commuting into the office, or a charging station if they'll be working from home. Maybe they're embarking on a year of travel, and could use a new passport holder or travel jewelry case. Are they moving into their first real apartment? Help them stock up on kitchen essentials or gift them a piece of decor to hang on the wall.

For grads completing specialized programs, check out our guides to the best gifts for nursing graduates, medical school graduates, and law school graduates. Don't forget to include a note and write a thoughtful message. If you need a little help with what to write in a graduation card, we've got inspirational graduation quotes, funny graduation quotes, and graduation Bible verses for a religious grad.

1
College Graduation Gift for Him or Her

'Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life' by Admiral William H. McRaven

On Sale
'Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life' by Admiral William H. McRaven
1
College Graduation Gift for Him or Her

'Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life' by Admiral William H. McRaven

Now 42% Off
$12 at Amazon$18 at Macy's
Credit: Grand Central Publishing

This book was actually based on a graduation speech, and it comes chock full of advice and life lessons that every graduate should know. One review says, "I read the entire book straight through, underlining my favorite passages, and it is so well written! Lots of simple but sage advice and this book will be on my annual re-read list."

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Practical College Graduation Gift

Farberware 12-Piece Nonstick Pots and Pans Cookware Set

Best Seller
12-Piece Nonstick Pots and Pans Cookware Set
2
Practical College Graduation Gift

Farberware 12-Piece Nonstick Pots and Pans Cookware Set

Now 23% Off
Credit: Farberware

Everyone needs nice pots and pans, and chances are new grads aren't spending money on a decent set. Treat the former student in your life to a 12-piece set that comes with kitchen utensils as well.

3
Customized Graduation Gift

Custom Graduation Cap Tassel Photo Charm

Custom Graduation Cap Tassel Photo Charm
3
Customized Graduation Gift

Custom Graduation Cap Tassel Photo Charm

For him or for her, this meaningful gift is something they can wear on graduation day, then treasure as a keepsake forever. Customize for your graduate by choosing from different styles and colors, adding an optional personalized engraving, and including your choice of photo of a loved one.

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4

Ninja Air Fryer

Best Seller
Air Fryer

Are they excited about cooking more meals on their own, but not so thrilled about all the work and time it can take? Enter the Ninja air fryer. It makes cooking quicker, easier, and healthier — an ideal kitchen gadget for any recent grad.

5

Brooklinen Super-Plush Bath Towels

Best Seller
Super-Plush Bath Towels
5

Brooklinen Super-Plush Bath Towels

Your recent grad might not think to splurge on nice bath towels for their first apartment out of school, so receiving this set of extra-thick, spa-quality ones from Brooklinen as a gift is sure to set them up.

6

Portable Electric Wine Opener

Portable Electric Wine Opener
6

Portable Electric Wine Opener

Now that she's out of college, she'll likely be able to spend a bit more for wine she actually enjoys (no more twist-offs!). Make uncorking a bottle of wine feel even classier by gifting this sleek automatic wine opener. It's battery powered, cordless, and could not be easier to use.

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7

'Things They Don't Teach You In School' Game

On Sale
'Things They Don't Teach You In School' Game
7

'Things They Don't Teach You In School' Game

Now 10% Off

All educations are going to have some gaps; this party trivia game helps close them — in a fun way.

8
Delivered to Their Inbox in Seconds

The Sill Digital Gift Card

Digital Gift Card
8
Delivered to Their Inbox in Seconds

The Sill Digital Gift Card

Let them choose a plant (or plants) to brighten up their space, whether it be a new office desk or a studio apartment, with a digital gift card to The Sill. This popular, female-founded company allows new plant parents to shop by size, or browse curated sections for easy-care, low-light tolerant, and pet-friendly plants.

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Jewelry College Graduation Gift

Compass Necklace

Amazon’s Choice
Compass Necklace
9
Jewelry College Graduation Gift

Compass Necklace

Now 11% Off
Credit: Baydurcan

This compass necklace is dainty and chic, and it also carries a sweet meaning. It will remind graduates to follow their instincts as they head into the great adventure of life.

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10

Collegiate Pouches

Collegiate Pouches
10

Collegiate Pouches

Credit: Uncommon Goods/Carmel and Terrell Swan

Any college graduate would love one of these beautiful woven pouches with an intricate design related to their school. They're perfect for carrying small items like cosmetics, keys, cash, and other essentials.

11
College Graduation Gift Under $10

Adulting Note Pad

Adulting Note Pad
11
College Graduation Gift Under $10

Adulting Note Pad

Credit: Peter Pauper Press

Adults have to keep track of so many things — work shifts, doctor's appointments, grocery lists. This notepad will keep it all in one convenient place, while also gently poking fun at how easy it is to put off doing those errands and tasks.

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College Graduation Gift Under $15

Graduation Wine Gift Bag

Graduation Wine Gift Bag
12
College Graduation Gift Under $15

Graduation Wine Gift Bag

Credit: Huastatewolf

For a gift the new grad will really appreciate, pop a nice bottle of wine or champagne into this burlap gift bag that reads, "Pairs well with graduating."

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13
Sentimental College Graduation Gift

Minted Custom Filled Map Art

Custom Filled Map Art
13
Sentimental College Graduation Gift

Minted Custom Filled Map Art

Credit: Minted

If they're moving away from their college town, they're sure to appreciate a sweet memento of their time on campus. Customize this map art with the location of their university — it'll be the perfect decoration for their new apartment.

14
For Their First Apartment

Keurig Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker

Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
14
For Their First Apartment

Keurig Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker

Credit: Keurig

The 9-5 workday (or, let's be real, at least 8-6) requires a lot of caffeine. Now the grad in your life can brew a quick cup, or more, with this single serve Keurig. It comes in three color options.

15
Inspirational College Graduation Gift

Effie's Paper 'Live Life' Spiral Notebook

'Live Life' Spiral Notebook
15
Inspirational College Graduation Gift

Effie's Paper 'Live Life' Spiral Notebook

Credit: Effie's Paper

The grad in your life will get a boost of motivation every time they use this inspiring notebook. It will encourage them to chase their biggest dreams, and give them a place to write it all down as they go.

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16
Personalized College Graduation Gift

Cap & Diploma Personalized Coffee Mug

Cap & Diploma Personalized Coffee Mug
16
Personalized College Graduation Gift

Cap & Diploma Personalized Coffee Mug

Now 29% Off
Credit: Personalization Mall

When post-grad life calls for chugging coffee, at least they can do it out of a cute personalized mug. Customize the design with your grad's name on the cap and up to two lines of text above the diploma.

17
Unique College Graduation Gift

Custom License Plate Sign

Custom License Plate Sign
17
Unique College Graduation Gift

Custom License Plate Sign

Credit: Jersey Plate Art

Document your grad's hard work with this customizable sign. It can spell out their college name and/or graduation year, their name, or anything else up to 16 letters. Whatever you choose, it will make for unique decor in their new grown-up apartment.

18
College Graduation Gift for Her

'Go Confidently' Cuff Bracelet

'Go Confidently' Cuff Bracelet
18
College Graduation Gift for Her

'Go Confidently' Cuff Bracelet

Credit: IEFSHINY

Give this keepsake bracelet to the young woman in your life who needs to believe in herself. With confidence, she can take on the world.

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19
Traditional Graduation Gift

Diploma Frame with Tassel Holder

Diploma Frame with Tassel Holder
19
Traditional Graduation Gift

Diploma Frame with Tassel Holder

Credit: GraduationMall

Some people pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to get their degrees, they should at least frame the piece of paper that certifies they graduated. This frame displays the diploma and graduation tassel side-by-side.

20
Personalized Graduation Gift for Her

Personalized Drink Tumbler

Personalized Drink Tumbler
20
Personalized Graduation Gift for Her

Personalized Drink Tumbler

Credit: Lara Laser Works

You can personalize this tumbler with her name and a special illustration, along with a cheeky message about the strange times we live in.

Headshot of Jamie Ballard
Jamie Ballard
Contributing Writer

Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter.

Headshot of Jamie Kravitz
Digital Editor

Jamie Kravitz (she/her) is the digital editor at Woman's Day, where she oversees the brand's digital platforms and covers holidays, food, and more. Before joining WD in 2021, she was a digital editor at the Rachael Ray Show. Jamie has over five years of experience writing relationship, entertainment, home, and gifting content for publications including The Knot, Martha Stewart Weddings, Insider, and Elite Daily. She graduated from Emerson College with a BFA in Writing, Literature and Publishing and lives in Brooklyn with her cats, Lumos and Linus.

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