Best graduation gifts of 2023: 56 ideas for college, high school, more (2024)

If there was ever a time for pomp and circ*mstance, it is now.

Happy Graduation to the Class of 2023! Be it undergraduate, graduate school, high school or heck —even kindergarten, everyone deserves to be celebrated after achieving this academic milestone.

Surprising the graduate in your life with a thoughtful graduation gift can help acknowledge how much they’ve accomplished.

They’re closing one chapter in their education journey and are about to embark on the next milestone in their life whether it’s starting elementary school or getting their first job out of college.

Graduation gifts can be big, small and a range of budgets. What matters the most, is how much thought you put into it. To help your search for the perfect graduation gifts, we rounded up plenty of each to mark this special occasion.

Some are more practical, like diploma frames and your first post-grad tote bag for work, while others are more fun, letting your former student still have some fun for the summer.

Read on for the best graduation gifts for 2023 and then break out the balloons and champagne (if of age, of course) to celebrate.

• College graduation gift ideas
• High school graduation gift ideas
• Middle school graduation gift ideas
• Kindergarten graduation gift ideas

The best college graduation gifts of 2023

1. GraduationMall Mahogany Diploma Frame with Tassel Holder, $40

Show off their amazing accomplishments with this diploma frame. It not only has room for the diploma itself but also an area to preserve your graduation cap tassel — yet another memory of the huge milestone event.

2. “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss, $8

Don’t laugh, but perhaps the most special gift you could give your new young adult is some hope, humor and memories with this Dr. Seuss classic. You could even write a special note in the inside cover to congratulate your grad and wish them luck no matter the places they go after college.

3. HP Pavilion x360 Convertible Laptop, $800

Retire their old college laptop and replace it with this new one from HP. The Pavilion x360 Convertible Laptop can be used as a traditional computer, or flipped around as used as a tablet, perfect for their first post-grad job.

4. Personalized Champagne Milestone Vase, $78

For the graduate who loves mementos, flowers and possibly champagne if of age, this is a timeless gift. The bottle-turned-vase is fully customizable with your graduate’s name and graduation date, making it a great and personalized gift.

5. Our Place Always Pan, $150

Start them off on the right foot with a new pan that does it all from Our Place. This is a great gift for the graduate who is now off the meal plan and cooking on their own, as it replaces the need for eight other kitchen items all at once.

6. The Bartesian co*cktail Maker, $370

If your grad is over 21 and done with the college days of cheap beer and college bars, this is the gift for them. The Bartesian is essentially a co*cktail robot, dispensing the perfect mix of alcohol and mixers to create classic co*cktails for future dinner parties.

7. Beis The Work Tote, $148

Set them up for success with this versatile work tote from Beis. The bag comes in a variety of neutral colors to match any interview outfit, fully equipped with a laptop and a water bottle compartment for your commute.

8. Herschel Classic Backpack XL, $65

For those that prefer a backpack, here is a great option for work or even graduate school. The Herschel backpack in the XL size comes with a laptop compartment, water bottle sleeves and more space to fit all your office or school needs.

9. Here For The Burn Candle, $36

You heard the candle. This is a great little gift to show your grad some love and humor. The Here For The Burn candles make awesome gifts and have a variety of funny phrases to choose from, in addition to delicious scents to warm up there new post-grad home.

10. EveryPlate Meal Kit Subscription, $4.99 per meal, use our link for $1.79 per meal and take 20% off your next 2 boxes with code NYPEP

This is the gift that keeps on giving, teaching your grad to cook and enjoy eating well. EveryPlate is one of the meal kits we reviewed and loved, and we think your graduate will love it too. Plus, at just $1.79 per meal, that is cheaper than their normal ramen and ice cream.

11. Amazon Music Unlimited, $11 per month, free for 3 months

The worst thing about graduating is that once you are done with college, you are also done with the student discounts that come with it. When their Spotify or Apple Music discount ends, give them the gift of a few months of Amazon Music Unlimited, so they can enjoy all the music and podcasts they want, free for 30 days.

12. Minted Personalized Stationary, prices vary

Now that your college grad is off to the working world, surprise them with their very own personalized stationary. Whether they’re leaving a note, sending a thank you card or just making a to-do list, they’ll have a stylish piece of paper to do it with.

13. Nixon Custom Watch, prices vary

Keep them on time for appointments, interviews and everything else in between. Nixon features a variety of durable watches including the option to build your own, so you can make it a one of a kind look they’ll cherish.

14. Good American Unisex Blazer, $53 to $79

A versatile blazer is an essential to carry in your closet for when you need an easy business professional look. This style boasts a unisex fit and comes in a crisp cream color to have you looking put-together no matter where you’re headed.

15. Mark & Graham Wood and Marble Wine Chiller, $69

Keep that sauvignon blanc from getting warm in a luxurious wine chiller like this one from Mark & Graham. The marble and wood mixed materials will add a nice touch to their home, while marking their transition from college student to full fledged adult.

16. Cozy Earth Waffle Bath Robe, $170

College is no joke when it comes to balancing assignments, internships, side jobs and more. Acknowledge their hard work while encouraging them to take some R&R with Cozy Earth’s waffle robe. It’s as comfy as it is luxurious!

17. The Sill Money Tree Plant, $68

Add some greenery to their first apartment post-graduation with a beginner-friendly money plant. If they’re a plant parent already, it’ll also help turn their space into a walk-in jungle.

The best high school graduation gifts of 2023

1. Apple AirPods Pro with MagSafe Charging Case, $239

Listen up, this is what they really want for graduation. AirPods are a must-have for all high school grads, allowing them to take calls and listen to music remotely and with ease. We found this pair at Walmart for $230.

2. Dash Mini Waffle Maker, Grill and Griddle 3 in 1 Pack, $30, original price: $35

Dash to Amazon to get this set of three perfect gifts for your grad. These mini griddles and waffle makers make the best present for a high school student who will soon have to cook on their own. They can make breakfast, lunch and dinner, and come in fun colors to match their dorm.

3. Things They Don’t Teach You in School Game, $20

We know they just finished high school, but how about another lesson? This card game is a great way to connect with your recent grad and prepare them for the college co*cktail parties to come, with trivia and fun facts.

4. Homesick Candles, $34

You don’t want them to be homesick once they head off to college or the next post-high school step, right? Help to remind them of home with a candle from their home state, or even one that reminds them of a treasured memory with Homesick Candles. They have one for almost every state, country and nostalgic memory, so be sure to browse them all.

5. Opopop Discovery Kit, $45

This is a perfect gift, especially if all they will have to cook with is a dorm microwave. Opopop is great for study sessions or a movie night with friends, and the Discovery Kit includes six flavors of flavor-wrapped kernels and the microwave-safe bowl to pop them in.

6. Montblanc Luxury Pen, prices vary

Just like graduation, getting your first luxury pen is a right of passage. Get them a stunning writing instrument from Montblanc, choosing from an array of options they will cherish. Many also come with free personalization, making the gift even more special.

7. Nikon Z50 Compact Mirrorless Digital Camera with Flip Under “Selfie/Vlogger” LCD, $1,147

Allow them to capture every moment of their next adventure with this awesome camera from Nikon. The digital camera comes with two lenses and the ability to flip the screen to be forward-facing, perfect for selfies, vlogs, TikTok and more.

8. Pandora Pavé Heart Snake Chain Bracelet, $95

Wear your accomplishments on your wrist, so you never forget the special milestone. This snake chain bracelet from Pandora will accessorize their wrists in an elegant fashion for years to come. You can even help start their charm collection with a graduation-themed Wise Owl Charm.

9. Chamberlain Coffee Night Owl The Gift Box, $44, original price: $49

Fuel their future late-night study sessions with this set of Chamberlain Coffee. This is an especially good gift if they love influencer Emma Chamberlain, or just have a knack for coffee. The kit comes with a Night Owl blend of coffee beans, two Night Owl Coffee single serve packets, a cold brew mason jar and set of reusable straws.

10. A graduation trip with Jet Blue, prices vary

Instead of an object, give them the gift of an experience with a graduation trip on Jet Blue. Right now they are offering tons of super affordable flights, with flights from Newark to Orlando starting at just $59, New York to Jacksonville for $59 and more.

11. Away F.A.R Convertible Backpack (45L), $220

Before starting college or their post-grad job, encourage the high school graduate in your life to travel with this versatile bag. Consider it a carry-on in backpack form as it has the ability to hold a few days worth of clothes as well as toiletries and a laptop.

12. Papier Planner, prices vary

Keep them organized with their studies and weekly appointment with the help of a trusty planner. Papier has a wide variety of styles that are so trendy and chic you’ll want to snag one for yourself.

13. Quince Linen Bedding Bundle, $80+

No matter what their post-high school plans are, consider gifting them so nice bedding to help them start the next chapter of their life. This set comes in 19 different shades and includes a duvet cover, fitted sheet, standard sheet and up to two pillowcases.

14. THE COMFY, $50

Keep them cozy with a wearable blanket they can use as they’re working on a college essay or just cuddling up with roommates for a movie night in. Either way, there are a wide range of colors to choose from to make it completely their own.

15. Brightroom Backpack Laundry Bag, $12

Functional gifts are always a yes in our book! This laundry backpack will help your high school grad carry their clothes to the on-campus laundry room (or back home to the ‘rents). No matter how they clean their clothes, they can count on this to take the pressure off lugging it from one place to another.

16. Rocketbook Smart Reusable – Dot-Grid Eco-Friendly Notebook, $23, original price: $34

If there’s one thing high school graduates won’t be escaping after school, it’s taking notes. Whether they’re continuing their education or entering the workforce, having a space to store their thoughts, important information and more is essential. Rather than waste scraps of paper, this digital notebook will track and store everything, eliminating the need of ever buying a notebook again.

The best middle school graduation gifts of 2023

1. BaubleBar Custom Multi Cutout Pisa Bracelet, $38

Celebrate your little one becoming a high schooler with this bracelet from BaubleBar. You can choose to have their name spelled out, or opt for their high school’s name, initials or graduation year — the options are endless.

2. Customized Hydro Flask Water Bottle, prices vary

Now that they will be roaming the halls of high school, make sure they are hydrated with the coolest bottle in the school. Let them customize it themselves, or design a bottle for them in their new school colors using the My Hydro site, adding personalization, too.

3. YADEA Electric Kick Scooter KS3 Lite, $370

While they can’t drive yet, if they live close enough to school, this electric scooter is a great gift. Make sure to also get them a helmet, and then let them ride off on this light-weight electric scooter, coming in pink or neon yellow.

4. Dare To Roam Prodigy Backpack, $98

Set them up for success with a new backpack from Dare To Roam. The line, deigned by singer Ciara, is made with anti-microbial fabric to keep them cleaner in the crowded hallways of high school, plus they come in array of colors for all students.

5. Bake Me A Wish Congratulations Desserts, prices vary

Say congratulations in a delicious way, with a personalized dessert from Bake Me A Wish. The bakery can customize just about anything for your graduate, and then ship them with ease right to your door nationwide.

6. Nintendo Switch Bundle with Mario One, $299

If they have been begging for a Nintendo Switch, this may be the milestone to gift one. The coveted Mario One bundle bundle is in stock on Amazon and has garnered over 50K reviews on Amazon making this a must-have for the gamers in your life.

7. Rossetta Galaxy Projector for Bedroom, $40, original price: $60

This lamp will make them more inclined to study next year, when they can listen to their favorite music at the same time. The desk lamp not only acts as a bluetooth speaker, but can project mesmerizing stars onto your ceiling and is a white noise machine to help them quickly catch some Z’s after a late night study session.

8. Casetify Phone Case, prices vary

If they got a new phone for the start of high school, make sure it is protected with a good case. Not only are Casetify cases durable, but they are trendy as well. Make sure to take. alook at recent collaborations, too, like Harry Potter, Olivia Rodrigo, the NHL and more.

9. Polaroid Now Generation 2 Starter Set, $165

Polaroids are perfect for decorating your new high school locker, making memories last a lifetime. This starter kit is a great gift, coming with the Polaroid Now Generation 2 i-type Instant Camera in either black, white or an assortment of fun colors like pink, green, blue and more. It also comes with two packs of color film and one black and white pack, for artistic shots of all your new buddies.

10. SnackBOX Care Package, $39, original price, $42

Honestly, at the end of the day, all they really want are some good snacks and treats. This SnackBOX will last you into the summer, as it comes with 50 snacks fro them to munch on after completing another year in school. Add a gift message and then send it right to their door, perfect for a long-distance congratulations.

11. BLACK SERIES LED Bean Bag Toss Game, $50

Get your kids and their friends outdoors with this fun take on the classic backyard game cornhole. This set includes two glow in the dark foldable targets and eight glowing bean bags for the ultimate night time fun.

12. Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones, $150, original price: $200

This middle school graduation gift will land you the title of best gift-giver. For a more splurgey gift, these wireless over-ear headphones come with bluetooth capabilities with up to 40 hours of battery life for non-stop, uninterrupted listening.

13. FUNBOY Golf Cart Pool Float, $139

As one of our favorite places for unique pool floats, FUNBOY is ready to help your graduate start their summer vaca off with a splash. They can float under the sun with this golf cart-inspired float that’ll have them throwing a pool party every weekend.

14. Yellowpop Custom Neon Sign, prices vary

Personalize their room with a neon sign that’ll really light up their world. These custom neon signs can be a word, logo and more allowing you to personalize it to your child’s interests.

15. Cameo Message, prices vary

Nothing says congratulations quite like a message from their favorite celebrity or athlete. With Cameo, you can have a personalized message created just for them, so they can walk into high school feeling like a star.

The best Kindergarten graduation gifts of 2023

1. Fire 10 Kids Tablet, $200

Set up your child for success with this e-learning tablet. Sold on Amazon, the Fire 10 Kids Tablet comes in three bright colors and comes with parental controls and educational apps to make reading and learning fun.

2. Mickey Mouse Cooler Backpack, $60

Get them ready for a big-kid school day with this backpack from ShopDisney. The bag doubles as a cooler, keeping their lunch nice and fresh and snacks extra yummy.

3. Build-A-Bear Happy Hugs Teddy Congrats Gift Set, $42, original price: $45

Give your newest graduate this cuddly bear, complete with a graduation gown, hat, diploma and accessories. The Build-A-Bear comes fully stuffed when you order online, or you can choose for it to come unstuffed to then take in to your nearest store to stuff in-person.

4. The Night Before First Grade Book, $4

Make sure your child is as excited for first grade as possible with this book. Read to them before the first day of school and settle their worries, with this fun and silly story about the night before school.

5. Crayola 5-in-1 Card Making Kit for Kids, $19, original price: $25

Create some fun graduation cards together, or craft throughout the summer with this fun kit from Crayola. The five-piece set comes with markers, glitter glue, scissors and colorful construction paper, which is all you need for a great graduation crafting party.

6. Play-Doh 24-Pack, $21

Get crafty with your gifts and surprise your loved one with some hands-on Play-Doh. They can build characters, buildings and more with this non-toxic and colorful dough that’ll keep them occupied for hours.

7. Made By Me Create Your Own Window Art, $13

They can enjoy this activity alone or with you as the kiddo in your life creates their next masterpiece. The kit comes with everything you could need to make beautiful window art including 12 suncatchers, 12 suction cups, a bundle of cording, an acetate sheet, one glitter window paint pen, four window art paint tubes and three tubes of window art paint.

8. ORSEN LCD Writing Tablet Toddler, $18, original price: $25

Allow their imagination to run wild with a doodle tablet that creates neon drawings. After they’re done doodling, simply use the wiping button to clear the screen and they can start from scratch. It’s also great as a fun resource for practicing math and spelling.

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