The joy and pride that comes with watching your child finish their years of studying is unmatched. The highs, lows, and in-betweens all led to this fateful day where they get to don their hat to their life as a student, and look forward to their future pursuing the career they worked so hard to obtain.

A meaningful occasion deserves an equally meaningful gift. Whilst a teddy or bouquet of flowers is a common gesture, other options like a Prezzee Smart gift card can add an extra special touch to their graduation ceremony day. For a graduation gift that will make their graduation day even more memorable, read our guide below for our top college graduation gift ideas.

Send them on a holiday with TripGift

After the majority of their life spent studying, they’ve earned themselves a little getaway to celebrate their achievements! Whether they’re planning on taking a gap year or they’re thinking of visiting friends or family for a mini break, a gift card to TripGift is the perfect graduation gift. With deals on international and domestic flights, hotels, tours, cruises and more, your child can enjoy their new-found freedom exploring parts of the world they’ve always dreamed about. For an unforgettable graduation gift idea, spoil them with TripGift Gift and Prezzee!

Toast them with Darden Restaurants

After the big day, a dinner shared with their nearest and dearest is a graduation memory they’ll never forget. Let them choose their favourite dining spot with a Darden Restaurants Gift Card. Redeemable across more than thousands of locations across the US, the new grad in your life will be wined and dined like a true champion on their big day. If you’re unsure what a good college graduation gift to give should be, a fancy graduation meal is always certain to please!

Gift them timeless style with Swarovski and Maison de Sabre

Sometimes one of the best graduation gift ideas is something that the new grad can cherish forever. Ensure they remember their achievements with a timeless watch or item of jewellery from Swarovski, or a wallet from Maison de Sabre. With a Swarovski or Maison de Sabre gift card, they can choose a precious item that they can wear for years to come to remember the day by. And to make it a more personalized graduation gift, you can recommend engraving the date of their graduation ceremony so every time they look at their watch, bracelet, ring or wallet, they can remember the memories you all made together on the day of their graduation ceremony.

Spoil them to some new go-to looks with H&M

If you’re a more distant relative like an aunt or grandparent, a thoughtful graduation gift idea can be taking them for a workwear shopping spree. By gifting them a H&M Gift Card, they can spoil themselves to work casual staples as well as some new summer outfits all in the one shop. Have them feeling ready to take on the new career with a family shopping spree graduation gift.

Help them unwind and relax with Spafinder

After endless late nights submitting assignments, studying for exams, and reading course-assigned texts, a little bit of me-time is more than well needed. With a gift card to Spafinder, the new grad in your life can truly find relaxation through local spa and salon wellness offerings, including facials, massages and more. Help them find their zen again with this thoughtful graduation gift. .

Have them chasing new experiences with Virgin Experience Days

Now that they’re free of their course work, they can look forward to some more free-time and adventure before they start their life in the workforce. Help them embark on something new and exciting as soon as they graduate with a gift card to Virgin Experience Days. From wine tours to kayaking, skydiving to cruises, whatever they’ve been dreaming of when stuck indoors studying, they can now chase with the help of this exciting and aspirational graduation gift!

Applaud their huge achievements with meaningful college commencement gifts

Whilst cheering them on at their graduation ceremony is all they’d expect of you on their special day, a graduation gift can make the day just that tiny bit extra special. Whether it’s a gift to help them plan their gap year or something that they can keep and look on to remember the momentous day, a college graduation gift can add something extra to remember the day by, and show your appreciation of all their hard work. With a Prezzee Smart eGift Card, your recipient can choose from hundreds of travel, retail, and experience brands to use their credit towards. With hundreds of brands to explore in the one nifty eGift Card, this graduation gift is certain to have them feeling your love and appreciation. A perfect way to congratulate them if you can’t be with them at their graduation ceremony, Prezzee even offers international gifting, so even if you’re countries apart, you can treat them on their big day. Help celebrate them and their achievements with Prezzee.

Frequently asked questions about graduation gifts

Do you give gifts for graduation?

Whilst gifting the new grad isn’t an expectation, a graduation gift is a thoughtful way to show them that you’re proud of all of their hard work that has brought them to their graduation day. A gift like a Prezzee gift card also allows for the convenience of showing them your congratulations if you’re unable to attend the graduation ceremony.

What is a good graduation gift?

When considering what a good graduation gift idea might be for the new grad, it’s important to consider their interests, something that may be practical for them, and something that can commemorate this new chapter in their life. Whilst that may be a lot of boxes to tick, a gift like a Prezzee Gift Card is a great choice, as it allows the giftee to choose how and where to use their gift.

What to write in a graduation card?

Whilst giving a graduation gift speaks volumes alone, you may also want to put your words to paper (or to a digital gift card message) to show them what their accomplishments mean to you as a relative or friend.

Here are some examples of graduation gift card messages to help inspire you:

• Dear x, watching you grow and take on the many challenges of your life as a student has been nothing short of inspiring. I know you’ll go on to do amazing things. Your journey starts here! Love, mum and dad.
• Dearest x, since school, I knew you’d do amazing things in your time at college. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you. Love you and your dedication so much! Forever love, your [aunty/uncle].
• Dearest x, I’ve sat beside you on those late nights cramming exam study in, submitting endless assignments, and preparing your essays. It’s safe to say I know first-hand how much work you’ve put in these past years at college. I’m so proud of you, and can’t wait to see you live it up now that you’re graduated! Time for a holiday I think! Love, your [girlfriend/boyfriend/partner]

How much to give for a graduation gift?

Because graduation gifts aren’t as common as birthday or wedding gifts, there aren’t any firm guidelines as to how much you should spend. What’s most important is finding something that shows your appreciation and pride in their accomplishments; big or small, they’re sure to feel your love and support.

What to get a kindergarten graduate?

You can celebrate the little one’s milestone by giving a small, age-appropriate item or an experience that you can enjoy together to commemorate their move into ‘big kid school’.

Is it common to give high school graduation and elementary school graduation gifts?

In addition to college graduation gift giving, gifts for completing elementary school and high school are also increasingly becoming more common. If you’re thinking of spoiling your child on finishing their early years of learning and study, a congratulatory Smart eGift Card is a popular and practical choice.