University Graduation Gift Ideas 2023

May 12, 2021

Graduation season is just around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about the perfect gift for your loved one who is about to embark on a new chapter in their life.

Finding a gift that is both thoughtful and useful can be a challenge. In this blog post, we will explore some unique and creative graduation gift ideas that will make your loved one feel appreciated and celebrated on their big day.

From personalised keepsakes to practical gadgets, we’ve got you covered with gift ideas that will suit every budget and personality. So, sit back, relax, and let’s dive into some graduation gift inspiration!

1: Spa Vouchers

Spa vouchers can be a great graduation gift, as they offer a chance for the new graduate in your life to relax and unwind after the stress of their studies.

It’s a thoughtful and luxurious gift that allows them to take a break and indulge in some self-care.

The graduate can choose from a variety of treatments, such as a massage, facial, or manicure, and leave feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. Additionally, a spa voucher can be a unique and unexpected gift that the graduate may not have considered for themselves.

2: Personalised Champagne Gift Set

Nothing says celebration quite like champagne.  šŸ¾

Give the special graduate in your life a bottle of personalised champagne to celebrate the occasion. To make the gift extra special and memorable you could gift the champagne in a wooden engraved champagne box.

3: Graduation Jewellery 

Celebrate the bright future of the new graduate with a piece of jewellery that they can keep forever as a token of their honourable academic achievement.

For some graduation jewellery, check out Tiffany & Co’s Graduation jewellery gifts or Pandora’s graduation gifts.

As an alternative to a necklace, bracelet or ring, you could consider getting your graduate a watch as a long-lasting practical gift.

Graduation gift owl charm from pandora
Source: Pandora Wise Owl graduation charm

4: The ‘Congrats Grad’ 3D Card Bouquet

Does the graduate you have in mind have a sweet tooth?

Celebrate gifts have created the Congrats Grad Bouquet filled with popular chocolates, a 3D card, artificial silk flowers and an acrylic vase.

https://youtu.be/8sn9aVh2pXk
Celebrate Gifts

5: A Graduation Cake

Following on from the sweet theme, you could gift your graduate a graduation-themed cake. šŸ§

Several bakeries across the UK sell graduation cakes in various designs.

Graduation cake idea: get the cake personalised with a message, or get a cake that represents the subject that they studied at university.

Wilton

6: Graduation Flowers

Flowers can be a beautiful and thoughtful graduation gift. They are a symbol of growth, new beginnings, and congratulations, making them a perfect fit for this special occasion.

Many graduates take photos on their graduation day wearing their gowns and mortar board with a bouquet of graduation flowers.

You could send your graduate a beautiful hand-crafted bouquet of flowers delivered to their door. šŸ’

Need inspiration? Here’s a post sharing a list of flowers that symbolise graduation

7: The Graduate Book

Does the special graduate in your life have a great graduate job lined up? If so, why not gift them with a career-related book that will help them to hit the ground running in their new role?

The Graduate Book by Chris Davies explains everything graduates need to know to do really well at work.

If they haven’t secured a graduate job as yet, help them to get their dream job by getting them a copy of The Student book that includes everything they need to know to get the job they really want. šŸ“–

8: Personalised graduation card or message

You could send your graduate a personalised graduation card.

There are many card personalisation services online such as Moonpig and Funky Pigeon

Alternatively, you could get your graduate’s favourite celebrity to read out a personalised graduation speech on Cameo.

9: A celebration pen

Similar to jewellery, a celebration pen is a great keepsake graduation gift. You may consider getting an engraved pen as a personalised gift. šŸ–‹

10: A Graduation-themed Candle

A candle is another keepsake, perfect for gifting a graduate this year. šŸ•Æ

Candles can be symbolic of the graduate’s journey, as they represent the idea of lighting the way and starting anew.

There is a range of graduation-themed candles available on Etsy.

11: Artisan pasta

Is your graduate a pasta lover? šŸ

During their time at university, penne with pesto was probably their go-to dinner many nights.

If you are not able to go for a celebratory meal with them this year, you could send them a delivery of artisan pasta.

Scarpetta offers a range of fresh pasta kits similarly, Pasta Evangelists can deliver artisan pasta through their letterbox.

12: A tailored suit

A tailored suit can be a stylish and practical graduation gift for someone entering the workforce. A well-fitted suit is not only professional but also makes the wearer feel confident and polished.

Alternatively, you may wish to gift the graduate a suit that they can wear under their gown during their graduation ceremony.


13: A gift card

A gift card can be a versatile and practical graduation gift.

It allows the graduate to choose what they want and need, whether it’s for a specific store or a general retail chain. It can be tailored to the graduate’s interests, such as a gift card to their favourite restaurant, bookstore, or clothing store.

14: A planner

The transition from uni to the world of work is not an easy one. Your graduate is likely to be going through a lot, whether it’s preparing to start their graduate job, moving house or searching for their first graduate job.

A planner is a good graduation gift for those who enjoy planning and productivity. šŸ“’

15: A graduation teddy

A teddy can be a sentimental and heartwarming graduation gift. It can serve as a reminder of the graduate’s childhood and the journey that led them to this important milestone.

Build A Bear has a range of online exclusive graduation bears. šŸ§ø

16: A luxury hot chocolate gift box

Here’s one for hot chocolate lovers!

It’s a perfect gift for the graduate to enjoy while reflecting on their accomplishment or while planning ahead for their next venture.

One of Whittard’s best sellers is their luxury hot chocolate gift set that includes white hot chocolate, milk hot chocolate and mini marshmallows. ā˜•ļø

17: Graduation-themed Mug

Perhaps a graduation-themed mug would go nicely with the hot chocolate above! You could go a step further and get the mug personalised.

A mug is a simple and practical graduation gift that the graduate will appreciate and use, serving as a daily reminder of their achievement and the support of their loved ones whilst they enjoy a mug of tea, coffee or hot chocolate.

18: Socks

Reward the smarty pants in your life with some fun, graduation-themed socks. šŸ§¦

19: A Subscription Box

A subscription box can be a unique and exciting graduation gift.

It’s a gift that keeps on giving, as the graduate will receive a monthly or quarterly box filled with surprises and goodies tailored to their interests.

Subscription boxes can be customised to suit the graduate’s hobbies or preferences, whether it’s beauty products, books, snacks, or even pet supplies.

Additionally, a subscription box is a gift that will encourage the grad to take time for themselves and explore new products or hobbies.

20: Travel gift vouchers

Now that the graduate has completed their studies, they may be planning a relaxing holiday.

Consider giving them a travel voucher or a travel gift card to their favourite airline or hotel chain.

This gift will give them a head start in planning their dream trip.

FAQs

What is a good graduation gift for someone who is moving out of their parent’s home?

If you’re looking for a graduation gift for someone who’s moving out, there are several options to consider. One idea is a practical gift, such as a set of cookware or kitchen appliances, which can be useful for someone starting out on their own. Another idea is a decorative item, such as a piece of artwork/framed canvas or a plant, which can help to personalise their new space and make it feel like home.

A gift card to a furniture or home goods store can also be a great option, allowing the graduate to choose items they need for their new home. Finally, a book on home organisation or budgeting can be a helpful and thoughtful gift to provide some guidance as the graduate navigates this new phase of their life.

Is it customary to bring a gift to a graduation party?

It is common to bring a gift to a graduation party, although it’s not necessarily required.

The type of gift can vary depending on the relationship with the graduate and their interests. Some popular gift options include a graduation card with a monetary gift, a book related to the graduate’s field of study, a practical item for their next step in life, or a sentimental item that will serve as a keepsake.

However, if you’re unsure whether a gift is expected or appropriate, it’s always a good idea to check with the host or the graduate themselves to avoid any confusion or awkwardness.

University graduation gift ideas 2023

We hope that this post has given you some ideas on what to get the special graduate in your life.

If you know any graduates who need help finding a graduate job, get in touch with us. We can help them.

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