50 Best College Graduation Gifts 2024

1

this celebratory candle

Homesick New Job Scented Candle

On SaleNew Job Scented Candle

Now 21% Off

“Omg, it smells like New Job in here!” said no one ever, but a yummy candle that they burn when starting their first job is still a cute way to make scent memories during a pivotal time in their life. The brand also makes location candles, so you could purchase one with their new city on it as a “congrats on moving!” or “don’t forget about us!” gift.

2

this iconic record

Taylor Swift's Tortured Poets Department Vinyl

On SaleTortured Poets Department Vinyl

Now 17% Off

I guarantee that your Swiftie grad has had their eye on this beautiful vinyl version of Taylor Swift’s most recent album, The Tortured Poets Department.

3

this photo sticker printer

HP Sprocket Portable 2x3" Instant Color Photo Printer

Sprocket Portable 2x3" Instant Color Photo Printer

Not only does this mini printer spit out the cutest little photos straight from your smartphone, it also can print sticky-backed photos that’ll totally change the game for anyone who loves journaling or scrapbooking.

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4

these sneakers for healthcare workers

Clove x Owala Women's Classic

Women's Classic

If you’re celebrating a soon-to-be nurse, physician’s assistant, or doctor, gift them a pair of Cloves—these sneakers are designed for healthcare workers who are on their feet for 12+ hour shifts and need fluid-resistant (...yeah, I know) shoes that are easy to clean. Plus, they’re cute! My personal favorite is this pair that Clove designed in collaboration with Owala, aka Gen Z’s favorite water bottle brand.

5

this lucky bracelet

Abbot Lyon Clover Custom Name Bracelet

Clover Custom Name Bracelet

It’s thematic, get it? This bracelet is a cute lil spin on the classic name necklace with each letter of their name spelled out on a pretty four-leaf clover to wish your new grad the best of luck in their new chapter of life!

6

a “buy it for life” pan

All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel French Skillet

D3 Stainless Steel French Skillet

Now 23% Off

Nothing is worse than entering adult life and realizing how many new things you have to buy. Like, wdym sheets and rent and a vacuum and work clothes cost $10,000? Gifting them something mundane yet incredibly useful is the way to go, like this All-Clad bb that’ll last them for years to come. They’ll appreciate not having to shell out money on a frying pan along with everything else!

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7

this adorable grad bear

Aurora Commemorative Graduation Wagner Bear

Commemorative Graduation Wagner Bear

If you’re planning on taking the ol’ card-and-money route, snag this cute little grad bear to round out your gift. It’s a fun on-theme keepsake and, of course, devastatingly cute.

8

a cute carry-on

Coolife Luggage Suitcase Piece Set

On SaleLuggage Suitcase Piece SetCredit: Courtesy Image

For those post-grad travelers in need of a luggage refresh, these lightweight carry-ons have a hard case and a locking pad to protect their valuables. Oh, and it's so stylish.

9

this faux leather laptop bag

Beis Work Tote in Maple

Work Tote in Maple

Just cuz they might need to carry a ~briefcase-like~ bag to the office doesn’t mean it has to be ugly, k? This vegan leather option comes in a bunch of colors, fits a standard laptop, and boasts a handy luggage strap that’ll keep it perched on top of a carry-on for any work-related travel.

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10

this life-changing book

The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter--And How to Make the Most of Them Now

On SaleThe Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter--And How to Make the Most of Them Now

Now 34% Off

Nothing says “getting my sh*t together” like a shelf filled with self-improvement books. Get their collection started with this best-selling book on making the most of the new decade they’re navigating.

11

this relaxed (yet profesh) blazer

Madewell Larsen Blazer in Plaid

Larsen Blazer in Plaid

Now 49% Off

Get them a blazer that’s chic enough to sport at their new job but trendy enough to wear with jeans or a mini skirt when they’re OOO. It’s an investment that’ll last ‘em years.

12

this editor-approved smart ring

The Oura Ring

The Oura Ring

Class rings are cute and all, but I’d bet money that what your new grad has actually been eyeing is the Oura, a health-tracking smart ring that gives you tons of insights on everything from your sleep to your resting heart rate. Check out our full review of the Oura ring here!

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13

this cute set of tools

40-Piece All Purpose Household Pink Tool Kit

On Sale40-Piece All Purpose Household Pink Tool Kit

Now 27% Off

Every new grad should have a tool kit for hanging posters, putting together their IKEA bed frame, and generally feeling put-together. This one just so happens to be pink, which obviously makes it an even better gift.

14

an Amazon gift card

Amazon Gift Card in a Graduation Cap Box

Free ShippingGift Card in a Graduation Cap Box

When in doubt!! It's safe to say most college graduates or students want money. This gift card, which comes in a cute graduation cap box, makes it perfect for the occasion.

15

a clever card game

Uncommon Goods Things They Don’t Teach You in School Game

Things They Don’t Teach You in School Game

Cue alllllll the jokes about learning things in school that you’ll never need to know. This card game is full of 400 random facts to add to that list (and it'll draw out your grad into chatting about their lives).

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16

a grown-up lunch box

Monbento Bento Box with Compartments

Bento Box with CompartmentsCredit: Courtesy Image

They might have had the flexibility to eat wherever during college, but if they have an office job lined up, they’ll be rlly thankful for this practical lunch box set—which comes with three removable containers.

17

a handy package

Pinch Provisions Work From Home Self Care Kit

Best SellerWork From Home Self Care Kit

The grad might be going straight from studying at home to working from home, in which case this kit will definitely be their dream gift. Inside they'll find a webcam cover, conference call bingo card, earplugs, and much, much more.

18

simple gold earrings

Adore Adorn Dime-Sized Lucky Hoop in Gold

Dime-Sized Lucky Hoop in Gold

Your graduate would be able to wear these studded 14k gold vermeil hoops with basically any outfit—work or otherwise—and it'll be an upgrade to the ones they bought for $5.

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19

this oversize rainbow hoodie

TomboyX French Terry Pullover Hoodie

French Terry Pullover HoodieCredit: Courtesy Image

Full disclosure: I own this and the matching joggers, and they're both sooooo comfortable. I wear the set around the house 24/7 (I love a retro 90s look) but it's also cute enough to wear outside. No matter what your grad is doing, they're gonna need comfy clothes like this.

20

the toaster version of an air fryer

Black + Decker Crisp 'N Bake Air Fry Toaster Oven

Crisp 'N Bake Air Fry Toaster Oven

The new grad is inevitably going to have frozen chicken tenders for dinner when they don’t feel like cooking after a long day of work, okay? Give them this nifty air fryer toaster that’ll crisp up anything from leftover fries to frozen food in a snap.

Headshot of Hannah Oh

Hannah is the Shopping Editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from chic home decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend's mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and pictures of her office outfits that nobody asked for. 

Headshot of Daisy Maldonado

Daisy Maldonado is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan who loves writing about fashion trends, must-have beauty products, and digital culture. When she's not writing, you can almost certainly find her shopping (she knows her credit card numbers by heart) or obsessing over celebrity news. Although she’s acquired an extensive closet over the years, her favorite item she owns is a Harry Styles Love On Tour hoodie she purchased at his concert in Manchester. Daisy's work has appeared on Refinery29, The Daily Beast, E! News, Allure and more. Keep up with all of her chaotic travels, NYC life and fashionable moments on her Instagram. 

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