44 Unique Graduation Gift Ideas

A funny welcome to adulthood, this pillowcase hints at what’s to come after graduation: An intense need for a full night’s sleep. To ensure she gets enough shut-eye after those late nights in the library, consider pairing this gift with an ultra-soft pillow or two.

To buy: $14, francescas.com.

Graduation was fun and the four years that preceded it were even more fun… but once the commencement ceremony is over, graduating can feel like a really scary leap into the unknown. This book, told from the perspective of 30 highly successful notables, answers the tough questions: What to do in an unstable job market, balancing work and friends, choosing a lucrative career versus one your passionate about, and more.

To buy: $20, urbanoutfitters.com.

Do your part to kick any feelings of homesickness before they ever set in. This pendant, available in sterling silver or gold and multiple lengths, keeps her home state (quite literally) close to her heart. For an extra-special gift, add a diamond to pinpoint her hometown.

To buy: $80, baublebar.com.

Bound to become more frequently used than his regular passport, this pocket-sized book features exercises and prompts (host a dinner party, volunteer at a charity event, draw a self portrait every day for a month) to encourage introspection, self-exploration, and a greater appreciation for the world around him.

To buy: $7, amazon.com.

Going off to college often means trading a bedroom you had to yourself for 18 years for a small cinder block room you share with a perfect stranger. But cool dorm accessories can make the transition more enjoyable… and dare we say exciting. Since the new roommates will often need to leave notes for one another—we need more milk or shhh… I’m studying—they may as well have some fun while doing it.

To buy: $59, urbanoutfitters.com.

A long commute or an important study session in a buzzing student center requires a quality pair of earphones to drown out the excess noise. This comfortable wireless pair (available in black or white) features a built-in mic and a remote for answering calls or changing the volume. Plus, they’ll stay charged for up to five consecutive hours.

To buy: $90, nordstrom.com.

You prepared her for nearly everything one might experience after leaving the house for the first time—or at least you thought you did. With approachable (never condescending) advice on everything from assembling a professional wardrobe on a budget to Internet dating, this book, a bible of sorts for young adults, will help her navigate the tricky art of adulting.

To buy: $13, amazon.com.

String lights have long been a staple of college dorm room decorating styles. But we say leave the standard variety for the holidays and swap in an upgraded version that’s way more fun. These wire flamingos provide a soft, warm glow and will make a drab room feel a bit more like her own private oasis.

To buy: $48, anthropologie.com.

The new grad need not live off of cafeteria food, meal delivery services, or, worse, microwave meals for the next four years. For a supremely thoughtful present, ask family members and friends to write out their favorite recipe. Then, fill the attractive black and white recipe box with everyone’s contributions. Recreating important family recipes will not only satisfy her appetite, but also make her feel a bit closer to home.

To buy: $30, saksfifthavenue.com.

Any new office dweller will appreciate a way to make those four gray walls feel a little more like home. This pretty set includes essential office supplies—a ruler, a staple remover, and a pair of scissors—in clear acrylic and gold metal. Other matching supplies, like a tape dispenser and a pencil cup are also available.

To buy: $48, katespade.com.

Mark her foray into the wild, wild west (a.k.a. freshman year) with some on-trend cactus dorm décor. The playful, detailed pillow will add a little something special to that futon she insisted on squeezing into the room.

To buy: $25, pbteen.com.

Swap out that standard-issue version for this buttery leather stitched square. Add a monogram (one, two, or three letters) to the bottom right-hand side. Personalization is available in three color choices: matte gold, matte silver, or blind emboss. As a bonus, a portion of every purchase goes towards mental illness awareness efforts.

To buy: $30, shopellelane.etsy.com.

Perfect for a first apartment, these planters are designed to hold air plants, which require only a weekly 30-minute soaking. Like a work of art, each wooden piece (available in assorted colors) is hand made to order. Also available in a larger size.

To buy: $27, seaandasters.etsy.com.

Thyme (sorry, we had to) for the Grubhub dependency to end? This space-saving carousel of seasonings might just be the kickstart he needs to get cooking. From the more standard—basil and garlic—to the more adventurous—curry and ginger—this set will cover just about any recipe a beginner might attempt.

To buy: $50, uncommongoods.com.

From art class (kraft) to office task (graph), this journal binds all of the essential papers into one book. A rainbow of 36 easy grip, fine tip markers completes the set.

To buy: $13 for the sketchbook; $17 for the markers, amazon.com.

For all her adventures (or visits home), a stylish satchel that’s sturdy, too. With a water-repellant canvas construction, a water-resistant lining, a removable shoulder strap, and wide adjustable handles, this weekender will stand up to lengthy travels. An interior zippered pocket provides a convenient and safe place to stash toiletries, makeup, or jewelry.

To buy: $115, shopspring.com.

As that last semester comes to a close, it’s time to graduate from those plastic red cups, too. With four different cocktail recipes clearly etched on the side, these low-ball glasses teach how to prep popular spirits, without straying too far out of the comfort zone.

To buy: $20 for four, amazon.com.

For someone with immaculate taste and a just-out-of-college budget, this beautiful clay bloom, which comes in a pretty blue vase, makes the perfect addition to a nightstand or kitchen table. Rather than a weekly replacement, all this flower needs is a light dusting once in a while.

To buy: $45, lordandtaylor.com.

When the novelty of the dining hall wears off and your college freshman starts to crave a taste of Mom or Dad's home cooking, this cookbook will help him craft his own meals. Each chapter focuses on one ingredient—from sirloin to tomatoes—to help the novice chef feel more comfortable in the kitchen. The book includes easy-to-follow recipes for appetizers, main courses, and dessert, as well as indispensable kitchen cheat sheets.

To buy: $15, amazon.com.

A hardworking tool with 16 functionalities—pliers, wire cutters, screwdriver, bottle opener, ruler, scissors, serrated knife, and so much more—to tackle any task the dorm’s building services won’t fix anymore, all tucked into one easy-to-store package.

To buy: $22, amazon.com.

For the new college student with aspirations of homemade meals, this clever cookbook, complete with recipes for every meal of the day and snacks, is a game-changer when all she’s got in her “kitchen” (if that’s what you can call the corner of her dorm room) is a mini fridge-microwave combo.

To buy: $17, amazon.com.

For the high school grad bound for his first semester at college, this laundry bag puts a little fun into the mundane—and universally dreaded—task. Plus, he might need a little motivation to tackle that big pile of clothes before it sinks in that Mom and Dad aren’t there to lend a helping hand.

To buy: $35, thegrommet.com.

Whether she’s turning in her first term paper or building her first sales presentation, she’ll probably need a little encouragement along the way. With almost 200 uplifting quotes, phrases, and snippets of advice from well-known artists and designers, this tiny tome is a real nightstand staple.

To buy: $9, amazon.com.

Those 6 a.m. wakeup calls are tough and, sooner or later, her straightener is bound to be forgotten amidst the frenzy of prepping for the day (Getting dressed! Letting the dog out! Packing lunch!). This whimsical entryway décor will be the envy of all her friends, plus it’ll help to ensure she doesn’t make a potentially dangerous mistake.

To buy: $33, bethereinfive.etsy.com.

That diploma he worked so hard to earn paid off big time when he scored his first full-time job. Gift a frame that lets him admire and, well, show off that important piece of paper. The frame, which can be personalized with a variety of colors and the year he graduated, has a spot for his tassel, too.

To buy: $85, amazon.com.

Thinking of giving your niece money for graduation? Instead of a check, consider a taste of investing. With this service, you can select from more than 6,000 stocks and funds to send as an e-gift, spending as little as $20 or as much as $2,000. When she retrieves her gift, she can open a free brokerage account and access her investment. Stocks stay in a custodial account until the recipient is age 18 or 21 (depending on the state). As for fees, senders pay $3 per gift, plus 3 percent of the gift value. So for a $100 gift of stock, the total would be $106. And who knows what that might grow into.

A lesson she probably didn’t learn in college: Fine tonic is the key to grown-up cocktails. This small-batch version is a quinine concentrate infused with botanicals and sweetened with cane sugar for a literally bitter/sweet addition to most drinks. Want to mix it up? Package it with a fine bottle of gin or vodka.

To buy: $16, jackrudycocktailco.com.

Even when your wall sockets aren’t in use, they’re still using energy. But this socket shuts off after a pre-selected time (30 minutes, three hours, or six hours) so that you conserve energy, save money, and eliminate potential fire hazards when using things like space heaters, toasters, and irons.

To buy: $14, amazon.com.

Give her modest mouse an instant upgrade with a handmade two-toned leather pad, 8 by 9 ¼ inches. We’re partial to this gold-and-white geometric version, but—with more than 10 versions to choose from—the possibilities are almost endless. Just take your click!

To buy: $35, empressionstar.etsy.com.

Wish you could be sure she didn’t lock herself out of that new apartment when you can’t show up with a spare? She'll hold on tight to her keys with this good luck charm. An engraved bar reminds her to always take the adventurous route.

To buy: $14, anthropologie.com.

His first real pad requires a grown-up tool kit—for cocktails, that is. The stylish stainless steel set includes a double jigger, ice tongs, a strainer, and a bottle opener. And these utensils are new-grad friendly, meaning they can withstand spins in the dishwasher. Monogram the set with a single or triple initial.

To buy: $37, williams-sonoma.com.

Make sure your graduate doesn’t have to worry about getting locked out—again. Handmade from a real stone found along the New England coast, this rock will blend right into the environment but has a secret cavity that provides an inconspicuous spot to stash a spare set of keys. It’s time to take the neighborhood locksmith off speed dial!

To buy: $22, uncommongoods.com.

If you can't be there to wake her, send her off with an invigorating organic shower gel created with essential oils like rosemary and lemongrass. Disclaimer: You might still need to remind her to set the alarm. If she’s already an early riser, consider three other scents: “Calm Down,” “Get Happy,” and “Get It On.”

To buy: $18 for 9.5 ounces, target.com.

Increase your chances of receiving a handwritten note with a stack of personalized labels inspired by air-mail designs (adding a booklet of stamps would help, too). All she’ll need to do—besides write the letter, of course—is plant one on an envelope. Available in a variety of colors.

To buy: $22 for 25, thepaperwink.com.

A traditional gift that's bold and cool enough for the college kid? Write on! Plus: Anything that makes hours of homework a bit more bearable (or at least more colorful) is, well, worth writing home about. Available in a variety of fluorescent colors.

To buy: $17 each, amazon.com.

Stylish enough for her studio apartment, sturdy enough for years’ worth of books and magazines (maybe even Real Simple), these bins are made from handwoven palm fronds. Inset handles with a stitched contrast trim make moving day a breeze. (As much as it can be, anyway.) With five additional patterns to choose from, there’s a bin to suit any style or décor.

To buy: From $38, serenaandlily.com.

The cheap coffee table she scored at the flea market gets a glamorous upgrade from these four silver-plated Kate Spade coasters. Each one is engraved with a different cheeky phrase: “bottoms up,” “make it double,” “with a twist,” and “on the rocks.”

To buy: $30 for four, nordstrom.com.

Forget stashing a blow-up bed in the closets for guests. This inflatable lounger provides an extra place to sit or sleep—and can even be used on the go (think parks or beaches). The durable, dirt- and moisture-repellant chair seats two and folds up for easy storage. Also available in brown.

To buy: $69, urbanoutfitters.com.

Engraved Roman numerals are an epic reminder of an important date—a graduation, maybe? The brass cuff is unique but simple enough to stack with her other favorite bracelets. Order with plenty of time to spare, since the lead-time is four weeks.

To buy: $30, accessoryconcierge.com.

Lure your grad home for weekend visits—even if she’s only coming to do a load of laundry—with this roomy (22 by 10 ¾ by 11 inches) cotton-canvas duffel. The bag features vegan “leather” trim as well as an adjustable (and removable) strap.

To buy: $66, sloaneranger.com.

The perfect travel companion for a newbie jet setter: a leather passport holder with a sweet reminder: Life’s a peach. The folio has a few spots for credit cards, too. A matching luggage tag ensures her bags will always find their way back home.

To buy: $28, asos.com.

Forget the T-shirts and shorts that passed for pj’s in the dorm. This soft and cuddly set all but guarantees sweet dreams. Available in two colors: pink with blue ribbing or blue with pink ribbing.

To buy: $128.50, shopspring.com.

Give your buff biker’s ride a six-pack of its own: a leather carrier to make convenience-store runs less cumbersome.

To buy: $60, amazon.com.

A bright and bold backup charger to keep her powered up, no matter where her travels—or daily activities—take her. A cheeky message—free refills—adds to the charm. Works with all lightening port iPhones.

To buy: $35, shopspring.com.