Best Graduation Gifts

Best Graduation Gifts

Graduation is a significant step in anyone’s life, and that’s something that absolutely calls for the best graduation gifts. By taking some time to pay attention to your beloved grad's wants, needs, and likes in general, you'll be able to think of an amazing gift in no time at all. Using the Shutterfly design tools, you'll have an endless array of thoughtful gift options for your grad. As they head down a new path, they’ll have lots of changes to adjust to, and the perfect present can help them do just that by bringing them a whole lot of extra added comfort. Change can be scary and overwhelming at first for any graduate, but you can guarantee that amidst all the twists and turns of the path, the right gift will continue to inspire and motivate them as they discover who they are as individuals, and what they want to do for a career.

Customize the Best Graduation Gifts for Their Dorm or Apartment

For new high school graduates, the most common next step—and the inspiration for some of the best graduation gifts—is higher education. When you’re choosing graduation gifts, then, you may consider items that are inspired by their new campus. Wall art is one area where you’ll find plenty of inspiration. Consider creating a piece that features their happiest memories, like a family photo, snapshot with their closest friends, or even an image of a family pet. Any of these prints will be a cherished addition to their new space. Choose between photo tiles, framed prints, metal, acrylic, or wood prints, or even more variations. Whatever you opt for, be sure to verify whether they can use certain adhesives or hanging mechanisms in their new dorm room or apartment.

Prior to the big day, you will want to let all your grad’s friends and family members know when their graduation date will be with graduation announcements, followed by mailing or handing out graduation invitations for their party. Based on the graduate’s taste, you can select from a variety of trim options, colors, and themes to match the celebration. From styles ranging from classic, modern, or rustic, you can guarantee to wow your recipients. Or, if you want to announce graduation in a different way, consider purchasing one of Shutterfly’s graduation yard signs to perfectly display the date on your front lawn for everyone who passes by to see.

Besides those moving into dorms after graduation, both college and high school grads will benefit most, in many cases, from the best graduation gifts that they can use in their new apartment or other spaces. Many types of custom wall art will fulfill this need, too, but there are far more opportunities—and space—in a townhouse or apartment than in the standard dorm room. For these grads, you might create unique photo blankets, pillows, canvas prints, or kitchenware that’s personalized to them. Each Shutterfly piece comes with customization options like photos, text, engravings, and other elements that will help you create a one-of-a-kind gift for your new grad as they enter their first new apartment.

Graduation Gifts for School and the Workplace

For graduates pursuing higher education, you’ll find that some of the best graduation gifts you could give are those that will start them off on the right foot as they enter school. A unique monthly planner, for example, will help them organize their new classes, extracurriculars, and social life to find the elusive balance that every busy student needs. Customized with their favorite photos, they’ll be even more motivated to use their new planner and stay on top of their various responsibilities. For other gifts, you might consider designing a custom notebook, pencil case, folder set, or even post-it notes that they can use as they work toward this new degree or certification.

Others may be pursuing work after a successful graduation, so the best graduation gifts for them will be those that support this new professional chapter. Take some time to learn about the roles they’re pursuing or the job they’ve already accepted. Your new grad will love a photo-adorned desk caddy, for instance, if they’re entering an office job or another position that involves working at a desk (be it a work-from-home role or an in-person workplace). Others might love gifts like a customized laptop case, desktop plaque, or another one-of-a-kind piece that shows you were thinking of them.

Fend Off Homesickness with Custom Gifts

Some of the best graduation gifts for any grad are those that help to ward off the homesickness they might otherwise feel as they enter school or move away from home for the first time. Custom gifts for these recent graduates will be especially meaningful if they’re adorned with personal photos, and other memories that take them back to their favorite places and people regardless of the distance that may be between them. This adjustment period will feel a lot less difficult and emotional with having comfort items that make them feel safe and close to home.

Personalized Gifts That Encourage Them Along the Way

Some of the best graduation gifts for your loved ones are those that take your support a step further by offering them encouragement across time and space. Whoever it is you’re shopping for, be it a new college student, young adult starting their career, or someone in a more unconventional stage of life, you can choose a gift that can help them feel loved and supported even as they take these next steps. Add a meaningful quote to your gift or customize it with your own words of support. Then, whenever they’re struggling with an assignment, a project, or another stressor of adult life, they’ll be able to gaze upon the best gift you could have given them: a persistent reminder that you love and support them in whatever endeavor they might pursue.