12 Graduation Gift Ideas That Are Better Than a Gift Card

Something for everyone, at every price point.

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‘Tis the season for graduations —more specifically, ‘tis the season for graduation parties. And graduation gifts. Whether you’ve got a high school or college grad to think of, it can be tough to come up with the perfect gift that will be equal parts useful and fun. Here are 12 fabulous gift ideas at every price point that your graduate will love and are more personal than a gift card.

Celebrate in style with some festive pint glasses; perfect for a college graduate looking for something a little more upscale than a red solo cup.

True Brands Rustic Farmhouse ‘Cheers’ Pint Glasses by Twine (set of 2), $19.88

For the graduate with a knack for interior decor, a chic woven basket will work double duty as a storage item and accent piece.

Olli Ella Large Dipped Belly Basket, $37.80

Get them started on an essential life skill with this helpful book. It’ll definitely help them save money on a daily Starbucks run.

Abrams Books How To Make Coffee, $16.99

Doing laundry may be a whole new experience for your high school graduate, so soften the blow a little with a stylish hamper.

Pehr Design Hatch Hamper in Mustard, $62.99

Give them this as a reminder to visit home every now and then.

Corroon Dolci + Limoni Navy Weekender, $359.99

Whether they’re moving into a dorm room or their first apartment, space can be tight. This tower hanging rack provides some much-needed storage without taking up too much room.

Yamazaki USA Tower Hanging Rack, $76.50

If they’re headed to college, a mini-fridge is pretty much a necessity. This cute red one is an upgrade from your standard cheap mini-fridge and will add a retro vibe to the room.

Smeg 50s Style Mini-Fridge, $899.10

An easy way to infuse some style into any temporary space —be it a dorm or an apartment sublet— is with plants. These hanging planters will allow your graduate to breathe some new life (literally) into their future home.

Light + Ladder Set of 3 Leather Spora, $116.99

Perfect for either post-grad summer travels or a 10 a.m. lecture.

Proper Assembly No 5 Ochre Backpack, $193.49

Help keep them organized with this multipurpose accessory tray, ideal for anything from jewelry to keys to perfumes.

Yamazaki USA Tosca Accessory Trays, $22.50

Bedding is one of those things that everyone needs but tends to put off buying, so help out your graduate with a gorgeous set of linen sheets.

Cultiver Linen Sheet Set with Pillowcases, $328.50

Encourage them to take time for themselves (and hone their skills) with this fun throw blanket. It’s nice to have a talent.

Calhoun & Co. Good at Naps Throw Blanket, $97.20

Related reading: 

Our Favorite DIYs For An Outdoor Grad Party 17 Things All New Grads Need (Whether They Know It Or Not) Grad Party Essentials

Elly Leavitt

Writer and Editor

Elly enjoys covering anything from travel to funky design (tubular furniture, anyone?) to the latest cultural trend. Her dream apartment would exist on the Upper West Side and include a plethora of mismatched antique chairs, ceramic vessels, and floor-to-ceiling bookcases—essential to her goal of becoming a poor man’s Nora Ephron. You can probably find her in line at Trader Joe’s. You will never find her at SoulCycle.