33 College Graduation Gifts New Grads Will LOVE! (Aesthetic & Practical)

college graduation gifts

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It’s graduation season!

If you’re shopping for a gift for a new college grad, I’ve got some super cute options they’ll love right here in this blog post.

This post includes 33 ideas for college graduation gifts with a range of prices, so whether you’re looking for something low-key or a bit of a bigger gift, you’ll find it here.

My favorite part of this gift guide? Everything is super aesthetic. So, if your grad is someone who loves all things trendy and pretty, you’re in the right place.

33 College Graduation Gifts


Office/Tech

Perfect for the brand new career woman.

#1: Headset

This Pinterest-worthy logi headset is a great (and inexpensive) gift for any new grad who’ll spend a lot of time in online meetings, but still wants to look cute while working.

#2: Desk Pad

Your new grad will need some accessories for her desk or home office. A desk pad like this one will keep her desk surface clean and protected while she works!

I’m loving the minimalist aesthetic of this eco-friendly one - plus it comes in a ton of really cute color options.

#3: Desk Lamp & Writing Utensil Holder

I simply adore desk accessories that serve multiple functions like this one! Not only is this a desk lamp, but it’s a phone stand and pen holder as well.

Fantastic for anyone who loves organization but also a clean and simple desk aesthetic.

#4: To-Do Planner

Want to get her something that’ll help her maintain work-life balance as she transitions into adulthood? You can’t go wrong with a pretty planner like this one!

This one is great for anyone who wants to track work tasks, life tasks, as well as self care and wellness goals - all in one cute little book.


#5: Personalized Journal

Everyone needs a journal! Whether they use it to write, reflect, plan, goal-set, or something else, this is one of those gifts anyone will get use out of.

I’m loving the minimalist aesthetic of these ones from Etsy, too. So pretty!

You can also have the front cover personalized with their name, a special message, their graduation year, or something else.


Style

So she can start her career feelin’ good.


#6: Laptop Bag

Shopping for someone who commutes with their laptop and other valuables often? A laptop bag like this one makes an ideal gift!

I’m loving the simple, classic aesthetic - perfect for looking stylish yet professional.

#7: UGG Slippers

This is a great gift idea for new grads working remotely, but everyone needs something to keep their feet comfy and cozy around the house - whether they work online or not.

Ahh - and how cute is the cream and brown color combination on these? LOVE!

#8: Laptop Backpack With Charger

Similar to the laptop bag I talked about earlier, but in backpack form! The built in phone charger is a huge plus for me. Talk about convenience!

#9: Graduation Bracelet

Shopping for a jewelry lover? This sweet, simple little bracelet makes for a beautiful college graduation gift perfect for everyday wear.

It’ll go with everything, and it’s ideal for layering with other bracelets too!

#10: Graduation Charm

Is your new college grad a lover of charm bracelets? This beautiful graduation charm is calling their name.

Something like this makes for a gift with the perfect balance of sentimentality and style - and it’s something they’ll treasure for years to come.


#11: Balloon Letter Necklace

Nothing is more celebratory than balloons, so if your grad loves jewelry, this adorable balloon letter necklace is just the thing.

You can choose the letter based on their name, college, or something else meaningful to them!


#12: Custom City Skyline Necklace

This next college graduation gift recommendation I have for you is this beautiful city skyline necklace.

Of course - you can have it customized to represent the skyline of any city close to your giftee’s heart.

Some ideas to get you started: their hometown, their college town, and the city they’re moving to after graduation.

Related: 13 Practical Gift Ideas For College Students

Want more graduation content? Watch my college graduation vlog on YouTube!


Home

Perfect for new grads moving into their first apartment.

#13: Kettle

If you’re shopping for someone who loves all things home, kitchen, and decorating, this section is for you.

I have found what is quite possibly the cutest kettle in existence. I’m a sucker for off-white home and kitchen products, but still!

#14: Toaster

On a similar note, this toaster. Ahh!! Your grad will have a blast starting her day with yummy breakfast toast from this little cutie, and it’ll stay looking cute on her kitchen counter throughout the rest of the day, too.

#15: Blender

Last kitchen item, I promise. If you need a gift for a smoothie nut, this is the thing you’ve been looking for.

#16: Graduation Candle

Candles make a great graduation gift but also a great housewarming gift! Luckily, if you’re reading this post, it’s likely that you’re shopping for someone who’s both graduating and moving.

Give them a sweet little candle like this one to help them bring happy, homey, and cozy vibes into their new space.

#17: Sunrise Alarm Clock

Absolutely perfect for working professionals, students, and literally anyone who needs a little extra help getting out of bed in the morning (I am totally one of those people).

If you haven’t heard of sunrise alarm clocks by now, they’re an alarm clock that gradually wakes you up by simulating a sunrise in your bedroom.

Sounds a lot more pleasant than being woken up by a loud, blaring alarm, right?


#18: Personalized Wine Glass

If you’re looking for a gift with a touch of sophistication, here you go!

These custom engraved wine glasses also double as a great housewarming gift and are perfect to give to a new college graduate who’s moving into a new house or apartment.

Some ideas for the engraving: their initials, their college name/initials, their graduation year, their new city name/initials, or a special message from you.

#19: College Campus Map Print

For the new alum who wants to proudly display their school pride right on their wall, you can’t go wrong with this personalized print.

It comes with your graduate’s name, graduation year, college, and degree right on it.

I absolutely love the detail of using a college campus map in the design, and the campus coordinates are even on there too if you look closely!

#20: Personalized Cutting Board

For another gorgeous housewarming/college graduation gift idea, definitely consider this custom wood cutting board.

This makes a beautiful addition to any kitchen and is sure to help make any new apartment or house feel like home.

Plus, it’s got important kitchen measurements and conversions right on it - perfect for new college grads who are also inexperienced cooks (soon to be me) and always forget these things, haha!

If you’re shopping for someone who loves to host, a similar option to consider is this beautiful personalized charcuterie board. Ideal for a girls’ night, couples’ get together, or any other fun night in!



Self Care & Wellness

Working gals need to take care of themselves.

#21: Five Minute Journal

An absolute classic. Need I say more?

#22: Mini Beauty Fridge

Here’s one for the new grad that’s also a beauty guru. Now, I’m no guru myself, so I’ve pulled a great quote from Beauty Bay’s article on beauty fridges to help explain what these are used for:

“Cold constricts and heat expands – There’s a reason why we’d apply ice to a swollen ankle… chilled skincare products will always be more effective at depuffing than room temperature ones.”

Feel free to check out the full article for more info here.

Essentially, keeping skincare products in a chilled environment like a fridge actually makes them work better and also helps keep them clean and sanitary.

#23: Satin Pillow, Scrunchie, & Eye Mask Set

For the new grad who loves making self care part of her nightly routine. This cute little set will add a relaxing and luxurious touch to her evening. Perfect after a long day of work!

#24: Full Body Massager

Everyone loves a good massage! Professional massages are expensive, so why not give the gift of saving money - along with a good massage?

This full body massager makes for a fantastic gift on its own and also in combination with another self care themed item like the satin set I just talked about.

#25: Facial Steamer

Here’s another one for all the beauty and skincare lovers out there. A facial steamer does pretty much what it sounds like it does - it creates hot steam.

The hot steam is used to hydrate your skin, clear your pores, as well as soften and moisturize.

Related: What To Include In A College Care Package

Miscellaneous

Haven’t found what you’re looking for on this list? Try one of these!

#26: Graduation Mug & Spoon Set

You really can’t go wrong with gifting a mug, especially not such a pretty one like this. I loveee the pink marble, and the saying on the front has me cracking up.

This is exactly the type of mug I want to start my day drinking my morning coffee out of! Boss. Girl. Energy.

#27: Graduation Wine Gift Bag

Shopping for a wine lover? Slip the bottle into this super pretty graduation themed bag for an extra celebratory touch.

There’s also a master’s degree-themed one for recent ex-graduate students!

#28: Graduation Gift Box

Need a super easy, last minute gift idea? I have two words for you. Gift. Box. Here’s one that’s really cute and also bound to be a lot of fun for your giftee to open!

#29: Amazon Graduation Gift Card

The perfect gift for when you just don’t know what to get someone or for the person who has everything!



#30: Graduation Bookmark

If you’re shopping for a new grad who loves to read or write, a personalized bookmark is such a great gift idea!

This one comes in multiple different colors, but I’m especially loving the gorgeous rose gold.

You can pick what you want the bookmark to say and customize the graduation year on the charm as well.

Your giftee will love seeing your message to them every time they open whatever book they’re currently reading!

#31: Mini Photo Album Keychain

An ideal gift for the nostalgic grad and anyone who loves taking pictures!

Your giftee will be able to pull this mini photo album keychain out whenever they want and reminisce on all their favorite memories.

To tailor it to a new college grad, a fun idea is to make the photo album a walkthrough of their time in college!

Start with photos of them getting accepted, moving in, etc., and end with some graduation photos. Plus, you can have their initials or graduation year put on the front cover. Get ready for all the feels when they open it.

#32: Photo & Message In A Bottle

Shopping for someone who loves a touch of sentimentality? Look no further. This is probably one of the most heartwarming and creative custom gift ideas I’ve seen on Etsy and I absolutley love it.

It’s a photo strip that you can add a personalized message on the back of, placed inside a bottle and on a stand so your giftee can look at it and smile all the time!

#33: Personalized Graduation Tumbler

If you’re on the hunt for a simple, inexpensive gift idea for a grad that also happens to love coffee, a personalized tumbler like these are the way to go.

Your giftee can use this to hold their favorite beverage, whether it’s coffee, matcha, smoothies, etc., all while making it look cute and aesthetic!


Outro & Closing Thoughts

Well, that concludes my post on aesthetic college graduation gifts.

I truly hope you found the perfect gift on this list or at least found some great inspiration on what to give. Thanks for stopping by!

If you enjoyed this post, I’d recommend checking out this one next: Aesthetic & Minimalist Desk Ideas For College Students

For handmade digital art prints, icon packs, wallpapers, & more designed by me, be sure to stop by my digital boutique: Designed By Nikki Lo.

Connect with me!

Nikki Lo

Editor, yogi, small business owner, among other things! Catch me binging YouTube, decorating, or exploring the beautiful Outer Banks.

https://nikkilo.com/about
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