Send Your College Grad Into the 'Real World' With a Special Gift

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After four years of late night studying, your favorite collegian finally did it! Although the shiny new degree (and promises of no exams) is a reward in itself, all that hard work calls for a celebration as special as their once-in-a-lifetime accomplishment. While some students may prefer a blowout graduation party and others a low-key dinner, every recent grad will appreciate one or two of these college graduation gift ideas. Teetering the line between fun and functional, these gift options—including kitchen gifts, tech gadgets, cute accessories, and books that offer solid life advice—are perfect for someone entering a new chapter of adulthood.

Many of these top-rated graduation gifts will come in handy as they embark on their next big adventure, like a stylish backpack or messenger bag for work, a chic daily planner, or a versatile Instant Pot from The Pioneer Woman for all of their cooking needs. Or, you could get them a gift that will remind them of their glory days at school, like a trendy, minimalist class ring, or a framed customizable map of their college town. When in doubt, you can't go wrong with an Amazon gift card—especially one that comes in a cute, graduation cap-inspired box! Once you've selected a gift, don't forget to add a heartfelt card filled with inspirational graduation quotes.

Anthropologie Monogram Trinket Dish

Think outside the (jewelry) box and get them a pretty trinket dish to hold all the shiny new things they got for graduation! This one is customizable, with the option to monogram it for a personalized touch.

Cotton Weighted Blanket

Leaving the safety bubble of college can be scary, so they'll surely appreciate comfort in any form. This bestselling knitted weighted blanket will help them fall asleep faster and feel calmer any time of the day!

Bento Lunch Box

Without that college meal plan, they'll need to get used to packing a lunch for work (at least some of the time). This adult bento box makes the perfect lunch box, featuring two compartments with silicone-sealed lids, a divider, a dip container, chopsticks, cutlery, and a sealing strap. Plus, it's dishwasher and microwave-safe for added peace of mind.

The Pioneer Woman Sweet Romance Food Chopper

As your grad gets used to cooking his or her own meals for the first time, they might need a little help. The Pioneer Woman's food chopper makes chopping and prepping ingredients so much easier!

Mini Projector

Whether or not they've secured a new job, your college graduate needs something to do with all that post-grad free time! Set them up with a mini Bluetooth projector so they can watch their favorite shows and movies on the wall or ceiling.

Madewell Rumpled Terry Blazer

This versatile blazer is dressy enough for work but trendy enough for play. They'll get so much wear out of it! Plus, it comes in standard and plus sizes.

Keurig K-Express Single Serve Coffee Maker

Whether they're job searching or beginning a new gig, help them start their day right with this adorable single-serve coffee maker.

Follow Your Compass Necklace

"The adventure begins. Go confidently in the direction of your dreams," reads the writing on this necklace's heartfelt packaging. "Take pride in how far you've come and have faith in how far you can go."

Fujifilm Instax Smartphone Printer and Film Bundle

They can skip the store and print their favorite digital pics from home with this easy-to-use smartphone printer. The photos would make great decorations for their wall or fridge!

Dainty Gold Butterfly Necklace

How gorgeous is this just under-$20 necklace? We love that it's subtle enough for everyday wear, too.

Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug

We're seeing a lot of coffee in their future as they transition into adulthood—so make sure it's a great cup every morning with this nifty smart mug. They can keep their drink at their preferred temperature (between 120°F - 145°F) for up to 80 minutes on a full charge or all day on its charging coaster.

Atomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones

This book can help new grads build good habits as they take the next step in their lives. It has tons of actionable tips and practical solutions to help them reach their goals.

Hilcox Solid Tie

Get them interview-ready with a tie worthy of the job they're after! This woven pick in a solid color will match most of the nice shirts and suits they have. Plus, with that price tag, you can probably grab them a few!

The Pioneer Woman Cowgirl Lace 12-Piece Dinnerware Set

It's time to upgrade all of their home essentials as they move into their first post-grad apartment. This durable stoneware set from Ree's collection with four dinner plates, four salad plates, and four bowls will certainly do the trick! They're just beautiful, too.

Diploma Frames with Tassel Holder

After all that hard work, they deserve to show off a little! With this classic mahogany frame, they can display their newly earned diploma and tassel for all to see.

Tile Mate

Help them keep track of their most important belongings with this handy bluetooth tracker. They can attach it to everyday things like keys, backpacks, or purses, and use a free app to find them.

Recinder Relaxed Fit Full Zip Hoodie

They'll want to wear this comfy, stylish hoodie every day—and who's going to stop them? This zip-up sweatshirt is an especially good choice for campers who like to build fires as it's made in a durable, flame-retardant fabric.

Monogram Travel Jewelry Case

This vegan leather zippered case is perfect for grads on the go. They can store their favorite jewelry in the compartments specially designed for organizing earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and more. Did we mention you can personalize it with their initials? 😍

Amazon.com Gift Card in a Graduation Cap Box

When in doubt, you can never go wrong with an Amazon gift card—and this one that comes tucked in a graduation cap-inspired box is just right for the occasion!

Custom Map Print

For a heartfelt gift they can put on display, give them a framed customizable map of their college town (or hometown or study abroad city).

The Peony

Sometimes, nothing says congratulations like a bright, beautiful bouquet of flowers. These pink peonies feel extra celebratory.

The ReNew Transit Backpack

Has the college grad in your life been carrying around the same backpack they've had since middle school? Give them an adult upgrade with this stylish, travel-friendly backpack.

Cher Fashion Shoot Framed Print

Add a touch of retro glamour to their décor with a limited edition framed print like this one of Cher. There are hundreds of others to choose from, too!

Mini Waffle Maker

They can start any day right with this cute mini waffle maker. It comes in 20 fun hues and prints so you can add a pop of color to their new kitchen.

Bluetooth Suitcase Record Player

Goodbye, dorm room! Her brand-new bedroom will be so much cooler with this record player in it.

Vera Bradley Hardside Rolling Suitcase

Most. Stylish. Suitcase. Ever. This hard-shell option offers extra protection for all of their most precious belongings—and it's decorated with the cutest florals and butterflies, too.

Mulberry Silk Eyemask

Every college grad has more than earned their fair share of shut-eye. Help them catch those zzz's with this darling silk eye mask.

Floral Locket

There's no better way to send your new grad out into the world than with a piece of her college experience close to her heart. A hand-stamped initial charm makes this necklace even more special.

'The Pioneer Woman Cooks: The New Frontier'

Ree Drummond's bestselling cookbook is an excellent gift for anyone, but recent grads might be most appreciative of the easy, delicious recipes inside.

Woven Throw Blanket

Upgrade their bedding with this gorgeous bamboo throw blanket. It's the perfect weight to cozy up with on the sofa or the bed, no matter the season.

Insulated Lunch Bag

If they have an office job lined up, they'll appreciate having a cute lunch bag to bring to work. This insulated tote has multiple pockets to keep everything organized.

Custom Graduation Pint Glass

They can raise a glass to the good old days with this cool pint glass that can be customized to say their name, school name, and class year.

The Pioneer Woman Sweet Romance 6-Quart Instant Pot Duo

Their college cafeteria days are over and they might be learning to cook for the first time. They can do it all with this Instant Pot, including slow cook, steam, sauté, and more!

The Pioneer Woman 2-Piece Ceramic Baker Set

These colorful stoneware bakers are as practical as they are charming. They effortlessly move from oven to table so your favorite grad can show off their new cooking skills (and kitchen style) to all of their guests.

My Sheets Rock "The Regulator"

Nothing says all grown up like a fresh, luxurious set of sheets. These are made from high-quality bamboo rayon and are specially designed to keep even the hottest sleepers cool.

McBride Sisters Black Girl Magic Sparkling Brut

Sometimes, there's no better way to celebrate than with a bottle of bubbly! This sparkling brut would pair perfectly with a celebratory brunch.

Matte Terracotta Vase

This striking, modern vase will bring so much style to their space. They'll love filling it with flowers every weekend.

Le Classique Daily Planner

A chic daily planner will help them keep track of all the exciting events in their new life. This one is undated so they can use it whenever they like.

LARQ Bottle PureVis Self-Cleaning Water Bottle

Help them stay hydrated with this chic self-cleaning water bottle. It uses special technology to sanitize water and clean the inner surfaces of the bottle so their water will always be fresh and pure.

Starument Portable Hand Vacuum Cleaner

They can keep their home spick and span with this sleek handheld vacuum cleaner. It's perfect for quick pick-up.

The Quarter-Life Breakthrough

Are they stuck in a quarter-life crisis? This inspiring book is all about how to forge your own unique path and find work that you love.

Leather Messenger Bag

This leather messenger bag is just the right size for carrying their laptop. It also features plenty of pockets and pen holders for organizing the rest of their essentials.

Micro-Suede Scuff Indoor Slippers

Upgrade their loungewear with these cozy moccasin slippers. They're easy to slip on and off and the sturdy soles mean you can pop outside with them, too.

Personalized College Class Ring

Gone are the clunky school rings of the past. This minimalist signet ring can be customized with their school name and emblem. It's sure to become a cherished accessory.

Away The Carry-On

They can take this convenient carry-on on all of their post-college adventures. There's even a removable battery for all their charging needs.

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