Explore our Graduate Gift Guide
Updated in April 2025, by a college graduate who loves getting gifts, but never knows what she wants…
Gift Idea
Price
Make Your Bed Book
$11.43
Wrangler Luggage
$36.99
Hatch Alarm Clock
$33.99
Espresso Machine
$91.97
and so much more…
Affordable Gifts for your College Graduate, 2025
Before we get into our list, remember that the best gifts are always the ones that are most thoughtful. However, it’s hard to shop for those you love, especially nowadays. If you’re on the hunt for the most affordable options, check out this link to some of my favorite homemade gifts for anyone, on any occasion.
If you’re still wanting to purchase a gift, but trying to remain within budget, you’re in the right spot. Luckily for you, this is being written by a broke college student who is hoping to get gifts after graduating, as well as planning to give some.
- Make your Bed Book
This has been a multiple time read for me. He presents it as a deep metaphor for handling life’s toughest moments. He talks about how small, deliberate actions can be a window to a life of discipline, resilience, and fulfillment. Make Your Bed takes readers on a journey of self-improvement, helping them unravel the secrets to conquering adversities.
2. Mens Leather Wallet
You cannot go wrong here, men are always looking for new wallets! If you want to go towards the pricier side, check out the wallets that fit airtags. I’ve given this as a gift before and found it to be well loved, and extremely useful.
3. Jewelry
As a jewelry girl, this is usually a safe bet. One key tip of advice is to make sure you are purchasing the right colored metal. For example, I wear silver jewelry. Although I would be immensely thankful for any gift, such as jewelry, I wouldn’t typically wear gold or rose gold and I wouldn’t want someone to waste their money on giving me a gift. Make sure your jewelry gift is good metal, you wouldn’t want to give a piece that’ll tarnish fast!
4. Trendy Alarm Clock
If you use Tik Tok, maybe you’ve heard of the infamous Hatch Alarm Clock. The hatch brand is more expensive, but there are plenty of ‘dupes’ on amazon. Linked below is my favorite, with high reviews and affordable prices. Hopefully your college graduate recently got a job and needs to be waking up each day! These clocks implement tunes, music, and lighting to help you wake up a bit more calmly.
$33.24 on Amazon or $169.99 on Hatch
Expensive Gifts for your College Graduate, 2025
- Wrangler Luggage
Alright, we’re done with school and (hopefully) we’re making some big-girl money. Let’s do some traveling. We deserve it after these four years! If you don’t think this suitcase is the best fit, check out some traveling backpacks or various types of luggage by clicking this link.
2. Pots and Pans Full Set
Many recent graduates are moving out of apartments that they shared with college friends, and potentially losing pots and pans they’ve been using for years. Or, maybe it is just time for an upgrade! There are lots of valid options on Amazon, or you can find more ‘high-end’ options through Our Place, a personal favorite of mine.
3. Espresso Machine
Yeah… We’re tired. And yes… we would like a coffee.
4. An Apple Watch
I’ve used my Apple Watch nearly every day for four years, until it died on year 5! I haven’t convinced myself to spend the money on a new one, however maybe it’ll be my own grad-gift to myself. Check out more about Apple Watches here!
Still Looking?
Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Check out some of these links below with more gift ideas for your college graduate.