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35 Graduation Gifts That Creatively Say ‘Congratulations’

It's almost summer, which means that graduation season is officially upon us. If you're looking for an above-average way to congratulate that special graduate in your life, these creative gifts are sure to get you on the honor roll! Whether you're shopping for a high school graduate who is becoming a young adult or a college graduate stepping off campus and into the real world, there are plenty of keepsakes to choose from to celebrate their accomplishments.

From personalized photo art to quirky home decor, many of these great graduation gifts offer a personal touch and imaginative way to celebrate the big day. Others—including a handy tool and a how-to book about “adulting”—prepare them for life on their own, whether they're moving into a dorm room or their new apartment with roommates. And, of course, many inspire the young adults to spread their wings and explore, like the wise owl scarf and an Earth puzzle.

No matter what you're looking for, this list makes coming up with a unique graduation gift as easy as A-B-C.

Here are 35 unique college graduation gifts to celebrate your favorite graduate on one of life's great milestones.

Convertible Laptop Backpack

Laptop Backpack

CYUREAY | $23.99

 

Personalized Graduation Blanket

Personalized Graduation Blanket

The Preppy Ladybug | $45+

 

Guide Birds

Graduation Gifts

Susan LeVine | $54

 

Wise Owl Graduation Card

3D Owl Graduation Card

Happy Papercraft Gifts | $9.49+

 

Collegiate Pouches

Graduation Gifts

Nikki Mull | $36

 

Artistic Weekender Bag

'The Great Wave' Recycled Weekender Bag

LOQI | $44.95

 

Aurora Borealis Pendant

Northern Lights Resin Pendant

Wood All Good | $105.71+

 

Past Present Future Bracelet

Past Present Future Bracelet

Beth Lawrence | $52

 

Chef's Portable Multi-Tool

Detachable Kitchen Stainless Steel Multi Tool

Gentlemen's Hardware | $29.92

 

AeroPress Coffee & Espresso Maker

Aeropress Coffee

AeroPress | $33.99

 

Inspirational Paperweight

Babe Ruth Inspirational Paperweight

Uncommon Goods | $48

 

Monstera Deliciosa in Planter

Potted Monstera Plant by The Sill

The Sill | $49+

 

“Adulting” Book

Books for Graduates

Bridget Watson Payne | $9.98

 

“Things They Don't Teach You In School” Game

Things They Don't Teach You in School Game

Uncommon Goods | $20

 

“Smells Like Home” Candles

Creative Graduation Gifts Graduation Presents Graduation Present Ideas

Uncommon Goods | $34

 

Home Office Lap Desk

Home Office Lap Desk

LapGear | $34.99

 

World Traveler Cork Globe

World Traveler's Cork Globe

Uncommon Goods | $80+

 

Falling Bookend

Falling Bookend by Artori Design

Artori Design | $29.95

 

Table Top Dry Erase Pad

Table Top Dry Erase Board

Three by Three | $7.94

 

Owl Wings Shawl

Graduation Gifts

Shovava | $40.80

 

Weekly Planner Pad

Weekly Planner

Finest Imaginary | $20.18

 

Personalized Monogram Luggage Tag

Graduation Gifts

The Native Bride | $15.80

 

The World is Yours Banner

The World Is Yours Banner

Rayo and Honey | $75

 

Pocket Maya Angelou Wisdom

Inspiration from Maya Angelou

Hardie Grant | $9.99

 

Inspirational Wall Art

Inspirational Wall Art

apricot+birch | $14

 

Dandelion Ring

Dandelion Ring

Stampin Off the Path | $10

 

Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera

Instax Camera

Fujifilm | $74.85

 

Hourglass Necklace with Meteorite Dust

Hourglass Necklace Filled with Meteorite Dust

Yugen Handmade | $55

 

Earth Puzzle

Earth Jigsaw Puzzle by Nervous System

Nervous System | $120

 

College Cityscape Wine Glasses

College Cityscape Wine Glasses

Josh Seubert | $38

 

Personalized Wood Cut City Map

Personalized Wood City Map

FrontierDesignsAK | $136.10+

 

Compass Bracelet

Creative Graduation Gifts Graduation Presents Graduation Present Ideas

SNDJ | $11.25+

 

Color Map Mugs

Graduation Mugs

Candelaria Reymundo Santos and Greg Waloszczyk | $18+

 

Inspiring Print

World is Your Oyster Inspirational Poster

PrettyinPrintArtLtd | $28.94+

 

One Line a Day: A 5-Year Memory Book

One Line a Day Memory Book

Kindah Khalidy | $15.52

 

This article has been edited and updated. Prices were accurate at time of publishing.

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Kelly Richman-Abdou

Kelly Richman-Abdou was a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. An art historian living in Paris, Kelly was born and raised in San Francisco and holds a BA in Art History from the University of San Francisco and an MA in Art and Museum Studies from Georgetown University. When she’s not writing, you can find Kelly wandering around Paris, whether she’s leading a tour (as a guide, she has been interviewed by BBC World News America and France 24) or simply taking a stroll with her husband and two tiny daughters.
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