61 best graduation gift ideas anyone in the Class of 2024 will appreciate

Behind the golden tassels and draping gowns is the diligent work and effort each graduate has enacted in the past school year. Sometimes, it’s not an easy feat after all.

Whether they’re saying goodbye to high school and embarking on a new journey to college or celebrating a different milestone, you’ll want to gift the graduate you love something heartfelt — perhaps a personalized gift or a luxury gift he’ll love.

Luckily, Post Wanted put together a custom edit of 60+ graduation gift ideas for the 2024 season. We conducted all the research and, of course, tested a few products and services to assemble the only gift guide you’ll need. In fact, it’s divided by category to help provide you with quality recommendations based on budget, age, type of gift and more. Even better, we compiled some of our favorite Etsy gifts for *really* original ideas.

RELATED: Best luxury gifts for her

Much like Mother’s Day gifts (yep, that’s around the corner, too), we packaged all of our top recommendations in a neat little bow for you to shop.

While you’re shopping, be sure to check out our guide to the best gifts for teachers to show your appreciation.

Best College Graduation Gifts

• Custom Diploma Display Case Cabinet Frame

  

  When approaching college and university graduation, each graduate should showcase their accomplishments. For that reason, the Custom Diploma Display Case Cabinet Frame is what we recommend most.

  Upon purchase, you can select wood color and a custom layout to best suit what you have in mind. Not to mention, it’ll be a piece of office decor they’ll treasure most.

  ETSY, STARTING AT $129.99

• JBL Charge 5 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

  

  The JBL Charge 5 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker makes a great gift for the tech lover you know. The brand is one of our personal favorites for portable Bluetooth speakers due to their professional sound and waterproof exterior, and nearly 27,000 Amazon shoppers feel the same.

  AMAZON $179.95 $129.95

  BEST BUY $179.99 $129.99

• Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

  

  You know you’re an adult when you become excited over a vacuum (yes, that’s us). So, why not gift the graduate you know with the best of the best? The Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner remains Post Wanted’s overall pick among the handful of Dyson vacuums we reviewed. For its value and suction power, it’s a clear-cut winner.

  AMAZON $469.99 $382.00

  BEST BUY $469.99

  DYSON $519.99 $369.99

• Lux & Nyx Large Ultra Satin Origami 15″ Laptop Tote

  

  Meet the best work tote we reviewed: the Lux & Nyx Large Ultra Satin Origami 15″ Laptop Tote. The quality, capacity and style are characteristics that make it second to none and we love how soft-cushioned it is to fit more items — without straining your neck or back. Check yes, Juliet.

  AMAZON $288.00

  LUX & NYX $288.00

• J.Crew Secret Wash Cotton Poplin Shirt

  

  The secret’s out: the J.Crew Secret Wash Cotton Poplin Shirt is what we recommend for nearly every person shopping for a guy. But, we don’t believe in gatekeeping, so we’re telling you straight up that this is one of the most well-received gifts for any grad on your list.

  For more options, check out our expert-backed guide to the best dress shirts.

  J.CREW $24.99 – $89.50

• Our Place Always Pan 2.0

  

  The Our Place Always Pan 2.0 is one of the best cookware pieces we reviewed, thanks to its aesthetically pleasing, Instagram-buzzy design and ability to double as 10 pieces of cookware. It’s pretty phenomenal, especially because it comes in a wealth of shades and looks jazzy on your stovetop.

  AMAZON $150.00

  OUR PLACE $150.00

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Best High School Graduation Gifts

• BÉIS The Weekender

  

  The BÉIS Weekender is probably the best-designed duffle bag, if we’ve ever seen one. Its neutral, brushed exterior makes you want to book a weekend trip, while its bottom zipper pouch allows you to store your running shoes and most comfortable heels. #Score.

  Oh, and we don’t have to state the obvious, but we will: it’s the most practical gift if your graduate will be living at a dorm and commuting home on occasion.

  BéIS $108.00

  REVOLVE $108.00

• Apple iPad (10th Generation)

  

  For any high school graduate who may be earning a collegiate degree next, the Apple iPad (10th Generation) is our favorite tablet, hands down. When paired with the Apple Pencil ($121), it makes the signature option for class note-taking and leisurely scrolling alike.

  AMAZON $429.00

• Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack

  

  Whenever someone asks us for a backpack recommendation, we almost always recommend the Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack. Whether we’re commuting to work or hopping on a plane and granted a personal item, this comfortable, trusty pack never lets us down. It’s available in plenty of colors and sizes, too.

  DAGNE DOVER $155.00 – $215.00

• Custom Embroidered University Crewneck Sweatshirt

  

  The high school graduate you know is probably thinking of the university they’ll call home for the next four years. So, we recommend the Custom Embroidered University Crewneck Sweatshirt — a thoughtful option they’ll want to live in. It’s also budget-friendly and perfect to wear with leggings.

  ETSY $73.95 $23.67

• Oladance OWS1 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

  

  If you’re looking for a quality pair of wireless earbuds, the Oladance OWS1 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones is what we recommend for the job. They boast up to 16 hours of battery life, come with a carry case and are comfortable to sport on the ears. They’ll also come in handy for when your graduate may be off to work or commuting to class.

  AMAZON $129.99

• Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

  

  Stanley, who? The Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle is truly the star of the show right now, clad with an ergonomic lid that ensures your water stays secure. Plus, it’s sleek, comes in a multitude of shades and keeps your water ice-cold.

  For more options, check out our guide to the best water bottle brands.

  AMAZON $27.99 $24.89

Best 8th Grade Graduation Gifts

• Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera

  

  When we graduated high school, we received our very first DSLR camera. It’s the ideal gift for the middle school graduate who is embarking on the next chapter of their lives: high school. The quality of this one in particular is crisp, allowing us to bring it nearly everywhere we go.

  AMAZON $899.99 $798.00

• Rellery Graduation Hat Bracelet

  

  If the middle school graduate you know loves jewelry, the Rellery Graduation Hat Bracelet is the subtle nod to graduation that they’ll wear all through high school. It’s the perfect addition to other jewelry pieces to stack with a watch, whether off to class or to a formal event.

  RELLERY $115.00

• Baked by Melissa Congratulations Gift Box 25-Pack

  

  Oh, Baked by Melissa, how we love you. The Baked by Melissa Congratulations Gift Box 25-Pack is the quintessential sweet treat that’ll celebrate your graduate in the best (and most delicious) way possible. You can customize flavors and share them with loved ones, making them one of the best cupcake deliveries we continue to adore.

  BAKED BY MELISSA, STARTING AT $47.00

• CALPAK Luka 15-Inch Laptop Backpack

  

  For high school, weekend trips and beyond, gear up your graduate with a quality backpack. The CALPAK Luka 15-Inch Laptop Backpack is the unisex option we recommend, hailing from a brand where Quality is its middle name. It also has well-designed pouches and compartments.

  CALPAK $115.00

• Microsoft Surface Go 2

  

  If your loved one wants to carry around a tablet to class in the coming fall, the Microsoft Surface Go 2 is what we recommend. We’ve personally used it and love it for its slim design, fair price point and ability to serve as a resource for class, study sessions and beyond.

  AMAZON $270.00

• Nike Men’s Air Max Dn Sneaker

  

  School’s out, and your grad is likely running out of class. So, the Nike Men’s Air Max Dn Sneaker is the fresh pair of kicks we recommend, as we adore its sophisticated silhouette and comfortable sole. They’re also extremely versatile — the feel-good gift for the cool grad.

  NIKE $160.00

Best Graduation Gifts for Nurses

• Custom Scrub Set

  

  As far as nurse graduation gifts go, our edit would be incomplete without a mention of custom scrubs. This set from Etsy is one of the best wrap-it-and-give-it ideas we can’t stop telling people about. For one, it’s practical, and it just so happens to be extremely thoughtful.

  ETSY $41.99 $29.39

• What Do You Meme: Nurses Edition

  

  We didn’t know one of our favorite party games came in an industry-specific version — but we’re so happy for our newfound discovery. Shop the What Do You Meme: Nurses Edition for less than $25. It’s sure to contain relatable humor for your graduate and a fun evening while they’re *finally* not studying.

  AMAZON $24.99 $17.40

  WALMART $29.99 $17.40

• Personalized Nurse Clipboard

  

  How cute is the Personalized Nurse Clipboard, another less-than-$25 find? Choose the colors, name and other details for when your soon-to-be working nurse is hopping from patient room to patient room.

  ETSY $28.99 $21.74

• Personalized Stethoscope Charm

  

  We’re telling you, the nurse gift ideas are some of our favorites in this guide. How adorable is the Personalized Stethoscope Charm? And, it’s only $14 on Amazon! It surely adds some pizzazz to the essential medical equipment, too.

  AMAZON $13.99

• Cariuma Women’s Salvas Sneaker

  

  When nurses are on their feet all day, they have to be comfortable. So, the pair of white sneakers we’ve tested and consider fit for long hours are the Cariuma Women’s Salvas Sneaker. They come in a few different variations and are some of the most comfortable walking shoes, too.

  CARIUMA $129.00

• TheraGun Prime Massage Gun

  

  As mentioned, nurses are on their feet for a large chunk of the day, so kicking back and relaxing in the off-hours sounds like a delight. The TheraGun Prime Massage Gun is one of the best massage guns to aide in some R&R and a graduation gift idea the nurse you know will adore.

  AMAZON $299.00

  BEST BUY $299.99

  THERAGUN $299.00

Best Graduation Gifts for Her

• Kurt Geiger Drench Leather Shoulder Bag

  

  One of the best gifts we’ve received is the Kurt Geiger Drench Leather Shoulder Bag. It looks high-end, boasts impeccable quality and always gives us the most compliments. Plus, it’s quite spacious and will come in handy for all her nights out, now that she’s not studying.

  NORDSTROM $285.00

• nuzzie Knit Weighted Blanket

  

  Meet the weighted blanket we love cuddling up in the most: the nuzzie Knit Weighted Blanket. We didn’t know softness until we wrapped ourselves in this unbelievably soft texture. It’s also quite breathable and comes in a wonderful selection of cozy colors.

  AMAZON $249.00

  NUZZIE $149.00 – $279.00

• Papier Monogram Leather Notebook

  

  For some, collecting journals and notebooks is an obsession — and rightfully so. The Papier Monogram Leather Notebook is a personalized option that comes in a variety of colors and has a premium nature to it. We love the band for all things stationery as well, and it’s an option that’s less than $40.

  PAPIER $55.00 $38.50

• Hollywood Vanity Mirror with Lights

  

  For the graduate who loves beauty items and may be heading off to college or moving into an apartment, the Hollywood Vanity Mirror with Lights is our favorite that we’ve been using for two years now. It makes you feel like Marilyn Monroe and looks incredible on a makeup vanity.

  AMAZON $52.99 $34.99

• BaubleBar Bubble Custom Slider Bracelet

  

  This just in: the BaubleBar Bubble Custom Slider Bracelet. This bubble design for jewelry pieces is trending right now and we can’t help ourselves from recommending any and all pieces from BaubleBar. It’s a budget-friendly gift idea as well, with its quality lasting for years.

  BAUBLEBAR $42.00

• Keurig K-Slim Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker

  

  Whether for a college living space or new apartment, the Keurig K-Slim Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker is an essential. As one of the best Amazon coffee makers we rounded up, it also happens to come in a catalog of colors, is easy to use and is one we use on the regular.

  AMAZON $129.99 $79.99

  KOHL’S $149.99 $129.99

  WALMART $99.00

Best Graduation Gifts for Him

• Dan Henry 1937 Dress Chronograph Watch

  

  As one of our favorite watches for men, the Dan Henry 1937 Dress Chronograph Watch is one we’ve previously gifted and, to this day, still garners plenty of compliments. With its handsome face and leatehr band, it’s *timeless* for the graduate.

  DAN HENRY VINTAGE WATCHES $270.00

• Leatherology Personalized Deluxe Folio

  

  For the grad who’s about to enter the workforce, the Leatherology Personalized Deluxe Folio is a premium gift he’ll love and adore stashing inside his briefcase or messenger bag. It even has the option to become personalized, with plenty of integrated pockets throughout.

  LEATHEROLOGY $175.00

• Cole Haan 2.ZERØGRAND Laser Wingtip Oxfords

  

  The Cole Haan 2.ZERØGRAND Laser Wingtip Oxfords are some of the sharpest shoes we’ve seen, allowing him to dress them up or down depending on the occasion. They’re ultra-comfortable as well and make a nice treat to your rockstar grad as he steps into the next chapter of life.

  COLE HAAN $300.00 $159.95

• Herschel Supply Co. Novel Duffle Bag

  

  We always recommend the Herschel Supply Co. Novel Duffle Bag as a top-of-the-line travel option that looks great and is quite spacious, too. It comes in a few tones to suit his style and we consistently gift this to the men in our lives. Plus, it’ll come in handy.

  AMAZON $110.00

  BLOOMINGDALE’S $110.00

• Huckberry Bellroy Hide & Seek Wallet

  

  If the graduate you’re shopping for is in need of a new wallet, consider the Huckberry Bellroy Hide & Seek Wallet. It makes a great less-than-$100 gift idea, comes in a variety of shades and is cut from premium vegetable tanned cow leather that’ll last for ages.

  HUCKBERRY $89.00

• “College Level Complete” T-Shirt

  

  We had to. The “College Level Complete” T-Shirt is the novel gift idea fit for the gamer you know. For less than $25, you can’t go wrong.

  AMAZON $18.98

Best Personalized Graduation Gifts

• Graduation Personalized Photo Keepsake Box

  

  Personalized gifts can sometimes be tacky, but this Graduation Personalized Photo Keepsake Box is meaningful, sentimental and incredibly thoughtful. Surprisingly, it’s less than $30 and stems from an online destination we love to order from ourselves. It also doubles a a jewelry organizer for the graduate’s future living quarters.

  PERSONALIZATION MALL $36.99 $25.89

• MYKA Personalized Graduation Charm Necklace

  

  MYKA is one of those hidden gems we love recommending for gifts, thanks to its personalization options and unique styles for jewelry. So is the case with the Personalized Graduation Charm Necklace, which is a delicate and dainty option that any graduate will love to style.

  For more options, check out our guide to the best places to buy affordable fine jewelry.

  MYKA $75.00 – $115.00

• Mark & Graham Terminal 1 Carry-On Luggage

  

  Luggage makes a great gift for any graduate. Whether they’re commuting home from college on winter break or are moving across the country to follow their new job’s headquarters, a trusty piece (or a few) is a good idea to treat them to.

  So, we love the Mark & Graham Terminal 1 Carry-On Luggage. Everything from its look and quality is what appeals to us and the brand is truly a diamond in the rough. You can personalize this trundle, too, and its sophisticated exterior is one we can’t stop glossing over.

  MARK & GRAHAM $174.99 – $199.00

• Uncommon Goods Personalized Champagne Milestone Vase

  

  Post Wanted readers love the Uncommon Goods Personalized Champagne Milestone Vase because it’s one of the most unique decor pieces you can grab, while still being 100% custom. It’s made from an upcycled champagne bottle, with its olive green glass is engraved with a “label” that can be personalized—name(s), special year, number—to commemorate a special event, like a graduation.

  For more options, check out our guide to the best Uncommon Goods gifts.

  UNCOMMON GOODS $78.00

• Personalization Lab Custom Leather Jewelry Organizer Box

  

  Budget-friendly and unique, the Personalization Lab Custom Leather Jewelry Organizer Box is a lovely gift idea for any occasion, especially because it’s embossed with a flower and your recipient’s name. It’s a prime solution for storing rings, earrings and more, coming in handy for traveling as well.

  AMAZON $19.95

• Hydro Flask Custom Water Bottle

  

  Sure, insulated water bottles are all the rage, but how about a personalized one? The Hydro Flask Custom Water Bottle comes in a variety of sizes and colors to choose from while adding a personal touch that they’ll not only appreciate but will also differentiate the bottle from others that may be in a future classroom or workspace.

  HYDRO FLASK $38.00 – $55.00

Most Unique Graduation Gifts

• Custom University Campus Illustration Wall Art

  

  For the college graduate, the Custom University Campus Illustration Wall Art is a sweet and thoughtful gift for your loved one who wants to always remember the place they once called home — and always will. Did someone say housewarming gift?

  ETSY, STARTING AT $30.00

• Uncommon Goods Collegiate Pouches

  

  OK, we’re seriously telling everyone about the Uncommon Goods Collegiate Pouches. Stitched with your loved one’s university, it’s the budget-friendly gift idea that’ll have people asking, “where’d you get that?“

  UNCOMMON GOODS $33.00

• Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker

  

  It’s called #adulting. The Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker is the iconic kitchen gadget your graduate will want to have on hand, whether it’s for their college adventures or newfound apartment life. It’s only $30 as well, making it even more add-to-cart worthy.

  AMAZON $29.99

• Personalized Laundry Bag

  

  As soon as we saw the Personalized Laundry Bag, we knew we had to include it in our gift guide. We wish we had this personalized pouch for when we were tackling dormitory laundry. Bonus points if you pick up some of the best laundry detergents we reviewed to pair with it.

  ETSY $18.35

• Fainne “The Adventure Begins” Leather Journal

  

  One thing’s for sure: you can never have too many journals. Serving your new graduate well for their future endeavors and personal goal-setting, the Fainne “The Adventure Begins” Leather Journal is the $10 gift idea that’s personal, useful and worth every penny.

  AMAZON $9.99

• Wonderbly Poems for You: Graduation Edition

  

  Surprise your graduate with the oh-so-meaningful Wonderbly Poems for You: Graduation Edition. It’s only $40 and invites you to fill its pages with well-loved and soon-to-be-loved poems from the past and present. Consider it “words of affirmation,” encouragement for the person you’re so excited to celebrate.

  WONDERBLY $39.99

Best Budget Graduation Gifts

• Kendra Scott 2024 Graduation Stretch Bracelet

  

  We’re labeling the Kendra Scott 2024 Graduation Stretch Bracelet as the “graduation gift of the year.” It’s the gold bracelet all the cap-and-gown-wearing students will want to adorn. It’s extra perfect to gift for your besties.

  AMAZON $50.00

• The Tassel Was Worth the Hassle Graduation Tumbler

  

  We all know that most (ahem, all) graduates live on coffee, so the The Tassel Was Worth the Hassle Graduation Tumbler is a fitting purchase to make. You can never have too many and, the best part? It’s only $16 and *aesthetically pleasing*.

  AMAZON $15.99

• Cedar Crate Market “Now Hotter By One Degree” Candle

  

  As seen on plenty of Instagram captions during graduation season, “Hotter by One Degree” is likely your graduate’s MO. So, the Cedar Crate Market “Now Hotter By One Degree” Candle is a witty graduation gift idea, only $25.

  AMAZON $24.95

• “And Off She Went to Change the World” Makeup Bag

  

  Beauty lovers, rejoice. For the graduate who loves to travel or loves makeup (or both), the “And Off She Went to Change the World” Makeup Bag is the less-than-$15 gift that you can fill with their favorite lipstick, a gift card and more. It can also double as a pencil case for college or grad school.

  AMAZON $13.99 $12.99

• Anthropologie Bistro Tile Margot Monogram Mug

  

  We love Anthropologie everything, so it’s only natural for us to hold the Bistro Tile Margot Monogram Mug dear. Simply pick your graduate’s initial and voilà — it’ll be their new favorite mug.

  ANTHROPOLOGIE $14.00

• Engraved Wooden Watch Box

  

  Unique and likely a gift your graduate doesn’t yet own, the Engraved Wooden Watch Box is the less-than-$30 idea that’s personalized and is a centralized hub for all of his watches. It even contains a passport holder and — drumroll please — can carry a new watch in one of the slots if you want to splurge a bit.

  ETSY $38.57 $27.00

• Dorm Room Laundry Kit

  

  Three words: get this gift. It’s one of the most practical and will get your high school graduates prepped and ready for the tumultuous task of doing their own laundry. Oh, the horror…

  AMAZON $19.97

Best Graduation Gifts Worth the Splurge

• TUMI 19 Degree International Expandable 4-Wheeled Carry-On

  

  We’ve been singing TUMI’s praises for months now, as we’ve been loving our 19 Degree International Expandable 4-Wheeled Carry-On. It has to be the most well-made piece of luggage we’ve tried and comes in a wealth of luxe colors to choose from. It’s the jaw-dropping gift idea of the year, guaranteed.

  AMAZON $750.00

  SAKS FIFTH AVENUE $750.00

  TUMI $750.00

• Modern Picnic The Luncher

  

  As seen on Shark Tank, the Modern Picnic The Luncher is not just any drab lunch bag. It’s the stylish pack, fitting your meal prep container perfectly. It comes in a variety of textures and tones and can even double as a purse when you’re not commuting to the office.

  MODERN PICNIC $159.00

• Givenchy 4G Reversible Leather Belt

  

  Sophisticated and handsome, the Givenchy 4G Reversible Leather Belt is one of our favorite luxury gifts for him. Every guy can appreciate a well-made, designer belt — and this one takes the cake.

  NORDSTROM $450.00

  SAKS FIFTH AVENUE $450.00

• Plum Diamonds Antique Oval Step-Cut Lab Diamond Pendant

  

  Shop the Plum Diamonds Antique Oval Step-Cut Lab Diamond Pendant, one of those eye-catching pieces of fine jewelry that hails from one of our personal favorite brands for lab-grown diamonds. It’s a piece she’ll appreciate for decades, too.

  PLUM DIAMONDS $1,590.00

• Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

  

  Meet the graduation gift idea that’s a great option for any grad: the Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones. They’re a cherished pair of over-ear headphones that are great for walking to work, to college or for video editing.

  What’s more, there are several sleek colors to choose from and boast Dolby Atmos, one of the best audio technologies to date.

  AMAZON $549.00 $479.00

• Apple 2023 MacBook Pro

  

  Shop the Apple 2023 MacBook Pro for any graduate who is asking for a more reliable laptop to be with them through additional schooling, work or play. This is the latest model and we can’t get enough of our personal MacBook Pros.

  AMAZON $1,999.00

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