Graduation Gift Ideas: College, Trade School, Gap Year, Military or Work

Several years ago, I made the shift away from asking graduates what they were majoring in to, “Where will life lead you after graduation?” The paths are as varied as the young adults taking them. The world is big and bright and in need of their leadership, skills and enthusiasm. To celebrate that next leap, I hope you find these gift ideas helpful for ANY graduate taking the world by storm.

Two important gifts that I think are excellent for any graduate are cash and thank you notes. Those two never go out of style, or use! Hopefully these additional ideas will benefit that young adult, as well.

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COLLEGE

Some college graduates are off to the workforce while others will seek advanced degrees. While money is the universal gift, you might consider these gift ideas:

• Planner or a briefcase/laptop bag
• Something that echoes their alma mater
• Kitchen items (cookware, knives or an Instant Pot)
• Subscription to easy meal prep
• Financial planning course
• Hallow app subscription

HIGH SCHOOL (headed to college)

Roughly a third of all high school graduates attend college. While much depends on distance from home, living situation and amenities provided, I think these are some solid choices:

• Laundry basket with pods for detergent and bleach (along with this handy guide and how-to)
• Towels (monogrammed wth their initial, making it harder to lose)
• Scantrons and pencils (they’ll thank you during finals)
• T-shirt featuring their college
• Travel umbrella or sturdy backpack
• YouCat

TRADE SCHOOL

Some graduates choose to attend a trade school, or take part in an apprenticeship, lowering their post-secondary education costs and entering the workforce sooner. Here are some ideas to get them started on strong footing:

• Tools / support needed for their trade (toolbox for electrician, plumber, locksmith; stethoscope for a medical tech; beauty tools for cosmetologist, etc.)
• Gift card to a store they may frequent to support their trade
• Travel coffee mug
• Gas gift card
• Pocket rosary

MILITARY

Some graduates attend a service academy, participate in collegiate ROTC or enlist in a specific branch of the US military. It’s a calling filled with service and sacrifice, hopefully these ideas help:

• Socks for military boots
• First aid kit with moleskin
• Off duty apparel (made in the US by veterans)
• Postcards and stamps (because sometimes their handwriting and a surprise in the mail is all you need)
• Rugged paracord rosary

GAP YEAR

The year following high school graduation may be filled with service, travel, work or something else. As they discern their next step, these gifts should help encourage and celebrate them:

• Luggage (I’m a fan of Away, and this link gives you $20 off)
• Passport holder
• Gas gift card or photography gift card to capture the memories
• Journal
• Scapular

WORKFORCE

There are some young adults who graduate and immediately enter the workforce. Hooray for practicing responsibility and hard work. I hope they enjoy one of these gifts:

• Gas gift card
• Kitchen items (cookware, knives or an Instant Pot)
• Apartment housewarming items or gift cards to home decor stores
• Subscription to easy meal prep
• Financial planning course
• Religious key chain