25 College Graduation Gift Ideas For Your Favorite Graduate

Rings, $30+, Etsy | Bracelet, $55, Etsy

This unique graduation gift will have such special meaning for the graduate wearing it. Get the coordinates of their childhood home on one ring, and then their college they attended on another (or both on a bracelet). And eventually, maybe the coordinates of their very first place? Only they will know what the numbers mean, and it's a subtle nod to their history and a great conversation starter.

Grad Mug, $18+, Etsy

Whenever they fill this mug up at home, they'll be reminded of their accomplishments and probably all the fun times they had in school. And you know they'll be drinking a lot of coffee and tea once they're out of college.

Card Box, $55, Etsy

Need a place for all of those graduation cards they received? If the graduate you know has a soft heart and can't imagine throwing away the thoughtful cards they received, a card box might be the perfect gift. Stylish and organizational? Perfect.

And they can forever have a place for all of the other cards they'll get from friends and family over the years for holidays and birthdays — and they won't argue with their significant other about why they feel the need to keep all of the cards they've ever received when they're just taking up space. Not that I've done that or anything. Love you, honey.

Choose Your Charm, $22+, Etsy

What's better than a cute bangle bracelet? One that has inspirational messages for your graduate. You can customize this bracelet to have bangles that say "Wander," "Explore," "Adventure Waits," "Explore, Dream, Discover," "Soar," and "To Travel Is To Live." How inspiring and exciting for your graduate about to embark on the rest of their life.

Wood Phone Stand, $20, Etsy

What graduate wouldn't want something cool for their desk? This wooden phone stand and iPhone dock is beautifully crafted and will look so nice on any type of desk.

How to Cook Everything, $20, Amazon

Let's face it. Most recent college graduates don't really know how to cook for themselves. They've had the school cafeteria, or have subsided on ramen noodles, Easy Mac, and popcorn for their entire college career. This book is basically the beginning cook's bible with thousands of pictures and easy basic recipes, including things everyone needs to know how to do, like boiling pasta or cooking eggs.

Instant Pot LUX60V3 V3 6 Qt. 6-in-1 Multi-Use, $79, Amazon

Recent grads are super busy applying for jobs or trying to get used to their new work schedules. Make sure they're not blowing their entire paycheck on takeout for every meal and get them an Instant Pot. They'll be able to make thousands of meals quickly and easily with this appliance. And this particular Instant Pot is multi-use, so they can use it as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, to sauté, steam, or warm meals.

Rachel Ray Cucina Hard Enamel 12-Piece Cookware Set, $150, Bed, Bath & Beyond

It's important to have stuff to actually cook with in order to not eat out for every meal, and a graduation present of a cooking set is the perfect gift for the recent graduate about to embark on their own.

Utopia Kitchen Knife Set, $30, Amazon

They'll also need knives to cut, chop, and dice things. This beginner's knife set should cover everything your grad needs. Don't forget to make sure they have silverware and plates, too.

Savor the Scenery Container Set, $39, Mod Cloth

Obviously they'll also need a place to store those leftovers from their culinary genius. They can save food and money in style with these adorable containers. Plus they'll be the talk of the break room when coworkers see their leftover spaghetti sitting in the fridge.

I Believe In You Charm, $13, Brighton

Brighton has some really cute, sweet, and sentimental stuff. And if the graduate in your life already has one of their adorable charm bracelets, then you can just add to their collection with this "I believe in you" charm to remind them you always have their back. If they don't already have a bracelet, now is a great time to start. Get them a "holder" with a few other cute graduation charms, beads, and spacers, and you can add to it over the years.

Kenneth Cole Reaction Cufflinks, $32, Macy's

Did your recent graduate land a job where they need to wear a fancy suit and tie to work every day? First of all, good for them. Second of all, these fancy cufflinks will be perfect for client pitches, meetings and even job interviews if they haven't scored that dream job yet.

Whether it's to Amazon, where the sky's the limit of what they can purchase, or to a professional clothing store, this gift card is sure to be a hit. (Or maybe they'll just buy video games. That's cool, too.)

Oh the Places You'll Go, $11, Amazon | Oh the Sh*t You Don't Know, $13, Amazon

When I graduated from high school, my parents bought me Oh the Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss. It was such a sweet and sentimental gift to me, and the story was inspiring. It may be the same for the college graduate in your life. If you both have a sense of humor and don't like mushy stuff, the spin-off book, Oh the Sh*t You Don't Know, may be more accurate and hilarious to read.

Lean In for Graduates, $16, Amazon

An expanded edition of the original bestseller, Lean In, this version is for graduates. It's written for recent graduates embarking on the journey of entering the workforce, and offers advice on how to get the most out of a first job, how to write a resume, interviewing tips, asking for a raise, "owning who you are," and "listening to your inner voice."

The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance —What Women Should Know,$15, Amazon

"Working women today are better educated and more well qualified than ever before. Yet men still predominate in the corporate world. In The Confidence Code, Claire Shipman and Katty Kay argue that the key reason is confidence," according to the book's description. That's why this book is a great gift for the female college graduate who is about to get thrown into the male-dominated workforce.

Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life... And Maybe The World, $13, Amazon

My dad has always told me since I was little that the best way to start the day right is to have a freshly made bed. It just sets the tone for the rest of the day. And according to this book, it can do much more than that. This book shows that even the smallest things that seem insignificant can cause a huge impact and prepare you for success.

Inspirational Necklace, $9, Amazon

Sometimes, post-college graduation is scary and hard. In fact, I think it's like that for a lot of kids. Remind your graduate that you have their back and that they're braver than they believe, stronger than they seem, smarter than they think, and loved more than they know," with this necklace.

The Book of Joy, $15, Amazon

If they're feeling down and disheartened because, let's face it, adulting is hard and can definitely suck sometimes, this book by the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Douglas Carlton Abrams may provide some inspiration and hope. They explore "The Nature of True Joy," the "Obstacles of Joy," and then the "Eight Pillars of Joy," for consideration, which will hopefully provide some spiritual comfort for the recent graduate going through a rough patch.

Q&A a Day 5 Year Journal, $19, Mod Cloth

Journaling was really important for me after graduating college. It helped me through the rough transition of trying to find a job in 2008 (one of the worst economies ever), to navigating the breakup between myself and my high school sweetheart a month before college graduation, and new flings post-college. Journaling kept me sane and grounded, when I could've really gone off the deep end to be honest. My favorites were Moleskine journals, but this journal can help your college graduate with daily prompts of what to write about for five years. Sometimes just putting pen to paper is all you need for a clear head and to plan out your next move.

The Roar the Merrier Bookends, $19, Mod Cloth

Brighten up their first apartment or work desk with this awesome dinosaur book end set. Though they may not be holding up Proust or Adam Smith books anymore, I'm sure they will come in handy no matter what desk job your graduate may come across.

Alma Otter Tape Dispenser, $15, Mod Cloth

Tape dispensers are boring, but sometimes necessary depending on the work. This Alma Otter Tape Dispenser is so adorable, they'll forget they're at work, and it will be a great conversation starter with coworkers who happen to pass by their cubicle.

Paws Right There Sticky Note Set in Cats, $15, Mod Cloth

So I want these for myself now. Brighten up their new workspace with these adorable cat sticky notes. They'll never miss an important note or lose their page with these. Oh, and the pug version is adorable, too.

Decanter and Whiskey Glass Set, $25, Amazon

Graduating from college and those red solo cups. The graduate will sure feel classy with their very own whiskey decanter and fancy glass set. Tell them not to worry, they can still keep those red solo cups for spring and summer parties.

Panasonic Precision Hair + Beard Trimmer, $50, Urban Outfitters

Unfortunately, most places of business don't appreciate the shaggy college beard look. Make sure before he goes on the job hunt he keeps his beard nice and tidy with a beard trimmer. Don't forget the beard balm to make sure his beard is nice and smooth for that interview.

Congratulations class of 2018 (oh my God do I feel old now). You've earned it! Good luck.