Between the two of us we have experienced four high school graduations and three college graduations (and have another college graduation this spring). We’d dare say we’re grad gift experts! So, let’s get real…what most students really want is a gift card or cash! There are so many things they need to buy for the next stage in their lives (regardless of what that next step is). With that in mind, our graduation gift guide is full of under $30 finds that would be perfect to give with any gift card that meets your budget.
Looking to spend a little more? We’ve also included some ideas over $30 we know they’ll LOVE!
Pro tip: Our high school grads didn’t want anything from their high school/class of ‘XX. Once they graduated, they were focused on what’s next. College students, however, will proudly sport something from their school as new alum!
Something for Their New College ID
College IDs are used for everything now, so it needs to be someplace handy. For the girls, try a lanyard/wallet by Vera Bradley (and, for a little more than $30, a Vera Bradley Collegiate wristlet is really cute). For the guys, phone cases with an ID pocket are perfect!
Something They’ll Use All the Time
Perfect for soon-to-be college freshman or soon-to-be college alum. The coffee mug is under $30, and for a little more you can get tumblers and water bottles. Pro tip: Pair it with a Starbucks gift card!
Something for the Guys
Flags are great dorm decor for the guys! For a specific school, search on Amazon for “NCAA Flag {School Name}.” Pro tip: don’t search college flag – it’s not what you expect! 😂 And here is a link to a huge assortment of flags for the dorm, desk or office.
Whether he’s attending for the first time in the fall or becoming a new alum, your guy will be game day ready with a button down or polo shirt from their college or university.
Something for Game Day
Game day isn’t just for the fellas. A clear crossbody or a fancy bag strap is a game day essential for any college girl heading to the games! And whether you are taking your lunch or keeping beverages cold, a cooler bag will come in handy. Pro tip: for more bag straps, just search Amazon or Etsy for “beaded bag strap {school name}.”
Something for the Girls
Lots of fun monogrammed pouches and laundry bags help keep things organized when you’re sharing a small space. A Birdie personal alarm is the perfect safety gift for any woman (at any age) going out on her own. And this small makeup mirror is great for small spaces, like the top of a dresser.
Something They Need
The Mrs. Seven Hands Multi-tool is the gift that keeps on giving. You will need it during move in and move out; dorms, apartments you name it. Literally the gift you didn’t know you needed until you do. And a toolkit is perfect for a first apartment. A rubber mallet–IYKYK, am I right? Every college kid needs one of these non-glamorous tools. It can help you make ALL the NEW FRIENDS when they stop by to borrow it.
Something for Their Music
A blue tooth speaker will come in very handy, wether you are playing Spike Ball on the Quad or laying out behind the Gym. This one is only $21.99 and has over 62,000 five star reviews! Blue tooth earbuds help for noisy dorms can be noisy and roommates who snore! These earbuds are great for anyone who is trying to drown out noise. At under $30 and over 30k 5-star reviews, they are a hit! Take a walk around any college campus these days and EVERY SINGLE KID has on headphones.
Something for Decorating
LED lights are the staple of college dorm decorating (and maybe even first apartment decorating!). The lights with clips are a great way to display lots of pictures. The LED lights have more than 33,800 five star reviews–app controlled, sync to music, color changing, these are a very popular and affordable way to decorate any dorm room or bedroom. A well-placed throw blanket at the foot of the (bunk)bed makes any space feel cozy and more like home. Megan’s college freshman says this “headboard pillow” was his favorite thing in his dorm room (cost per use made it well worth the price!).
Looking to spend more than $30?
We think your grad would love any of these selections from our graduation gift guide!
And a few fun graduation gift guide ideas from Etsy!
Etsy is the OG for personalized gifts for grads (and any situation). The university specific gifts, from blankets to watercolors, cups and purse straps is endless. Here are a few of our favorite gifts from Etsy.
Don’t forget the gift card…
No graduation gift guide is complete without a few gift card recommendations.
A cute idea–look up the restaurants on/near campus and give a collection of those.
…and some fun ways to package them!
You might also want to get a head start on the dorm room. Check out our post with everything our kids liked and used from the Container Store.
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This post has been updated and republished for the 2024 graduation season!
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Lots to choose from! Nice selection.
Glad you liked it, we had fun putting it all together.
Love the idea of a school polo shirt!! No excuse for not wearing a collared shirt😊
They will wear it more than they expect!
My thought exactly!
This was one of your best blogs. Loved it.
Thanks mom!