I Hate to Break It to You, but No One Actually Wants These 5 Common Graduation Gifts
No need to stress, though. Here's exactly what to get them instead.
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Graduation season is upon us—and you probably already know the struggle of finding the perfect gift. Graduating from college, high school, or really any educational endeavor warranting a ceremony is a huge deal, so you want a gift that will match that energy. While some might say the best grad gifts are the ones that come from the heart, may I be a little cynical here? The best gifts are actually the ones that will be useful as they enter their post-grad era.
Just so we're clear, I wouldn't recommend gifting a new grad any of the following:
- Generic "Congrats, grad" gear: While some graduation-themed merch might look cute, it's not like they're ever going to wear it or use it again once they're out of this phase of life. Save yourself the trouble and skip over the graduation socks or the "Welcome to the Real World" T-shirts.
- College merch: Perfect for high school grads, but for the most part, college grads do not want a sweatshirt from their alma mater. Do you know how many free T-shirts they got in college? So many that six years later, I'm still drowning in mine.
- Oh, The Places You'll Go! or any other sentimental book: I know, I know, you might think I'm cold and ruthless for this one, but I can assure you that most college grads don't want a Dr. Seuss children's book—no matter how sweet and sentimental the story. It'll just sit and gather dust on a shelf. Instead, pen a heartfelt message in a card (if you're committed to the Oh, The Places You'll Go! theme, this one's cute!)—and use your gift budget for something they'll actually be able to use.
- Super formal work clothes: It's 2025 and most of us aren't wearing suits and heels to the office every single day. Feel free to spring for some luxe work clothes for your grad if you know they'll get use out of them—but for the record, I've never had a job where I've been required to follow a business formal dress code.
- Gift cards: Hear me out: If your grad asks for a specific gift card or mentions that they're planning to make a big-ticket purchase from somewhere like Apple, then by all means, give them a gift card! What I'm actually referring to here is giving a gift card to a random store or restaurant. Instead, opt for cash or a Visa gift card so they can use it to buy something they've been eyeing.
That being said, finding the perfect graduation gift doesn't have to be all that difficult, I promise! To give you some gifting inspo, I've rounded up some gift ideas that any grad would love. In fact, tons of them are inspired by the items I wanted or needed most in the years after I graduated, while furnishing my first big-girl apartment and entering the working world. Without further ado, these are the gifts grads actually want...
Shopping for a graduate who has tons of travel plans coming up? Spring for this carry-on from editor-loved brand Quince. I recently scooped up this model and have been super impressed by its 360-degree wheels, sturdy handle, and included compression pad and laundry bag. And no, your eyes aren't deceiving you: This suitcase resembles a much pricier option but won't add as much stress your wallet.
Way back in 2019, I actually bought myself an iPad as my own personal graduation gift. Flash forward six years and I'm still using it pretty much every single day! I've had jobs where I've used it to jot down notes, I use it to catch up on my favorite TV shows while traveling, read Cosmo articles... the possibilities are quite literally endless.
Not to be dramatic, but this planner has changed my life. Each day gets its own page, complete with an hourly view, a section to jot down the day's priorities, and a space for your grad's ever-growing to-do list. Plus, it's not dated, so it can be used at whatever pace works for them. Oh, and it comes in countless patterns and can be personalized with their name or initials.
Once your grad is out in the real world, they're going to want a wallet that makes them feel professional when they go to grab their card. While this Coach option is small, it's packed with tons of space—eight card slots and two full-length bill compartments, to be exact!—for all of their essentials.
While I wouldn't recommend gifting super specific cookware (the kitchens in first apartments tend to be TINY), I would indeed recommend gifting a multi-function pan that's sure to be used on repeat—even if it's for making frozen Trader Joe's dinners. This oven-safe pan braises, sears, steams, strains, sautés, fries, boils, and bakes... If I'm being honest, there's nothing it can't do.
Behold: The lunch tote that'll garner tons of complements. Whether you're shopping for someone who is planning to head in the office everyday and needs a cute bag to stow their meal prep, or someone who can always be found out and about picnicking with friends in their new city, this insulated wicker tote keeps food cold while looking as cute as any rattan bag on the market.
So, your grad copped a remote role? Gift them a walking pad that helps them hit their step goal while trucking through their overflowing inbox. Not only does it fit neatly under a desk, but it can be stowed under their bed when not in use. Plus, they'll reach for it all winter long when it's too cold out to fit in their Hot Girl Walks.
Our editors have tried nearly every makeup bag on the market and in our expert opinion, Béis's cosmetics case reigns supreme. This faux leather bag has enough space to stow a full entire makeup routine and comes with a travel mirror and removable brush pouch to make getting ready on the go that much easier. Plus, it's easy to clean, so they won't have to stress if their favorite eyeshadow palette flakes inside.
You know those people who you can immediately smell when they walk in the room? (In the best way possible, of course.) Chances are it's all thanks to their signature scent. If you're shopping for a grad who doesn't have their own go-to fragrance, gift 'em one of our personal faves: Glossier You. It works to enhance the wearer's natural scent and was created with layering in mind, so it's a great place to start when it comes to building their perfume collection.
Whether you're shopping for someone who is moving into their first apartment or someone who is upgrading their room while living at home, it's hard to go wrong with gifting them a pair of upgraded buttery-soft sheets. I mean, Oprah has dubbed them one of her Favorite Things, so you can believe this brand is worth the hype.
No matter if they're jetting off on work trips or have already planned a trip back to their alma mater for a football game this fall, they'll surely need a case to protect their favorite jewelry. Cosmo editors love this Dagne Dover option for its hidden storage compartments and thoughtful design, including loops that prevent necklaces from getting tangled.
Mark and Graham Scalloped Personalized Stationery Note Cards Set
Nothing says all-grown-up like a set of custom note cards, right? Not only do these feel so much more elevated than your standard store-bought stationery, but they even come with matching envelopes that'll impress any recipient. Trust, this stationery is so good, any grad are sure to re-order them once they use 'em all up.
If your grad is someone who wholeheartedly believes in the mantra "pics or it didn't happen," gift them a digital camera that'll allow them to capture every last post-grad memory. Not only is this lightweight point-and-shoot camera super easy to use, but the brand claims it has impressive battery life. Just imagine your satisfaction when you see their Instagram post!
Sometimes you've just gotta forgo the rolling luggage for an easy weekender. Bonus points for one that won't dislocate your shoulder as you're sprinting to your gate, like this duffel from Away. It's packed with useful organizational features like a shoe compartment, a padded laptop sleeve, and even a slot for their passport!
If you ask me, virtually every occasion is made better with music. If you're shopping for a grad who feels the same, gift 'em this handy Bluetooth speaker, armed with a convenient clip so they can attach it to their bag or cooler for days spent outdoors. Plus, it's waterproof, dustproof, and boasts a 12-hour battery life.
As someone who often takes her morning cup of Joe on the go, I've gotta say, Yeti's Rambler mugs are the best. Not only do I love how it comes in this 24-ounce size for mornings when you need a whole lotta caffeine, but its lid has saved me from many an outfit disaster while commuting on the subway. Plus, it can be used for hot and cold drinks.
BaubleBar Puffy Heart 18K Gold Custom Pendant Necklace
Anytime someone gives me a personalized gift, I swear my heart grows three sizes à la the Grinch. Something about the fact that they took the time to pick out the gift well in advance and add my name or initial just gets me all teary. While I'm very into this puffy pendant, you can't go wrong with any of the custom—and surprisingly affordable—personalized options from BaubleBar.
Trust me: The New York City subway is flooded with women using their Le Pliages as their work bag. And for good reason! Its nylon construction makes it super durable and it fully zips for peace of mind. Plus, it can fit a laptop. I've owned several of these and can tell ya firsthand that they're popular for a reason.
Odds are they're excited to host friends at their new place, which means they'll need to deck out their bar cart with tons of pretty wine glasses. Luckily, these colored glasses are actually made from acrylic, so they shouldn't get shattered once the party gets rolling.
Once your grad crosses that stage, it's time for their next milestone: Getting rid of their filthy sneakers that have seen everything from lecture halls to frat basements. Upgrade them to an on-trend pair like the Puma Speedcat to show them you're in the know. These are available in a dozen cute color options to suit their personality, and pair perfectly with everything from jeans to flirty skirts.
Madison McGee is a commerce editor at Hearst Magazines. For the past year, she has contributed shopping content, gift guides, product testing, and deals coverage across Hearst’s portfolio, which includes Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Men's Health, House Beautiful, Elle, Town and Country, Esquire, Country Living, Oprah Daily, and more. Prior to joining Hearst, she was a staff writer at BuzzFeed and worked in book publishing. Madison is a graduate of the University of Mississippi’s journalism program, and holds a Masters in Publishing from New York University. When she’s not scouting out the best deals, she can be found reading, cheering on the Baltimore Ravens, or exploring New York City’s indie bookstores.
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