40 College Graduation Gifts Your Friends Will Love

By Brigitt Earley

They really did it—they're graduating college. It's a huge life milestone, and you need a college graduation gift for your friend that shows just how much you're bursting with pride.

If you're shopping around for a unique gift to celebrate the demise of midterms and finals and their first steps into the real world, we're here to help you out. There are plenty of thoughtful and affordable gifts to celebrate the occasion.

You can opt for the typical college graduation gift—something that celebrates their alma mater, like an illustrated campus map, a cute little ring dish with one of the school's most iconic buildings on it, or a handmade bracelet they can wear to show off their lingering school spirit. Or, you can take the practical route and go with functional gift ideas for your bestie—a leather laptop backpack, a TikTok cookbook, or tech gifts like computer speakers. You also can't go wrong with a cute gift like a personalized charm necklace or a self-care gift like ice rollers and a sheet mask set.

Whatever you pick, these graduation gifts are sure to land. (And don't worry if you're a last-minute shopper. There are tons of Amazon gifts that'll show up in no time.)

Best College Graduation Gift for Your Best Friend: Mejuri Editor Hoops, $78Best Cheap Graduation Gift for a Friend: Ice Globes, $12Best Small Graduation Gift for a Friend: Confidence Is Key Necklace, $9Best Funny Graduation Gift for a Friend: Personalized BFF Socks, $4Best Sentimental Graduation Gift for a Friend: Mixtape Charm Necklace, $62

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With this cool projector, they'll be able to transform just about any wall into a movie theater-like screen. No smart TV necessary—simply sync it with a smartphone, laptop, gaming system, or TV stick, and they can stream all of their favorites.

Who needs bubbly when you can celebrate their achievements with candy? This super cute gift set makes the perfect small gesture for a friend who just crushed their four years.

Give your friend the gift of an instant pick-me-up whenever they need one most. These ice globes live in the freezer to provide a dose of at-home cryotherapy. They're said to have tons of beauty benefits—depuffing, tightening, brightening, and of course, destressing.

In the real world, there's no cafeteria—and that means dinner is their responsibility every night. Inspire them to lean into their best chef self with this fun cookbook. It features 75 "break-the-internet" recipes. Think whipped coffee, pancake cereal, mug cakes, and more.

The new nine-to-fiver will look chic with this faux leather commuter backpack over their shoulders. It's packed full of practical features, too—a padded laptop sleeve, a padded iPad pocket, and even a small security pocket for their wallet.

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They'll look great rocking this sophisticated black Coach wristlet—soon to be home to "adult" things like a work ID, a transit card, and keys to a new apartment.

If state lines will separate you and your bestie, consider this practical leather jewelry case a subtle hint that visits are expected. It features multiple compartments for all of their favorite pieces and is just as useful at home as it is on the road. Choose from various colors and styles—and don't forget to personalize it.

Decor for their new digs is always a great graduation gift—especially if it's as cool as this customizable neon sign. You choose what you want it to say (up to three lines of text) and one of 18 color combinations. Voila—their very own shiny LED sign.

By Ashleigh Carter

By Kara Nesvig

By P. Claire Dodson

The post-college daily grind definitely comes with an adjustment period, but this poster can help put a little pep in their step when their anxiety peaks. The poster features enough self-care prompts, activities, and exercises—take yourself on a date or call someone you love, for example—for 100 days straight.

Nothing says ‘congrats’ quite like a designer handbag. This bag features the brand's signature denim alongside smooth leather. It has a detachable handle as well as a detachable strap, which means your best friend can transform this purse from a handbag into a shoulder or crossbody bag.

There's no rest for the weary when learning the ropes at a new job and exploring a new city all at once. But this trio of serums by the beloved Glossier can help them keep appearances up. The vitamin-packed serums work hard to hydrate, even skin tone, and brighten all at once.

By Ashleigh Carter

By Kara Nesvig

By P. Claire Dodson

A personalized notebook and pen set for daily to-do lists or reflections on their new chapter of life is about as practical as you can get, but that doesn't mean its lackluster. Both the soft leather journal and the ballpoint pen can be personalized with a name, phrase, or message of your choosing. Plus, it all comes tucked neatly in a gift box.

It's normal to feel some trepidation about making a new start, but this budget-friendly gift will help put a little pep in their step. And it looks just as good with jeans and a tee as it does with a more office-appropriate getup.

Heck yeah they are—and this funny 11-ounce mug won't let them forget it. Silly, yes, but who couldn't use a little laugh to start their day?

By Ashleigh Carter

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By P. Claire Dodson

Whether they're tuning into another Zoom meeting, gaming at the end of a long day, or having a dance party with friends, these desktop speakers hook right up to their laptop to deliver crisp, clear sound complete with a cool little light show.

Chances are these slim hoops have popped up on their FYP, so why not go IRL with them? They make the perfect complement to any outfit, whether everyday casual or smart business.

Want something that shows you put extra thought and care into the perfect gift? This 14-karat gold plated brass necklace gives you the opp to choose three meaningful charms that represent your bestie, your friendship, and the time you spent together at college.

By Ashleigh Carter

By Kara Nesvig

By P. Claire Dodson

Way more restorative than a night out on the town, this sheet mask set will provide them with 14 days of self-care. Each biodegradable mask in the set is made with eucalyptus fibers and has one of six yummy scents. They all brighten, hydrate, and help bring calm vibes.

For a friend worth splurging on, opt for a rich cross grain leather tote that oozes sophistication. Inside the structured silhouette, they'll find an interior roomy enough for all their daily essentials (yep, even a laptop), plus an adorable bonus removable zip pouch.

This isn't your average trinket dish. Have the ceramic dish hand-painted with a special scene from their school, the school's name, their name, and their grad year. It's the perfect bed- or sink-side accessory.

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By P. Claire Dodson

They might not have season tickets anymore, but this handmade item will help them show some school spirit on game day as they cheer from afar.

Adulting is hard, but this silver and gold cuff bracelet is engraved with a hidden message they can peep when they need a little encouragement. Inside it says "she believed she could, so she did." Outside, you can choose your own engraving—her name or grad year, perhaps.

Simple yet elegant, there's no doubt they'll reach for this name plate every day. In fact, they may never take it off if the reviews are any indication: "Seriously in love with it and have been wearing it nonstop!"

By Ashleigh Carter

By Kara Nesvig

By P. Claire Dodson

Facing an LDR with your bestie? This is a cute gift that can help bridge the distance. Inside the jar, they'll find 50 colorful capsules, all of which feature little friendship notes and quotes: "Friendship is just a word. But you my friend, give it meaning" or "You don't have to be crazy to be my friend. I'll train you."

Yep, they killed the whole college thing. It's no surprise they've landed a great job, too. Celebrate their successes with this cute gift set. One thing they definitely won't kill? The easy-care succulent it comes with.

When they can't get a hug from their BFF, they can toss this warm hoodie on. It's completely customizable—choose the garment and thread colors, then add the grad year (they'll convert it to roman numerals), then come up with a sweet personalized message for the sleeve (heart optional).

By Ashleigh Carter

By Kara Nesvig

By P. Claire Dodson

Any good celebration calls for cupcakes, and we love these bite-sized confections from famed NYC bakery Baked by Melissa. For maximum effect, they all come housed in a tie-dye box that reads "Congrats!"

Another adorable embroidered gift, but this time for daily essentials. Each time they open the pouch to grab lip balm or their subway card, they'll spot something new inside the detailed embroidery to remind them of their alma mater.

A money tree symbolizes abundance, prosperity, and good luck. Is there anything more appropriate for graduation? We think not—especially since the potted plant is the perfect addition to their new digs. And, yes, they're easy to care for—don't worry.

By Ashleigh Carter

By Kara Nesvig

By P. Claire Dodson

You might like every single one of their TikToks, but there's nothing like these personalized socks to solidify your status as BFFs. They're comfy and ripe for lounging, too, but honestly, she might even wear them to work. "These are so cute and fun," says one reviewer. "My BFF loved them."

Like a lucky charm of sorts, the evil eye is said to protect against negative energy. We love the idea of passing those vibes onto your bestie as they embark on their newest and greatest adventure yet: adulthood.

You already know just how magical they are, but this hardcover notebook gives them a daily reminder of that radiant inner light within them. It's perfect for to-do lists, journaling, or even doodling.

By Ashleigh Carter

By Kara Nesvig

By P. Claire Dodson

What's better than a single great graduation gift? A monthly surprise that includes six to eight goodies. Products range from fashion and beauty items to home decor and wellness—all for just $60 a box.

Chances are they'll receive the real version from someone else, so bring the laughter with this hilarious parody about office life. As reviewers note, it's perfect for someone who just got their first desk job: "I laughed reading the whole book. Such a great parody and so true about the office life!"

Looking for something for your ride or die roomie? Try a custom canvas poster featuring the place you called home together. This print showcases a map of the campus, plus the school name, their graduation year, and the exact geographical coordinates. Choose from a wide range of sizes and opt for framed or unframed.

By Ashleigh Carter

By Kara Nesvig

By P. Claire Dodson

They'll cherish this wearable reminder of their hard work forever. And it's highly customizable to suit their personal style. Choose from sterling silver, 14k gold, rose gold, and solid gold. Don't forget to add a free side engraving.

They may not have long term papers to burn the midnight oil stressing over, but that doesn't mean that looming sales presentation isn't keeping them awake at night. Enter this lightweight and super soft fleecy eye mask designed specifically to relieve stress and anxiety.

Can you ever go wrong with cookies? That's a big no from us. Especially when they hail from one of the most famous bakeries in New York City. In this gift set, they'll find Levain's original four cookie flavors: chocolate chip walnut, dark chocolate chocolate chip, dark chocolate peanut butter chip, and oatmeal raisin.

By Ashleigh Carter

By Kara Nesvig

By P. Claire Dodson

That's what friends are for, right? For the one who always had your back, this candle, available in nine scents and four colors, is the perfect thank-you gift.

There's a lot to see out of the confines of the college campus they spent their last four years on. This portable printer connects to their phone via Bluetooth, so they can add text, apply filters, and adjust settings, then print their favorites on the spot.

These mini candles from Boy Smells don't just look cool, they'll leave their brand new apartment smelling great, too. Each one—reminiscent of cedar, jasmine, and sandalwood—are warm and sultry to create the perfect vibe.

By Ashleigh Carter

By Kara Nesvig

By P. Claire Dodson

By Ashleigh Carter

By Kara Nesvig

By P. Claire Dodson

By Ashleigh Carter

By Kara Nesvig

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By Shauna Beni-Haynes

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