21 Graduation Gift Ideas for the Class of 2023

Because the tassel was worth the hassle!

Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these links. Learn more.
May 17, 2023

Related To:

Graduating from school is one of life’s biggest accomplishments. Whether someone in your inner circle is bidding farewell to kindergarten, high school, college or graduate school, they deserve a gift that adequately rewards them for all their years of test-taking and studying. Since graduation season is right around the corner, we took the liberty of putting together the ultimate list of the best graduation gifts for high school and college graduates, plus some food-themed gifts for food lovers of all ages and grade levels. Here’s to the class of 2023!

Gifts for High School Grads

$29.79

Every college student needs a sturdy water bottle for trekking across campus. These Hydro Flask bottles are a favorite among Gen Z and come in a variety of hues to suit their new school colors or vibrant personality.

$20

Heating up leftovers in takeout containers probably isn't the best idea. This lunch container from W&P can be taken on-the-go or stored in a mini fridge making it ideal for a meal when they get tired of dining hall food.

$12.99

How cute is this mini waffle maker? Any breakfast-loving grad will be thrilled to have this in their dorm room cooking arsenal.

College kids often run on coffee, but when campus coffee shops don't delivery quality brews, these single-use pour-over coffee packs from Copper Cow do the trick. This sampler pack comes with a variety of flavors, so they can tell you what to send in your next care package.

$69.95

Rubber slides are a must-have on college campuses for walking from dorm to dining hall or lounging with friends. These slides from Oofos are designed to aid in recovery and if your kiddo is an athlete or finds themselves walking a ton, they're sure to come in handy.

Your new college student will be full of school spirit, so why not give them the gift of memorabilia? These school-themed glasses are a fun addition to their dorm room desk.

This fun microwave egg cooker from Uncommon Goods is sure to be a topic of conversation for your new college kid and their new roommate.

Who doesn't love a cozy blanket, especially during midterms? This full-body hoodie is perfect for kids who like to snuggle up when studying.

Gifts for College Grads

$129.99

This top-tested air fryer will probably be your recent grad's most-used kitchen appliance when they get their first apartment. They can use it to make everything from Brussels sprouts to full-sized roasts — but honestly, it'll probably get the most use heating up fries and frozen meals.

Caraway designed their set with functionality and simplicity in mind. The four pots and pans are the most-used in the kitchen and with a durable ceramic nonstick coating, these will get your new grad through at least their first year or two of adulting.

Now that they can't grab coffee at the library with a swipe of a card, they'll need to find a new solution to their caffeine habit. A Bean Box subscription is a thoughtful gift they're sure to appreciate when they start that new job.

$79.95

Now that they're going to be regular commuters, a charging station for their phone, headphones and smart watch is a no-brainer.

Prices vary

If cooking from scratch isn't on the table quite yet, Hungryroot is an ideal grocery solution. Customers can shop for groceries by meal and have all the ingredients delivered to their door with recipe cards making weeknight cooking a breeze.

Nespresso's brand-new line of Pop machines are ideal for first apartments. Their compact footprint, fun colors and lower pricepoint make them a perfect graduation gift.

Food Gifts for All Grads

This fun-sized cake from Flour Shop is an adorable way to tell the grad in your life, "hats off!" The cap-shaped treat features three layers of celebratory funfetti cake on the inside and thousands of black and rainbow-hued nonpareils on the outside. It's the perfect thing to dig into following their graduation ceremony.

If you can't physically attend your graduate's diploma ceremony this spring or summer, sending this treat-filled tin to their doorstep is still a thoughtful way to bid them a job well done. Your whiz kid will find one dozen buttercream-frosted Cheryl's Cookies inside in flavors like Peanut Butter Buckeye, Salty Caramel and Devil's Food.

$32.99

This deluxe bucket comes stocked with dozens of sweet and salty snacks your grad can enjoy throughout their summer vacation. Along with three packets of microwavable popcorn, they'll also find bags of Skittles, Twizzlers, Oreos, Takis and more. The gift bundle also comes with a keepsake "Class of 2022" keychain, a pen, paper novelty glasses and a cap-and-tassel-adorned felt headband.

Wish the student in your life "sweet success" with this appropriately shaped chocolate box from See's Candies. Inside it, your gift recipient will find a mouthwatering assortment of milk and dark chocolate-covered bites, including the brand’s fan-favorite Dark Scotchmallow, which contains layers of rich caramel and a honey-flavored marshmallow.

$95.95

If you're heading to a graduation party this month or next, you'll want to bring this delicious box from Crave Cupcakes along with you. It comes with 12 cupcakes in flavors like red velvet, dark chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. Four of the cupcakes are also adorned with a handcrafted fondant topper that depicts a cap and tassel. If you or your gift recipient happens to live in Houston, TX, you can even order the toppers in your graduate's school colors!

$139.95

Want to make the morning of your graduate’s diploma ceremony even more special? Spoil them with this ginormous brunch spread from Brownstone Pancake Factory. The "wacky and wild" package comes with 15 mini pancakes, 10 Belgian waffles, 16 churro French toast squares, plus over 18 different dipping sauces, icings, toppings and candies. Your grad will even find a few "Class of 2022" themed surprises inside, too.

You don't need a degree to see that these hand-decorated shortbread cookies from Le Gourmet make a spectacular graduation gift. The iced treats are equal parts cakery and buttery and depict beautiful symbols that have been expertly piped in icing like caps, tassels and flutes of bubbly. They're a delicious way to "toast your grad," — even the ones who can't drink alcohol yet!

Related Content:

Next Up

10 Food-Themed Bridal Party Proposal Gifts Your Friends Will Love

Popping the question to your besties is just as important!

32 Gifts for the Couple Who Loves to Cook

Make sure the food-loving couple in your life has a well-stocked kitchen!

21 Best Holiday Gifts for the Host

The most delicious, tasteful and thoughtful presents for your fave foodie host.

77 Gifts for Food Lovers from Food Network Magazine

We've got picks for friends, family, kids, pets and more!

Drew Barrymore's Got an Etsy Gift Guide — and Her Best Picks for Food Lovers Start at Just $5

Because who wouldn't want inspiration from the gift-giving superstar herself?

20 Food of the Month Clubs That Are the Gift That Keeps On Giving

Because who wouldn’t want 12 straight months of butter?!

29 Valentine’s Day Gifts for Men Who Love Food

The best gifts for the guy who loves to eat and drink.

37 Best Stocking Stuffers You Can Buy For $25 or Less

Practical, petite and price-conscious, these presents will definitely grab a spot on Santa’s nice list.

What's New