A graduation is a monumental milestone that deserves to be celebrated with a thoughtful gift. Whether you’re shopping for a friend, family member or classmate, this guide will inspire you with graduation gift ideas for all kinds of budgets and recipients — whether they’re graduating from high school or college. For the ultimate unique graduation gift to commemorate this major achievement, give a custom photo gift to show the graduate how proud of them you are. So, let’s dive into the best graduation gifts for 2024.
Table of contents:
- How to choose the perfect graduation gift
- Gift ideas for high school graduates
- Gift ideas for college graduates
- Top graduation gift ideas for friends and classmates
Source: Graduation party banner via VistaPrint
How to choose the perfect graduation gift
Choosing the best graduation gifts can be challenging, but keeping these key points in mind will make the process easier:
- Consider the graduate’s interests and tailor your gift to their hobbies, next steps and personal tastes.
- Weigh up practical vs. sentimental gifts and strike a balance between useful gifts for future plans and keepsakes that hold sentimental value.
- Set a budget and find quality gifts within that range to make sure your gift is affordable.
- Mark the recipient’s success with a personalized photo gift that will be cherished long after graduation.
Source: Graduation party banner via VistaPrint
Gift ideas for high school graduates
1. Engraved ballpoint pen (under $10)
An engraved ballpoint pen is a classic and affordable gift that adds a personal touch to a practical item. It’s also perfect for the graduate’s next academic journey or professional career.
Source: Engraved ballpoint pen via VistaPrint
2. Custom notebook (under $15)
A custom notebook provides space for the high school graduate to jot down their hopes and plans for the future. Plus, you can personalize the cover with their name, graduation year or a motivational quote.
Source: Custom notebook via VistaPrint
3. Custom T-shirt (under $20)
Celebrate the graduate’s major achievement with a custom T-shirt featuring their school logo, “Class of 2024” or a significant quote. Print custom T-shirts on VistaPrint using a template or a unique design that fits their style perfectly.
Source: Custom T-shirts via VistaPrint
4. Hoodie or sweatshirt (under $50)
To congratulate them on their years of hard work, gift the high school graduate a custom sweatshirt. A hoodie with “Class of 2024” and their name emblazoned on it will be the go-to comfy sweatshirt that helps get them through their college years.
Source: Custom hoodie via VistaPrint
5. Custom tote bag (under $20)
A custom tote bag is a meaningful yet practical gift, perfect for carrying books, groceries, gym gear or just about anything that graduates need day-to-day. Personalize the tote with a name, image or inspirational message that aptly marks the big occasion.
Source: Custom tote bag via VistaPrint
6. Canvas print (under $60)
Turn a cherished photo into a graduation canvas print that the graduate can hang in their new college dorm. It could be a photo from high school, their graduation or another memorable moment that deserves wall space.
Source: Canvas print via VistaPrint
7. Custom water bottle (under $25)
Encourage hydration with a personalized water bottle. This graduation gift idea is practical for daily use and can be customized with the recipient’s name or a fun design.
Source: Custom water bottle via VistaPrint
8. Personalized pillow (under $25)
A personalized pillow will add a touch of comfort and style to the graduate’s new living space. Customize this thoughtful graduation gift with a favorite photo or unique design that they’re bound to love.
Source: Custom graduation pillow via VistaPrint
9. Personalized blanket (under $60)
A soft custom blanket makes a useful gift for chilly study nights. To make this graduation gift even more personal to the graduate, add their name, photos of them over the years and a special message.
10. Custom wall calendar (under $30)
Help the graduate stay organized with a custom wall calendar featuring photos and important dates. This is a great gift to give a loved one because you can pick 12 photos, making them smile every month of the year.
Source: Wall calendars via VistaPrint
11. USB flash drive (under $20)
A custom USB flash drive is a practical gift for storing important files and memories, to be used for further study or as the graduate moves into a new workplace. Personalize the USB stick with their name or initials.
Source: Custom USB flash drive via VistaPrint
Gift ideas for college graduates
12. Travel coffee mug (under $30)
To help get the college graduate through the long work days ahead, print a personalized design on a travel mug that the graduate can carry with them on their commute.
Source: Custom travel mug via VistaPrint
13. Desk accessories (under $15)
Help the graduate set up their new office with stylish desk accessories, such as organizers, mouse pads and pen holders. Customize these useful accessories with their name or initials for a personal touch.
Source: Desk accessories via VistaPrint
14. Acrylic photo block (under $40)
An acrylic photo block featuring a favorite memory makes a sleek and modern addition to any graduate’s desk or shelf.
Source: Acrylic photo block via VistaPrint
15. Metal print (under $60)
A metal print is a unique way to display a photo, offering a contemporary look that stands out whether the graduate displays the print at home or in the office.
16. Wood print (under $40)
For a more rustic feel, adding natural warmth and texture to any room, consider a wood print for a unique graduation gift idea.
Source: Wood print via VistaPrint
17. Etched wine glasses (under $20)
Celebrate the graduate’s achievement with personalized wine glasses, perfect for toasting to their success. The modern stemless design makes the glasses — etched with a message of your choice — a versatile choice for non-alcoholic drinks, too.
Source: Etched wine glasses via VistaPrint
18. Power bank or wireless charger (under $15)
Keep the graduate’s devices charged on the go with a personalized power bank or wireless charger like this charging pad. This is a great practical graduation gift idea that they’ll use day to day.
Source: Charging pad via VistaPrint
19. Custom journal (under $25)
A custom journal allows college graduates to plan their next moves and jot down their career dreams. For a more personal touch, customize the journal with the recipient’s initials and graduation year.
Source: Custom journal via VistaPrint
20. Insulated bottle (under $25)
A custom insulated bottle like this stainless steel one keeps drinks hot or cold and can be personalized with a name or design. This personalized gift is ideal for any busy graduate as it can be used on the go and they won’t have to worry about confusing their bottle with anyone else’s.
Source: Insulated bottle via VistaPrint
21. Monogrammed scarf (under $30)
Custom scarves and gloves personalized with the recipient’s initials or the date they graduated is a special graduation gift idea that can be worn for many winters to come.
22. Meal kit subscription (price varies)
A meal kit subscription is a practical and thoughtful gift, helping the graduate enjoy home-cooked meals without the hassle of grocery shopping. It’s a great way to get them into cooking for themselves if they’ve been used to family or canteen dinners.
23. Custom desk calendar (under $15)
As the college graduate moves into the world of work, gift them a custom desk calendar featuring photos and important dates for each month of the year to remind them of the good times.
Graduation gift ideas for friends and classmates
24. Photo book (under $20)
Compile memories into a beautiful photo book that your friend or classmate can cherish forever. Choose photos from your time together throughout school or college that they can look back on for years to come.
Source: A photo book via VistaPrint
25. Framed print (under $40)
A framed graduation print of a special photo makes a meaningful and decorative gift for friends, classmates and recent graduates.
Source: Framed print via VistaPrint
26. Custom mug (under $15)
A custom mug printed with a favorite photo or message using a graduation design template is perfect for the graduate’s morning coffee or tea. And they’ll think of you and your shared memories each time they take a sip.
Source: Custom graduation mug via VistaPrint
27. Photo tiles (under $10)
Photo tiles are an easy way to create a personalized photo wall without nails or hooks so your friend can display some of your best memories together, without worrying about marking their rental walls!
28. Personal development book (under $15)
An inspiring personal development book can provide motivation and guidance as the graduate embarks on the next chapter of their life. Customize a notebook or journal or even a photo book to encourage the recipient to document their development.
29. Custom stamp (under $15)
A custom stamp with the graduate’s initials, name or a unique design is a fun and useful tool for personalizing stationery and documents.
Source: Custom stamps via VistaPrint
30. Etched pint glass (under $20)
Personalize a custom-etched graduation pint glass with the recipient’s name and the date they graduated as a special way to mark this momentous occasion.
Source: Etched pint glass via VistaPrint
31. Photo mouse pad (under $10)
A personalized photo mouse pad adds a personal touch to the recent graduate’s workspace and keeps special memories with friends close at hand throughout the day.
Source: Photo mouse pad via VistaPrint
32. Photo keychain (under $15)
A customized photo keychain is a small but meaningful gift, perfect for keeping the graduate’s keys organized for the next chapter of life.
33. Custom cap (under $20)
A custom cap featuring a school or college logo or a fun design is a stylish and practical gift, serving as a great reminder of your time studying together.
Source: Custom cap via VistaPrint
Celebrate a graduation with VistaPrint
Selecting the best graduation gift calls for careful thought and consideration of the recipient’s interests, needs and future plans. After all, gift-giving is about picking the perfect present for your loved one — not necessarily something you want for yourself. This list of top graduation gift ideas suggests a range of options for high school and college graduates, friends, classmates and family members, helping you find a meaningful and memorable gift for every budget. Celebrate the graduate’s achievements with a party, print all of the essentials with VistaPrint, and show your support by choosing a thoughtful personalized photo gift.
