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40 College Graduation Gifts That They'll Love and Actually Use

Real world-ready.

Headshot of Jessica ChernerBy Jessica Cherner
college graduation gifts
Soumi Sarkar

If there is one group of people that's actually easy to shop for, it's soon-to-be college graduates, so we rounded up a few (read: 40) college graduation gifts that they'll not only love but actually use in the proverbial real world. After all, graduating from college doesn't just mean swapping classes for a job and dorms for an apartment. It also means living with a touch more responsibility than they may have over the last four years, so all of our top picks are goodies both luxurious and affordable that will make the transition from student to adult that much easier.

From an Echo Dot that basically doubles as a personal assistant to a leather-bound monogrammed refillable notebook, there are a lot of solid options ahead. We even threw in some fun ones, including a six-bottle set of ready-to-drink margaritas and a set of acrylic (also known as unbreakable) margarita glasses, a Lichtenstein-inspired banana-shaped flower vase, and a digital picture frame with a high-capacity memory card.

So with graduation season underway, now is the best time to score a few meaningful gifts to celebrate a serious accomplishment. Just don't wait too long because not only is graduation around the corner, but other people celebrating their own grads may snap up your coveted gift first. For those who tend to go for last-minute gifts, rest assured that plenty of ours are from Amazon, so they'll arrive just in the nick of time.

For the Stressed

Bright Cellars Day & Night Variety Margarita Bundle

Day & Night Variety Margarita Bundle
For the Stressed

Bright Cellars Day & Night Variety Margarita Bundle

$111 at brightcellars.com
Credit: Bright Cellars

College kids may not understand the need for a good drink after a long day at work yet, but they will. This six-bottle set of pre-made margaritas will definitely make any stressful hours in-office a little lighter—both literally and figuratively. Plus, six bottles of vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and ready-to-drink cocktails for only $110? We'd call that a steal.

For the Margarita Lover

West Elm Organic Shaped Acrylic Margarita Glasses

On Sale
Organic Shaped Acrylic Margarita Glasses
For the Margarita Lover

West Elm Organic Shaped Acrylic Margarita Glasses

Now 15% Off
Credit: West Elm

Of course, you can't enjoy a margarita in anything other than a classic glass designed for the namesake cocktail. These ones, which look like old sea glass, are actually made of incredibly durable acrylic, so feel free to use them outside and toss them in the dishwasher.

For the Disorganized

Amazon Echo Dot

On Sale
Echo Dot
For the Disorganized

Amazon Echo Dot

Now 50% Off
Credit: Amazon

The Echo Dot may have come out a few years ago, but it's just as useful as ever—especially to any young adults about to start going to an office every morning. It's basically a speaker integrated with Alexa, which can do everything from set alarms to informing you about the weather. She's basically a personal assistant who can do just about anything.

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For the Secure

Google Google Nest Cam

Google Nest Cam
For the Secure

Google Google Nest Cam

Now 44% Off
Credit: Amazon

Another high-tech gift that anyone moving into their first home will appreciate is a Google Nest Cam, which may seem a bit extreme, but we'll be the first to tell you that first apartments are hardly as safe as college dorms, so opting for an elevated security system is never a bad idea. The camera, which you can buy individually or in a set of two, is weather-proof, so feel free to use them indoors and out. It features built-in AI that can tell the difference between a person, animal, and vehicle, and it will send alerts directly through the Google Home app.

For the New Apartment

Anthropologie Floral Greeting Doormat

Floral Greeting Doormat
For the New Apartment

Anthropologie Floral Greeting Doormat

Credit: Anthropologie

A doormat makes any space feel a little homier, so give your college grad a charming welcome to their space. This one is colorful but not overpowering, making it an ideal option in our opinion.

For the Proud

Wade Logan Aishe Floating Document Picture Frame

Aishe Floating Document Picture Frame
For the Proud

Wade Logan Aishe Floating Document Picture Frame

Credit: Wayfair

Graduating from college is a big achievement that should be celebrated long after the big day. There's no better way to do that than displaying the diploma in a floating document frame. It does take about three weeks to ship, but the diploma often takes even longer to mail out, so there's hardly any rush.

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For the Florist

UrbanStems The Grower's Choice Peony

The Grower's Choice Peony
For the Florist

UrbanStems The Grower's Choice Peony

Credit: UrbanStems

You can't go wrong with a bouquet of fresh blooms—especially peonies, which are in season for only a few weeks out of the year. Luckily, those weeks tend to coincide with most graduations. You can get this arrangement with 10, 20, 0r 30 stems and celebrate in style. Just don't forget the vase. Luckily, UrbanStems has plenty of beautiful options.

For the Notetaker

Mark & Graham Classic Refillable Journal

Best Seller
Classic Refillable Journal
For the Notetaker

Mark & Graham Classic Refillable Journal

Credit: Mark & Graham

No matter what industry your college grad is about to enter, they'll need a notebook. Whether they use it to journal or write to-do lists, they'll be glad it's by their side. The best part? You can monogram it to make your gift feel extra personal.

For the Beauty Sleeper

Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

On Sale
Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
For the Beauty Sleeper

Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

Now 25% Off
Credit: Brooklinen

Is there anything more luxurious than a silk pillowcase? We think not. And because they're so extravagant, they're likely not something someone with an entry-level job would get for themselves. That's where you come in. These Brooklinen silk pillowcases come in two sizes and seven colors, so you're bound to find something they'll love.

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For the Robe Wearer

Brooklinen Checkerboard Robe

Checkerboard Robe
For the Robe Wearer

Brooklinen Checkerboard Robe

Credit: Brooklinen

Some people basically live in bathrobes, and for them, a cheaply made one that falls apart after a few washes just won't cut it. Go for this stylish retro-inspired find from Brooklinen. The sleeves are a bit cropped, which looks great and keeps them from getting soaked when you're washing your face.

For the Decorator

Serena & Lily Beachcomber Cotton Throw

On Sale
Beachcomber Cotton Throw
For the Decorator

Serena & Lily Beachcomber Cotton Throw

Now 18% Off
Credit: Serena & Lily

If you're not quite sure what to get, you can't go wrong with a beautiful waffled cotton throw blanket. This one from Serena & Lily is so lightweight and elegant, making it a great gift for someone who needs to dress up their space without doing too much.

For the Hot Sleeper

Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress

On Sale
Loom & Leaf Mattress
For the Hot Sleeper

Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress

Now 13% Off
Credit: Saatva

A mattress may seem as odd as it is extravagant for a college graduation gift, but hear us out: This isn't something an aunt or neighbor would get. It's for parents who want to give their child an upgrade from dorm mattresses. This one is as big an upgrade as can be expected. It's made with ultra-premium five-pound memory foam and breathable gel-infused foam to keep them cool. You may even be tempted to snag one for yourself. After all, it is on sale!

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For the Candle Collector

Anthropologie Monogram Candle

Monogram Candle
For the Candle Collector

Anthropologie Monogram Candle

Credit: Anthropologie

Candles are like throw blankets: You don't necessarily need them, but once you have them, you realize what a big difference they make. This one, which is monogrammed and has a 71-hour burn time, smells like a mix of gardenia, salted guava, tonka, and musk.

For the Parfumerie

Maison Margiela REPLICA Beach Walk Eau de Toilette

REPLICA Beach Walk Eau de Toilette
For the Parfumerie

Maison Margiela REPLICA Beach Walk Eau de Toilette

Credit: Sephora

A luxurious perfume is another great gift that will last a long time. This Margiela spritz is one of our favorites because it recalls soft sand beaches in Europe. Plus, it looks great on a nightstand.

For the Entertainer

MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check Enamel Coasters, Set of 4

Courtly Check Enamel Coasters, Set of 4
For the Entertainer

MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check Enamel Coasters, Set of 4

Credit: MacKenzie-Childs

If we had to pick MacKenzie-Childs's most recognizable print, it would be the courtly check. This set of coasters adds a little touch of personality to any home, whether your college grad uses them for her chilled water bottle during work hours or for their guests' glasses on wine night.

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For the Photographer

akimart Smart WiFi Digital Photo Frame

On Sale
Smart WiFi Digital Photo Frame
For the Photographer

akimart Smart WiFi Digital Photo Frame

Now 42% Off
Credit: Amazon

Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner is a big fan of these digital picture frames. "My siblings and I got one for our parents last year and they (and we) are obsessed with it. All you have to do is send your favorite pictures to the frame from your phone and they play on a slideshow," she says. There's room for thousands of images.

For the Artistic

The Citizenry Hansa Vase

Hansa Vase
For the Artistic

The Citizenry Hansa Vase

Credit: The Citizenry

This sumptuously shaped vase, which comes in a milky beige and a soft black, is hand-made in India, where lots of small-batch goods from the Citizenry are crafted by expert artisans. Get one or both in a set for your college grad's first home.

For the Missing Keys

GANNI Smiley Glitter Keychain

Smiley Glitter Keychain
For the Missing Keys

GANNI Smiley Glitter Keychain

Credit: Ssense

Everyone has keys, so why not make them easier to find (and a bit more stylish) with a designer keyring? Plus, if they tend to lose their keys, they can clip this smiley face patch right onto their bag.

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Most Sustainable

Paravel Aviator Carry-on Plus

Aviator Carry-on Plus
Most Sustainable

Paravel Aviator Carry-on Plus

Credit: Paravel

There are lots of luggage brands out there, but Paravel is the one we always come back to. Its pieces, including the carbon-neutral Aviator carry-on Plus, sustainably-sourced materials including recycled polycarbonate, recycled aluminum, and recycled vegan leather. There's nothing jet-setters love more than an environmentally friendly approach to travel, right?

For the Feminine

Williams Sonoma Famille Rose Square Dipping Bowls, Set of 4

Famille Rose Square Dipping Bowls, Set of 4
For the Feminine

Williams Sonoma Famille Rose Square Dipping Bowls, Set of 4

Credit: Williams Sonoma

Technically, these are dipping bowls, but unless your college grad is planning on hosting elaborate multi-course dinner parties in their new apartment, we'd suggest giving this adorable mix-and-match set as catch-all trays for jewelry, keys, and anything else too small to hide in a drawer.

Headshot of Jessica Cherner
Jessica Cherner

Jessica Cherner is House Beautiful’s associate shopping editor and knows where to find the best high-low pieces for any room.

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