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The 50 best college graduation gifts for her

A side-by-side collage of a person holding the Cuyana System Tote on the left and of two embroidered college pillows on the right.
The best college graduation gifts for her can be trendy or sentimental. Cuyana; Uncommon Goods
Updated

The best college graduation gifts for her mark a transition into the next chapter of her life. You might want to get her something useful for work, decor for her new home, or a sentimental item to remember her college days. For example, our readers love two specific products in this guide: Leatherology's business card case for her new job and Grafomap's custom city maps for her college town or new home. 

If you have a female college graduate in your life, read through the following gift options below, ranging from fashionable to useful to educational. Plus, check out our other gift guides on the best college graduation gifts for him and the best graduation gift ideas overall. 

A pillow that pays homage to their alma mater

customized college embroidery pillow
Uncommon Goods

Embroidered College Pillow

If they look back on their time in college fondly, they'll love the idea of bringing a piece of their alma mater into their space. This pillow, covered in the iconography and colors of their university, infuses their bed, couch, or accent chair with some school spirit. 

A personalized signet ring

ring on a women's finger
Catbird

Catbird Jewelry Dollhouse Signet Ring

Nice jewelry will always be an appreciated gift, especially after such a big accomplishment as graduating college. A signet ring is a classic piece that she can wear everyday. This dainty number from catbird is made of 14K gold, and can be engraved with a singular letter for a personal touch. Whether you choose the letter of their name, someone they love, or their alma mater, this is a gorgeous way to commemorate this important time in their life.

A commemorative map of their college town

Framed black and white customized map of Manhattan in a frame set on top of a desk next to a lamp, potted plant, and books.
Grafomap

Grafomap Personalized Map Poster

Capture the essence of their college town, hometown, or favorite place in the world with a customizable graphic map. This thoughtful gift allows them to commemorate a special location and keep it close to their heart no matter where life takes them. The map can be customized with specific details, such as street names, landmarks, and personalized messages, making it a truly unique and sentimental piece. Whether they choose to display it in their home or keep it as a cherished memento, this customizable graphic map serves as a constant reminder of the special place they hold dear. It's a heartfelt and meaningful college graduation gift that will evoke fond memories and inspire a sense of nostalgia.

A great work bag

Side by side of Cuyana System tote in caramel and inside of bag.
Insider

Cuyana System Tote 13-inch

Not only is it gorgeous, but this roomy tote is thoughtfully designed to maximize space and keep her belongings organized. It features a snap system that lets her add or remove organizational accessories, so the bag is customized to her needs. It's also versatile; she can use the interior organizational pouch as a clutch at night when the bag is off-duty. There's a 13- or 16-inch option, as well as beautiful pebbled or croco leather to choose from.

A weighted sleep mask

Nodpod Weighted Eye Mask spa gift
Nodpod

Nodpod Sleep Mask

Now that she's graduated from college, she can kiss all-nighters goodbye. Help her get the best sleep possible with this weighted eye mask and its light, soothing pressure.

A perfume sampler with a redeemable certificate

Sephora Mini Deluxe Perfume Sample
Sephora

Mini Deluxe Perfume Sampler Set with Redeemable Voucher

Help her find her new signature scent with this perfume sampler set. She'll get to try seven different iconic fragrances, then redeem the included voucher for a full-size bottle. A new perfume is the perfect way to celebrate a life change like graduating.

Custom collegiate wine glasses

Uncommon Goods College Cityscape glasses, featuring the University of Michigan.
Uncommon Goods

College Cityscape Wine Glasses (Set of 2)

The perfect addition to her glassware cabinet, the College Cityscape Wine Glasses feature landmarks from her alma mater so she'll never forget her college days. With over 60 colleges to choose from, she'll love remembering her campus when hosting guests or enjoying a glass of wine at home.

A monogrammed jewelry box she’ll keep forever

Mejuri jewelry box in beige with lid open.
Mejuri

Mejuri Jewelry Box

A monogrammed jewelry box is a wonderful college graduation gift for her. It's the kind of item that she may not think to splurge on for herself, but will absolutely appreciate having. Not only is it a beautiful and timeless piece, but it's also personalized with her monogram, adding a special touch. With a jewelry box, she'll have a dedicated place to store and organize her precious accessories for years to come.

A cute and functional lunch bag

A pink lunch bag.
Camryn Rabideau/Business Insider

Stanley All Day Julienne Mini Cooler

Whether she's entering the workforce or going to graduate school after graduation, she'll appreciate this spacious lunch bag from Stanley. It's also large enough to take on picnics or beach trips.

A more pleasant way to wake up every day

The Hatch Restore 2 glows reddish and displays 11:20 on a bedside table next to a lamp and book.
Jenny McGrath/Business Insider

Hatch Restore Sunrise Alarm Clock

To help them transition to earlier mornings, the Hatch Alarm Clock is an excellent choice. This innovative alarm clock simulates sunlight to gently wake them up, mimicking the natural sunrise. The gradual brightening of light helps regulate their sleep cycle and makes waking up a more peaceful and energizing experience.

Additionally, the Hatch Alarm Clock offers various customizable features, such as different light colors, sounds, and a built-in nightlight. It's a thoughtful gift that can improve their mornings and overall sleep quality, making it easier for them to adjust to a new schedule.

A savvy suitcase

side by side showing packed Beis bag
Rebecca Shinners/Business Insider

Béis The Carry-On Roller

She'll love taking this trendy carry-on bag on all of her postgrad adventures. It's the pick for extra space in our best carry-on guide because of its expandability and organization features. Read our Beis carry on luggage review for more details.

Classic gold hoops with a floral twist

Simple & Dainty Floral Hoop Earrings on a white background.
Simple & Dainty

Simple & Dainty Thin Flower Hoops Earrings

Hoop earrings are the perfect everyday accessory, from working at the office to a girl's night out on the town. We love this pair from Simple & Dainty with its intricate floral etching, which gives the earrings a elevated design. Read more hoop earring recommendations in our best hoop earrings guide.

A monogrammed passport cover and luggage tag for her future travels

Leatherology Deluxe Passport Cover + Luggage Tag Set in mustard.
Leatherology

Leatherology Deluxe Passport Cover and Luggage Tag Set

Hopefully, post-graduation life brings with it plenty of opportunities for travel and new adventures. This leather passport cover and matching luggage tag can be functional, stylish, and sentimental pieces they travel with for a long time — especially because you can have it monogrammed, too.

A trendy pair of sneakers

A grid of eight brightly colored sneakers.
Alohas

Alohas Tb.490 Rife Sneakers

Impress your fashionista graduate with a pair of comfortable leather sneakers. They'll add a pop of color to her wardrobe as she continues on the journey ahead.

A set of quality dinnerware

A set of yellow plates from the Hawkins New York Essentials set.
Urban Outfitters

Hawkins New York Essential 16-Piece Dinnerware Set

Graduating from college also means that it's time for her to graduate from her mismatched plates and bowls. Upgrade her kitchen cabinet with the Hawkins New York Essential 16-piece Dinnerware Set, which comes in eight colors and includes two sizes of plates and bowls.

A perfectly designed work bag

A pile of Senreve Maestra bags with flowers surrounding them.
Senreve

Senreve Maestra

The Senreve Maestra is not a cheap work bag. In fact, we thought the price was ridiculous before trying it. But, if you're looking for a big gift and possibly have people you can split the cost with, this one is worth an investment.

Its design is distinctive and sharp, its organization system excellent, and it can be worn in a few different ways — as a backpack, handbag, or crossbody. The leather is stain- and water-resistant and the bag also comes with a lifetime warranty. It also comes in three sizes: the Mini, Midi, and the Maestra, but the largest size is the only one that holds a 13-inch laptop.

A luxurious hotel-quality robe

Folded Fluff Co Hotel Robe resting on top of a slatted bamboo holder that sits across a bathtub.
Fluff Co

Fluff Co Hotel Robe

For graduates looking to unwind and relax, the Fluff Co hotel robe is an excellent choice. Made with high-quality cotton, this robe offers a soft and fluffy feel, providing ultimate comfort. It's available in a range of colors and sizes, catering to individual preferences.

With its durable design, it is built to last for years, making it a gift that will continue to bring comfort and relaxation well beyond graduation. Treat the graduates in your life to the gift of luxurious comfort with a Fluff Co hotel robe.

A polaroid camera

Person holding a mint green Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Camera and a printed photo while sitting on a picnic blanket.
Best Buy

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera

Your favorite college graduate is probably used to snapping pictures on her iPhone. And while she may be great at it, an instant camera is a fun new medium to explore. Every time she snaps a picture, she'll actually get a hard copy to hold onto. An iPhone just can't compare. 

A toolkit she will need

CARTMAN 148-Piece Tool Kit open to show wrenches, hammer, drill bits, pliers, and assorted other tools inside.
Amazon

Cartman General Household Hand Tool Kit

After graduation, you enter the "real world," and the real world will include putting together furniture, Googling how to fix leaky faucets when your landlord avoids your calls, and enticing your friends with pizza to get them to help you mount your living room TV. It's not the most "fun" gift, but it will be necessary. 

A book filled with memories

The Artifact Uprising Everyday Photo Book.
Artifact Uprising

Artifact Uprising Everyday Photo Book

After four years of learning and fun, she probably has more memories than she can count. A sweet way to commemorate her college journey is with a photo book. This one is easy to personalize and fill with photos of her most cherished memories. You can be sure she'll flip through this often.

A set of packing cubes

A set of Monos packing cubes on the floor
Jamie Davis Smith/Business Insider

Monos Compression Packing Cubes

If your college grad has travel plans on the horizon, gifting them packing cubes will be greatly appreciated. Packing cubes are practical and versatile organizers that can make a significant difference in the packing and travel experience. These packing cubes from Monos are compressible, so they can fit more in their suitcase. Read our full Monos packing cube review.

A nice business card holder

Two colors of the Leatherology business card case on a white backdrop.
Leatherology

Leatherology Business Card Case

Her company will probably give out business cards, but she's less likely to already own a business card holder she can feel good about pulling out at work, internships, or networking events. This looks polished, and Leatherology delivers orders in beautiful boxes, which doesn't hurt for gifting. You can even get the holder monogrammed.

A week's worth of great socks

bombas ankle socks
Bombas

Bombas Women's Week of Ankle Socks

We know what you're thinking– socks? Yes, really, socks. Their college sock collection has probably seen better days, so treat them to a few fresh new pairs to help them walk through this next chapter of life. When it comes to socks, Bombas are some of the most comfortable and supportive around. For more on why we love this brand, read our Bombas socks review

An everyday accessory

women wearing a dagne dover fanny pack across her shoulder
Dagne Dover

Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack

There's a time and a place for a bag, but sometimes you just need to tote a few essentials with you and you want to keep your hands free. That's when a fanny pack comes in handy. This one from Dagne Dover has plenty of pockets to stash cards and other small essentials, is super comfortable to wear, and comes in a variety of fun colors.

A high-quality olive oil to elevate their cooking

Person's hand pouring Wonder Valley Olive Oil over a bowl of salad.
Wonder Valley

Wonder Valley Olive Oil

This 2024 harvest olive oil is truly special. Made from a blend of Arbequina, Favalosa, and Tuscan olives, it is carefully hand-picked from groves in Lake County, CA, and pressed by a master miller within hours of harvest. The result is an olive oil with a bright, herbaceous, and peppery taste that brings a burst of flavor to any dish. Not only is it delicious, but it also contains high levels of polyphenols, powerful antioxidants associated with longevity. This premium olive oil makes for an exceptional and health-conscious graduation gift for any food lover.

A beautiful bouquet

The Bouqs Co flowers in pink and checkered vase
The Bouqs Co.

The Bouqs Co Flower Delivery Service

Send flowers if you can't be there in person or if you're supplementing a digital gift such as a gift card. We're fans of The Bouqs Co.; the company is the top pick in our best online flower delivery service guide.

If you're looking for something that will last a couple of weeks, you'll also find options for potted plants.

A perfect way to start their day

Person placing an iced matcha latte in a clear glass onto a coaster on a wooden table.
Clevr Blends

Clevr Blends Matcha SuperLatte

For graduates looking to boost their daily routine with a healthy and delicious option, consider gifting them Clevr Blends' ceremonial-grade matcha. Sourced from Japan and certified organic and non-GMO, this matcha is finely ground into a powder that can be easily mixed into hot or cold water, milk, or smoothies. It's a convenient way to enjoy the numerous health benefits of matcha while adding a touch of sophistication to their daily rituals.

A versatile kitchen gadget

Broccoli sits in the cooking compartment of the Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer
James Brains

Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer

The air fryer seems to be the choice kitchen gadget for recent college graduates, and for good reason. It makes cooking, and cleaning, a breeze. We've tested and reviewed plenty of air fryers and think the Instant Vortex Plus is the best air fryer thanks to its viewing window, affordability, and versatility.

A reusable bag that holds everything and then some

baggu
Baggu Instagram

Standard Baggu

They probably have an array of canvas bags and totes from random events in college, but the Standard Baggu is enough to replace them all. It's a reusable bag made of ripstop nylon that can hold up to 50 pounds worth of stuff, and folds down small enough to fit into a 5x5 inch pouch. This will be their go-to bag for errands, groceries, and so much more.

A journal to hold her notes and thoughts

a journal assortment from Papier
Papier

Papier Hardcover Notebook

Navigating life post-college can seem daunting. If she's the type who loves to write out every thought that crosses her mind, treat her to a new journal. This one is the perfect place to house all of her notes and thoughts. Papier has plenty of beautiful options that truly make journaling fun, but we love this design and that it can be personalized.

A chic electric kettle

The fellow kettle on a countertop, the best electric kettle in 2021
Steph Coelho/Business Insider

Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Pour-Over Kettle

This kettle is equal parts decorative and utilitarian. It heats up water easily for pour over coffee, tea, instant ramen, and more – and it looks good doing it.

The gift of reading

Book of the Month
Book of the Month

Book of The Month Subscription

Book of the Month is a bookworm's dream. Each month they'll get the option to have one book from BOTM's well-curated collection sent to their doorstep. It's an easy way to ensure they always have something new to read, and it's a great way for them to get introduced to new titles too.

A food delivery gift card

food on a table from doordash delivery service
Doordash

Doordash Gift Card

Whether they don't want to cook or don't know how to, there's always food delivery. Gift cards get a lot of flack for not being personal, but a food delivery gift card will always be put to good use. And when they get to order their favorite meal without paying a dime, they'll be thinking of you.

A classic footwear option

Person wearing Birkenstock Women's Arizona Essentials EVA Sandals.
Dick's Sporting Goods

Birkenstock Arizona Sandal

These comfortable and fashionable summer footwear options are perfect for various occasions, from long walks to casual outings. With their contoured footbeds that offer excellent arch support, they ensure comfort and support during extended wear.

Birkenstocks come in a wide range of styles and colors, allowing her to find the perfect pair that matches her personal taste. Whether she's exploring the campus or enjoying outdoor activities, gifting her a pair of Birkenstocks will keep her comfortable and stylish throughout the summer and beyond.

A truly luxurious and captivating candle

Loewe Tomato Leaves Candle in a red ridged container.
Net-A-Porter

Loewe Tomato Leaves Candle

Surprise her with the luxurious and unique scent of the Loewe Tomato candle. Its fresh and spicy fragrance adds a touch of sophistication to any room. It makes for one of the best college graduation gifts for her.

A box of artisanal chocolates

Box with andSons Signature Collection of six artisanal chocolates.
andSons

andSons Signature Collection (6-pack)

The andSons Signature Box makes for a perfect graduation gift with its collection of fine chocolates that blend classic European-style ganaches and pralines with modern and inventive hand-painted molded confections. The award-winning, foil-stamped packaging showcases a selection of their most popular and seasonal chocolates, making it a truly special and indulgent treat for any chocolate-loving graduate.

A shipment of sweets from NYC

Milk Bar birthday cake with shipping box.
Milk Bar

Milk Bar Birthday Cake

Milk Bar cakes are one of our go-to gifts to send to friends and family. We love their classic flavors as well as the limited-edition stuff, too. You can find a review of the Milk Bar cakes here.

A pair of noise-canceling headphones

Pair of Sony wh-1000xm4 headphones on an orange backdrop.
Antonio Villas-Boas/Business Insider

Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones

Our favorite headphones with extra features, Sony's WH-1000XM4, balance sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfort, and they're perfect for long commutes, focusing during work, or relaxing.

A cozy throw blanket

women sitting on cozy blanket
Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn Faux Fur Ruched Throw

If she's moving into a new home post-college, it can take a while to make that place really feel like home. A great way to speed up that process is with gifts that make her feel comfortable, like this plush throw blanket. It's seriously cozy and brings a luxe, lived-in look to her space too.

A framed photo of their friends

The Piccolo wooden frame by framebridge showcasing a picture of a mother and her child.
Framebridge

Framebridge Gift

Nostalgia holds a special place in our hearts, and framing a photo of the graduate's friends or favorite memories from school allows them to carry those cherished moments with them wherever they call home. Framebridge offers high-quality frames and custom framing options, ensuring that the photo is beautifully presented. This sentimental and personalized gift is sure to evoke warm memories and serve as a constant reminder of their college journey and the friends who were part of it.

A nice bottle of Champagne

Bottle of Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label champagne next to a flute of champagne in front of a yellow a blue draped fabric backdrop.
Crystal Cox/Business Insider

Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label Champagne

Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label Champagne is an exceptional choice for celebrating college graduation. Known for its iconic yellow label, this champagne offers a delightful and vibrant taste that is both refreshing and refined. With its crisp acidity and notes of citrus and brioche, it is the perfect bubbly to toast to the graduate's achievements and future success.

Whether enjoyed during a graduation celebration or saved for a special occasion, Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label Champagne adds a touch of luxury and elegance to the festivities, making it a fantastic gift choice for any graduate.

A Blue Apron gift card

A Blue Apron Subscription box showing an array of vegetables and seasonings on a wooden counter.
Blue Apron

Blue Apron Gift Card

In case that cookbook isn't always the first thing they turn to after a long day, Blue Apron is one of the most helpful subscriptions to have.

The service delivers the ingredients for a meal with detailed step-by-step instructions on how to make it. Depending on how many people the subscriber notes in their order, Blue Apron will also send the right portion size.

It works directly with farmers and cuts out the middlemen, so their foods are higher and fresher quality for less money on average. 

Plus, your grad can learn how to make healthy, delicious meals by doing it themselves with fresher ingredients and in a more convenient way.

A highly recommended French press

Bodum Chambord French Press and a clear cup of coffee sitting on a wooden tray on a bed.
Williams Sonoma

Bodum Chambord French Press

Coffee is a crucial part of many an adult's mornings. We love the Bodum Chambord French Press for a good cup; it's about as timeless as they come, and it's unfussy and seamless to operate. It's also affordable.

You can find all our favorite French presses here, though this is our number one pick.

A pair of Apple AirPods Pro for when she's on the move

apple airpods pro 2nd generation in charging case
Apple

Apple AirPods Pro

We love Apple's AirPods Pro for Apple users. They're no-hassle, work with Apple products, have decent sound and noise cancellation, are water-resistant, have a wireless charging case, and feel more comfortable than standard AirPods.

You'll find more wireless earbuds we love here.

A Brooklinen gift card for really nice new sheets for her adult apartment

A bed made with mint green Brooklinen sheets and pillows in the center of a bedroom surrounded by side tables..
Brooklinen

Brooklinen Gift Card

Brooklinen is our favorite bedding brand, and your college graduate will absolutely appreciate sleeping on the softest, silkiest sheets around. Read our Brooklinen sheets review here.

A planner that helps her map out how to achieve a long term goal

A hand using a pen to write an entry in the BestSelf Co. Self Journal that is pictured resting on a teal backdrop
Crystal Cox/Business Insider

BestSelf Co. Self Journal

The BestSelf Co. Journal is an invaluable tool for individuals seeking to map out their future plans in a clear and manageable way. Designed to help them create five- or 10-year plans, this journal provides a tangible and structured approach to setting goals and achieving personal growth. Whether they are starting a new job, planning to travel, or pursuing other endeavors after graduation, this journal offers a sense of direction and purpose.

A Kindle for post-grad reading

A person in a hot tub outside holding the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite.
Best Buy

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

A Kindle makes it easy and affordable to read tons of books digitally, wherever and whenever she wants to. Our favorite pick, the Kindle Paperwhite is waterproof and has a no-glare screen. Read more in our guide to all of the best Kindles

A subscription to designer clothes

A model walking in a bright pink suit in green heels and carrying a yellow bag.
Rent the Runway

Rent the Runway 1-Month Subscription

Rent the Runway is an excellent option for college graduates who want to experience a never-ending closet of designer clothes without the hefty price tag. With Rent the Runway, she can enjoy a rotating wardrobe and access a wide variety of styles throughout the month. This subscription-based service allows her to choose from a curated selection of high-end clothing and accessories, giving her the opportunity to experiment with different looks for various occasions.

Read a personal review of Rent the Runway Unlimited here.

A membership for the best fitness options in her city

Three people in a line doing a side lunge pose at a ClassPass yoga class.
ClassPass

ClassPass Gift Card

Boutique fitness classes are typically a great gift for anyone who loves staying active. They can be easier to commit to in the busy post-grad adjustment period than a gym membership. 

ClassPass lets her try studio fitness classes in her city for lower-than-normal prices, so she can test-drive a good variety without breaking her budget. 

A tile tracker that will help her find lost items

tile mate on a water bottle
Tile

Tile Mate

The Tile Mate attaches to stuff you may want to track and the stuff you may lose, like your keys, water bottle, or luggage. If you misplace something (and it has a Tile attached to it), you can just check the Tile app to locate it. As a bonus, if you lose your phone, you can press your Tile Mate to make it ring. 

You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.

Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.

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