Though lots of us associate graduation with the summer, there are plenty of winter graduation ceremonies too. With Christmas this time of year too, it makes getting a gift even trickier. We have a list of the best graduation presents for him and for her so you don’t have to worry.
Graduation presents are funny one. You don’t really know how big to go, but it is a huge achievement for the graduate. If you’ve never had to buy one before, it can be a little tricky. We’ve got the best ideas for you to save you from thinking about it too hard.
The Best Graduation Presents For Him And Her
A Teddy – For Both
As a standard, you can’t go wrong with something cap related, especially if you only want to get something small. Plenty of companies do teddies wearing a cap, and you can even get a personalised one or even a teddy that has more meaning to the graduate.
For example, Pokémon have a Pikachu gift, all dressed up in a cap and gown. It’s cute, fun and won’t break the bank either. Or, if Winnie the Pooh is more them, you can even get a personalised teddy of him too. There really are a lot of options with a good ol’ teddy.
Graduation Cufflinks – For Him
This is something that could be gifted before the big day so that they can wear them with their academic dress. The cufflinks could be personalised with the date, a little cap, or a (small) touching message.
Or, they don’t have to be personalised at all and can just be smart and to the graduate’s taste. For instance, they could be orientated around their degree for an extra, but not as cheesy, touch.
Portfolio Wallet – For Both
Although many people keep their portfolio online nowadays, it could be nice to gift one so that the graduate has a keepsake of all their best work. This could be used to help them get a job, or just store printed copies of their best work from university. Eitherway, the leatherbound portfolio wallets can be a little more expensive, but it’s definitely a thoughtful gift.
A Christmas Decoration – For Both
Why not incorporate Christmas into the winter graduation ceremonies with a decoration for the tree? It sounds a little simple, but these could be personalised with a year and name, just like the cufflinks. It’ll be an extra touch to their tree each year to remind them of how proud you are. It’s a little festive gift that will be sure to make them smile.
Jewellery – For Her
It’s a little cliché, but aren’t clichés common for a reason? It might seem that lots of graduates receive earrings or necklaces so it’s unoriginal, but there are so many jewellery options out there that it will still feel personal. You don’t even have to engrave it to be special — it could simply be in their favourite colour, gemstone or something else with meaning.
I was gifted a little bracelet with a cap charm for me and my best friend to wear on the day. It was incredibly thoughtful, particularly because it’s something that we both had.
Something Towards Their Future Plans – For Both
The options with this one are limitless but tailored to the graduate. If they’re planning on being a doctor, gift them a stethoscope. If they want to go travelling, maybe a suitcase, some spending money or a passport holder. Are they moving into their first home? Then some furnishings or a plant.
If they’ve settled on a career, then think of something specific towards that. It could be stationary for a teacher, a notepad and pen for a journalist, or a clapperboard for a director. Literally anything.
A graduation present like this shows thought, pride and support — and it doesn’t need to break the bank either. As we head into the new year, keep that in mind too. What could be the best gift for setting them off on the right foot when next year starts? That way, you’re tying in the winter graduation ceremony element into your gift too.
It’s the best graduation present that can be really personalised without being tacky.