
Shopping for a college graduation gift is no joke. Graduating college is one of the biggest accomplishments in a person’s life (I know for me it was), so you obviously want to find a gift that reflects this important milestone. Needless to say, the pressure is on.
College grads always appreciate cash, of course, but an occasion as momentous as this one warrants a gift even more special than a card with a check. Take it from someone who has a lot of graduation presents to buy this year; shopping for grad gifts isn’t easy. You want to get a gift that’s meaningful but useful at the same time. If the grad you’re shopping for is moving out on their own, a nice apartment gift is always a solid option. Or maybe they’re deciding to backpack Europe right after graduating — that’s where a customized travel journal comes in. No matter the circumstances, here are some of the best college graduation gifts for 2024.
For the traveler
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For $300, you can get a checked bag, carry-on luggage, packing cubes and a luggage tag. I’ve spent countless hours researching different luggage options and can guarantee that this is the best deal I’ve seen thus far. Those looking to take off to foreign destinations after graduating will be set with the CalPak starter bundle. Of course, the luggage itself isn’t top of the line and doesn’t include all the bells and whistles more high-end suitcases may offer, but it’s just what a graduating college senior will need for their upcoming trips.
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For $300, you can get a checked bag, carry-on luggage, packing cubes and a luggage tag. I’ve spent countless hours researching different luggage options and can guarantee that this is the best deal I’ve seen thus far. Those looking to take off to foreign destinations after graduating will be set with the CalPak starter bundle. Of course, the luggage itself isn’t top of the line and doesn’t include all the bells and whistles more high-end suitcases may offer, but it’s just what a graduating college senior will need for their upcoming trips.
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Every frequent flier knows that a good personal item can go a long way. If your grad is getting ready to jet set across the world then having a personal item that can hold more than a laptop is essential. The Monos Metro Backpack has a sleek design and comfortably holds a laptop, books and any extras.
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One of the best things a person can own is a journal. Looking back on entries from my travels and younger years is one of my favorite things to do when I’m feeling down. Gift the graduate a customized journal so that they’ll always have a special message to look back on as they document their new adventures.
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The Sunseeker Sunglasses from Golf le Fleur*, a fashion brand founded by artist Tyler, the Creator, will suit every college grad with a bright future and a ticket to a tropical destination. As a not-so-proud owner of dozens of cheap sunglasses, I can say that the Sunseeker Sunglasses truly change the game. The sharp rectangular designs make them a solid choice for all the sun-seeking graduates out there.
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These hand-poured soy wax candles have different scent profiles for each state. Arizona, for instance, smells like desert sand, blue agave and citrus. Kentucky’s got notes of bourbon and praline, while the Colorado candle evokes spruce, sandalwood, amber and cinnamon.
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Cold brew is so tempting, especially in the summer months, but new grads often need to cut costs. Help them out with an at-home coffee maker. The Vinci Express Cold Brew whips up cold brew beverages in as little as 5 minutes (traditionally the process takes over 18 hours). Bonus: This model’s compact size is perfect for first apartments.
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Influencer Emma Chamberlin’s Chamberlin Coffee brand has been taking the coffee world by storm the past few years. So every caffeine-obsessed grad would likely love Chamberlin Coffee’s Cold Brew Starter Pack. The pack includes a 10-pack of Chamberlin Coffee single-serve portions (you can choose which blend), stainless steel straws and a Chamberlin Coffee mason jar.