Graduation season is just around the corner, and while it’s definitely a very exciting time, it can also be a liiittle tricky for those of us trying to figure out appropriate gifts for the newly-minted grads. Gift giving can be tough as it is, but 
graduation gifts are kind of in their own little class. Not only do you want to get the grad something you think they would like, you also want the gift to have the appropriate amount of gravitas AND be something that will help them as they strike out into the world. Not asking much, right?
If you’re a close family member, this can be a bit easier to do; after all, it’s not as unusual for close (and older) family members to give graduation gifts that are more on the lavish side. But if you’re a not-so-close family member, a younger family member, a friend, or just looking to not break the bank, figuring out the best gift option can seem daunting.
So, in the name of trying to remove some of the stress from this process, I’ve come up with a list of suggestions. All of the items listed are under $150 (and many are well below that mark, don’t worry.) Happy browsing!
For the Foodie:
- When you’re looking for both practicality and style in your cooking, what better to use than a Himalayan salt plate? Probably best for the college grads out there (since it seems unlikely that a high school kid headed off to the dorms would have much use for this, but hey, I suppose you never know) – they can pull it out to use for that fancy housewarming party:)
Photo Credit: Williams Sonoma
- A subscription to Sun Basket (or any other food preparation subscription service) is always a great idea. After all, what young, recently graduated professional isn’t looking for a little help with meal prep? (Literally all of them, in case you were wondering.)
Photo credit: Bespoke Post
- A pizza cookbook, complete with handy pizza cutter. I think this combo is classy enough to fall into the graduation gift category – the addition of the awesome pizza cutter definitely kicks things up a notch. Pizza is super easy to make, and best of all, it’s the perfect dish for all those future grown up get-togethers with friends.
For the Girly Girl:
Whether she’s headed straight to the office or off into grad school, this handy clutch is both pretty and practical. There’s also the option to add a monogram, just to give it that extra something special.
Photo credit: Mark and Graham
- A luxurious gift from Lush, complete with lotions, shower gels, and bath bombs, is perfect for an evening
Photo Credit: Lush Cosmetics
of relaxation after a long day at work or in the library. This fun one fits the graduation theme quite well!
Photo credit: Anthropologie
- A cozy faux fur throw is always the perfect addition to any dorm room or apartment. On top of the coziness factor, this one comes in several shades and will add a touch of glamour to any room.
For the Guys:
- These wireless multiroom Bluetooth speakers are small (but powerful) enough to be the perfect addition to any dorm room or first apartment. And the best part? They’re WIRELESS, so no annoying cords creating a tripping hazard all over the floor, and they’re compatible with Pandora, Spotify, SoundCloud, Apple Music, and iTunes (to name a few).
Photo Credit: Bespoke Post
- What guy heading off to college or out into the working world doesn’t need a quality alarm clock? This cube alarm clock is a space-saver (only about 3 inches square), as well as sleek and modern. Time to wake up in style!
- This portable charcoal grill is perfect for recent grads who love cooking outdoors, but lack
Photo credit: WorldMarket
actual outdoor space. (Think dorm or small apartment with no place for a grill.) It can be easily transported to the park, the beach, or anywhere else that grilling fun ensues.
For the World Traveler:
- What better way to launch into a whirlwind of traveling adventures than with a colorful, monogrammed passport holder? Available in a variety of colors and monogram styles, there’s one for every traveler.
Photo Credit: Mark and Graham
- This travel bag for grooming products made the list thanks to my brother, who has one of these and uses it ALL the time. Not only does it help keep things organized on the go, it can also be hung up for easy access to the contents.
- What’s one of the biggest complaints by friends and family members alike come
Photo Credit: Mark and Graham
graduation time? That the new grad is leaving, never to visit again. Well, head that off at the pass by giving them a weekend getaway bag that they’ll want to use (hopefully to head back home for a visit!)
For the Homebody:
- Graduation, whether from high school, college, or grad school, is a monumental event in anyone’s life. For the more introspective grads out there, this life story journal is the perfect gift for such a milestone – they can use it not only to keep track of memories from the past, but also to keep track of the journey as they chart their way forward into the future.
- These Homesick Candles are a sweet little reminder of home, no matter where the recent grad is headed next. Also, as the proud owner of two of these candles (one for Georgia and the other for Pennsylvania), I can say from first-
Photo Credit: Homesick Candles
hand experience that they smell AMAZING.
- College can be a pretty exhausting place, right? (As can the working world, come to think of it.) So what better way to help soothe a new grad headed into the college grind (or workplace grind) than with some quality pillow spray? Pair it with this glamorous sleep mask and your grad will be well down the path to a good night’s sleep.
For the Brainiac Going Straight to Grad School:
- As everyone tells you, things just get more and more hectic as you continue
Photo Credit: Mark and Graham
through school (slash life in general), so what better to help keep things on track than this handy tech organizer? The best part is that its size and style allow it to sub in as a classy clutch, for those hectic days of running straight from class/work to meet up with friends.
- An Instant Pot, like this one from Amazon, will make any recent grad’s life infinitely easier. They can prep the night before, get things cooking in the morning before heading off to class/work, and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat dinner. Perfect.
- This herbal tea set may not be for every grad student out there, but for those few who aren’t coffee fanatics and/or aren’t about those all nighters, this tea selection offers a soothing and flavorful alternative to its more bitter counterpart.
So there you have it! A list of ideas for graduation gifts that will hopefully help you find the perfect something for the recent or soon-to-be grad in your life.
What are your go-to graduation gifts for friends or family? Let me know in the comments below!
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