The 24 Best College Graduation Gift Ideas for 2023 Graduates They'll Actually Use — AirPods, Work Bags & More

Each product has been independently selected by our editorial team. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.
Best College Graduation Gifts
Getty

Discover the best college graduation gifts to celebrate the class of 2023. Try one of these 24 thoughtful gifts.

Graduating from college represents a major achievement in a person's life. Whether someone is taking the next step towards their secondary education or finally finishing up their post-grad requirements, the milestone requires a lot of hard work and (rightly) also calls for a lot of celebration.

If you have a college graduate gearing up to walk the stage this season, that means you need to find an equally great gift that meets the big moment and will help them enjoy this special time. Deciding on a graduation gift that's thoughtful, practical and personal can be a challenge in itself, so let us help guide you. We understand this struggle all too well — which is why we've scoured the internet in search of the best graduation gift ideas for every kind of student.

From practical gift ideas like an Instant Pot or a do-it-all Always Pan for their new apartment to coveted items like AirPods and a designer handbag to help them tackle the workforce and adulthood in style, these great graduation gifts are all sure to be a huge hit. 

Ahead, shop the best college graduation gifts at every price point for your recent or soon-to-be 2023 graduate.

Best College Graduation Gifts Under $50

Doomlings Classic Card Game (Lightning Edition)

Doomlings Classic Card Game (Lightning Edition)
Doomlings

Doomlings Classic Card Game (Lightning Edition)

A perfect gift for graduates entering the real world, Doomlings is a hilarious card game about overcoming catastrophes and scoring the most points before the End of the World! With over 4,000 5-star reviews, Doomlings is great for game nights in their new apartment.

Bodum Chambord 8 Cup French Press

Bodum Chambord 8 Cup French Press
Amazon

Bodum Chambord 8 Cup French Press

A recent graduate entering the workforce will definitely want an easy-to-use coffee maker for their now weekly early mornings like this Bodum French press.

$39 $32

Shop Now

Anecdote Candles Adulting Fig & Cashmere Candle

Anecdote Candles Adulting Fig & Cashmere Candle
Anecdote Candles

Anecdote Candles Adulting Fig & Cashmere Candle

College graduation signifies the final step into adulthood for many students. They'll get a kick out of this Adulting Candle that smells like early nights and steady paychecks (and also cashmere and fig).

Amazon Gift Card in a Graduation Cap Box

Amazon Gift Card in a Graduation Cap Box
Amazon

Amazon Gift Card in a Graduation Cap Box

An Amazon gift card is one you know any new grad will appreciate. We love the adorable box the card comes in that looks like a graduation cap to make it extra special. 

$25 to $2,000

Shop Now

I Graduated T-Shirt

I Graduated T-Shirt
Amazon

I Graduated T-Shirt

If you know a graduate who loves their sleep or could some sleep after working hard for their degree, this funny t-shirt can add some humor to graduation!

Lovevook Laptop Backpack

Lovevook Laptop Backpack
Amazon

Lovevook Laptop Backpack

Protect what's important during their morning job commute with this backpack. The professional-style, anti-theft bag has a USB charging port, so they can charge their phone and keep it safe while walking.

$43 $37

with coupon

Shop Now

Papier Joy Undated Daily Planner

Papier Joy Undated Daily Planner
Papier

Papier Joy Undated Daily Planner

For a personalized gift, opt for a customized weekly journal from Papier. It's not only cute, it's a practical gift that will help them be their most productive self. 

Best College Graduation Gifts Under $100

Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-in-1, 4 Quart

Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-in-1, 4 Quart
Amazon

Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-in-1, 4 Quart

Make cooking a breeze for the new soon to be college student or graduate.

$130 $70

Shop Now

Uncommon Goods Custom Map Coaster Set

Uncommon Goods Custom Map Coaster Set
Uncommon Goods

Uncommon Goods Custom Map Coaster Set

These Uncommon Goods coasters are heartfelt and useful. You can customize the four marble coasters to feature a map of your new grad's favorite neighborhood, whether it be their beloved hometown, college town or new city they're moving to.

HelloFresh Gift Card

HelloFresh Gift Card
HelloFresh

HelloFresh Gift Card

Keep them fed with healthy home-cooked meals and sharpen their cooking skills with delicious meal kits from HelloFresh.

Cards starting at $75

Shop Now

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2
Amazon

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2

If they made it all the way through college without a Bluetooth speaker, they'll want one for all their new adventures--and this one that's waterproof with an outdoor boost is up for the challenge.

$100 $75

Shop Now

UGG Whistler Throw Blanket

UGG Whistler Throw Blanket
Nordstrom

UGG Whistler Throw Blanket

This highly rated UGG throw is super plush, soft and cozy — a great addition for a dorm room or new apartment. Available in 12 colors, you'll be able to find one in their favorite color. 

Ring Video Doorbell

Ring Video Doorbell
Amazon

Ring Video Doorbell

With an update on the original Ring Video Doorbell, now you can enjoy improved motion detection and crisper night vision.

$100 $55

Shop Now

Kate Spade Morgan Card Case Wristlet

Kate Spade Morgan Card Case Wristlet
Kate Spade

Kate Spade Morgan Card Case Wristlet

Give the gift of organization with a Kate Spade Morgan Card Case Wristlet that will help anyone carry all of their essential cards and cash in style.

Apple AirTags 4-Pack

Apple AirTags 4-Pack
Amazon

Apple AirTags 4-Pack

A wallet stuck in the couch cushions or a misplaced set of keys is no match for these Apple AirTags: The trackers sync to the Find My app. This gift will help the new grad find nearby items by playing a sound through the AirTag's internal speaker. 

$99 $90

Shop Now

Fenty Skin Start'rs Full-Size Bundle

Fenty Skin Start'rs Full-Size Bundle
Fenty Beauty

Fenty Skin Start'rs Full-Size Bundle

For the one who loves beauty, gift a bundle from Rihanna's Fenty Skin, which includes skincare essentials for day and night.

Best College Graduation Gifts Under $150

Kindle Paperwhite

Kindle Paperwhite
Amazon

Kindle Paperwhite

Help your recent college grad unwind by gifting them a Kindle Paperwhite. It's easy on the eyes and waterproof.

Béis Weekend Travel Tote

Béis Weekend Travel Tote
Nordstrom

Béis Weekend Travel Tote

Whether it's for a college grad or a high school graduate, the Béis Weekend Travel Tote from Shay Mitchell's lifestyle line is an awesome gift idea. It's perfect for short trips or long trips with a roomy design, multiple pockets, laptop sleeve and bottom shoe compartment.

Our Place Always Pan

Our Place Always Pan
Our Place

Our Place Always Pan

The viral and versatile Our Place Always Pan will make cooking so easy for a busy graduate. The thoughtful gift braises, sears, sautées, steams, strains, fries and boils. The non-stick ceramic pan comes with a spatula, steamer basket and modular lid. 

$150 $115

Shop Now

Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
Amazon

Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

Simplify the process of making meals for the soon to be college student or future grad with a classic Instant Pot.

$150 $115

Shop Now

Best College Graduation Gifts Under $200

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Amazon

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

The noise-cancelling Apple AirPods Pro 2 is a great graduation gift that they can use on walks, during workouts or while getting work done. 

$249 $200

Shop Now

Coach Tatum Carryall

Coach Tatum Carryall
Coach Outlet

Coach Tatum Carryall

The Coach Tatum Carryall is perfect to take to work or a job interview. It's sleek and can hold a 13-inch laptop.

SAMSUNG Jet 60 Flex Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner

SAMSUNG Jet 60 Flex Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Samsung

SAMSUNG Jet 60 Flex Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner

Save on Samsung's most lightweight and maneuverable Jet Stick vacuum. With excellent cleaning performance on both carpets and hard floors, the Samsung Jet 60 Fit comes with a removable battery that lets you vacuum for approximately 40 minutes on a low setting. 

$300 $200

Shop Now

Parachute Organic Textured Duvet Cover Set

Parachute Organic Textured Duvet Cover Set
Parachute

Parachute Organic Textured Duvet Cover Set

This duvet set looks as good as it feels because it's made from fluffy organic cotton and features a subtle, liveable basketweave that’s designed for effortless layering. It's offered in two colors and is perfect for any dorm room or apartment.

$309 $185

Shop Now

RELATED CONTENT: