10 Graduation Gifts They Will Actually Use
High school graduates get a lot of presents – some useful and some, not so much. You want to bring Graduation Gifts They Will Actually Use to all of the graduation parties this spring.
How do I know what a useful graduation gift is? Because I have been there. I now have 3 college graduates! I have moved them in and out of dorms and apartments and I have seen the stuff still in the box at the end of the year. I have also seen the stuff that never makes it to the dorm and is left in the bottom of their closet at home.
The good news is I have also seen the stuff they do use and what lasts throughout all four years and into their post graduate lives.
**This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our full disclosure.
Graduation Gifts They Will Actually Use
In my experience as a mom of 3 college graduates, theses are the items they love and use and use and use.
Graduation Gifts They Will Actually Use #1: Laptop Computer
No, I am not suggesting you buy a laptop computer for the kid down the street who once fed your dog the wrong food costing you $400 in vet bills when you returned from vacation. But, if you are a parent, your child is going to need a good laptop computer for college. No way around it. We love Apple MacBooks at our house!
Graduation Gifts They Will Actually Use #2: Towels
Towels are my go-to gift for graduates. I have a friend who I can pay to monogram them, which is a really nice touch. Monogramming keeps roommates and others from claiming them if everyone has a beige towel and yours is nicer than theirs. This Chakir Turkish Linens Towel Set is a good option for multiple gifts because it includes 4 bath towels.
Dorm Items They Will Actually Use #3: First Aid Kit
Before each of our kids left for college, my husband packed them a first aid kit. I have also made them in bulk as graduation gifts for my kids’ friends. There are many first aid kits available, but some contain only bandages. It is much better to have one with a package of band aids, a thermometer, and some over the counter medications. The DormDoc College First Aid Kit is a good option.
If you want to make your own, you can see my How to Make a DIY First Aid Kit for College.
Dorm Items They Will Actually Use #4: Dorm Safe
A small dorm safe that will fit a laptop and other electronics or jewelry is a smart investment. Be sure to buy a cable and anchor it to something difficult to move in the dorm room. This safe will not stop Ocean’s Eleven from confiscating your child’s stuff, but it will prevent opportunity theft from guests, whether invited or not, in his room. It is difficult to quickly shove a heavy safe into a backpack.
Graduation Gifts they Will Actually Use #5 : Nespresso Coffee Maker or a Keurig Coffee Maker
A Keurig Coffee Maker would have been wasted on my oldest son because he is not a coffee-drinker. But my second son would probably pick a Keurig Coffee Maker over a bed if forced to choose. I also noticed they were an extremely popular raffle item at his class graduation party.
My daughter is a snobbier coffee drinker and loves her Nespresso Coffee Maker. She prefers iced coffee and espresso drinks.
Graduation Gifts They Will Actually Use #6: Stainless Steel Tumbler
Stainless Steel Tumblers are the best. They keep drinks hot or cold for hours. The Stanley Tumbler with a straw is perfect for water and other cold drinks. I like the YETI Rambler Tumbler with a magnetic lid for hot drinks.
Dorm Items They Will Actually Use #7: Bathroom Caddy
Every college resident will need a Portable Shower Caddy. There are a number of options. One is a mesh shower caddy. These are nice because they are lightweight and hold a lot of items. They can easily be carried down the hall to the dorm bathroom.
Another is a larger Portable Shower Caddy made of plastic. These are nice because they look good on a counter and will be used for bathroom storage long after the trek down the hall experience is over. They also have drain holes so they can be taken into the shower without filling with water.
Graduation Gifts They Will Actually Use #8: Weekender Bag
College students need an overnight/weekender bag. It is better to get a duffle-type bag rather than a hard suitcase because it can be collapsed when not in use. Get one that is large enough for a weekend of clothes, but can be carried on a plane if the student will fly to and from college. Here is a weekender bag for girls and a weekender bag for guys.
Graduation Gifts They Will Actually Use #9: Apple AirPods or other earbuds or headphones
They will need some noise cancelling Apple Airpods, wireless bluetooth earbuds, or bluetooth noise cancelling headphones. Sometimes they will want them for their own enjoyment, but they also need them to drown out the noise in the dorm or wherever they are studying. They often need to listen to lectures or other study materials without disturbing those around them. These are a must-have!
Graduation Gifts They Will Actually Use #10: Cash
All graduates want cash. Jazz up your cash gift with a Customized Graduation Money Holder Card or a coffee money holder. Etsy offers so many gift card and money holders to make a cash gift extra special.
Buy Now →
Buy Now →
Buy Now →
Buy Now →
Buy Now →
Buy Now →
Buy Now →
Buy Now →
Buy Now →
Buy Now →
Buy Now →
Buy Now →
Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones
Buy Now →
Customized Graduation Money Holder Card
Buy Now →
Buy Now →
Chakir Turkish Linens Towel Set
Buy Now →
Buy Now →Shopping for graduation gifts they will actually use is worth the effort. Whether it is towels, gift cards, money, or anything else on this list, your gift will be truly appreciated.
Related posts and more ideas for Graduation Gifts They Will Actually Use:
More than 100 Graduation Gift Ideas
40+ Best Gifts for Teens and and College Students
Best Graduation Gifts for College Grads
The Best Books to Give At Graduation: 29 Great Choices
We would love to stay in touch!
Be sure to see all of the Next Phase Parenting Resources on our Resources Page and subscribe to our Next Phase Parenting newsletter below for a weekly dose of love from us about surviving and thriving in your almost or already empty nest. Visit our Facebook page, and follow us on Pinterest and Instagram where we share lots of helpful info for parents with teens, young adults, our aging parents, and other issues that we experience in the sandwich generation! Thank you so much!❤️
