Top 30 Graduation Gift Ideas for Friends

Graduation is a momentous occasion, and what better way to celebrate your friend's achievement than with a thoughtful, personalized gift? Whether your friend is graduating from high school, college, or another stage in their academic journey, these graduation gift ideas for friends can express your pride and excitement for their future. We've got ideas for your bestie, your guy friends, and even those classmates you want to acknowledge.

Thoughtful and Sentimental Graduation Gifts for Best Friends Female

• Personalized Besties T-Shirt

The personalization is what makes it one of the best graduation gifts for friends. I actually made one for my best friend and me, featuring the year we met and a silly inside joke about how we first bonded. The cotton is incredibly soft, and the print quality is fantastic – it holds up really well in the wash.

Partner in Crime T-shirt for Best Friends

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Graduation T-shirt as Best friend graduation gift

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• Matching Personalized Mugs 

These matching mugs are excellent personalized gifts for friend's graduation, even when you're miles apart – perfect if your bestie is moving away after graduation. I have a set of these mugs! I gifted one to my friend, and kept one. The ceramic is sturdy and feels high-quality, and they genuinely are dishwasher and microwave-safe (I've tested them extensively!). What I really appreciate is the variety of mug styles – you can choose from classic ceramic, travel mugs, or even enamel camping mugs, depending on your friend's style.

Friendship Graduation Gifts - Custom Mugs

• Custom Photo Phone Case

This one will bring a smile to her face every time she uses her phone. You can use a favorite photo of the two of you, a collage of memories, or even a design that reflects her interests. The design process is super easy, and the print quality is surprisingly vibrant – photos come out looking crisp and clear. This makes for a thoughtful graduation gift for friend.

• "Oh, The Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Seuss (Hardcover)

This is a timeless and universally loved gift, and I love the idea of writing a personal inscription inside the cover, making it extra special. It's something she can keep forever and look back on. While it's not personalized in the same way as the other graduation gift ideas for friends, the sentiment behind it is deeply personal. 

• Kate Spade New York Initial Pendant Necklace

It is one of the popular graduation gift ideas for friends. The initial adds a personal touch without being overly flashy – it's subtle but meaningful.  Kate Spade is known for its quality, and the simple design makes it incredibly versatile – she can dress it up or down.

• Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera

It's a fun way to capture memories in a tangible, retro format. Perfect for documenting her post-graduation adventures and creating instant keepsakes! The Instax Mini 11 is relatively affordable and easy to use, even for beginners. The only downside is the ongoing cost of film, so consider including a pack or two with the camera to get her started.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera for Friend

• A Spa Day Gift Certificate

Graduation can be stressful! A spa day is the perfect graduation gift for her to relax, de-stress, and celebrate. A great way to pamper the graduate. You can choose a local spa or a chain like Massage Envy. Make sure to check reviews of the spa beforehand to ensure it's a good fit for your friend and offers the services she'd enjoy. 

Practical Graduation Gift Ideas for Friends (Male)

• Personalized Canvas Print (Personal House)

I love that this combines decoration with inspiration. There are tons of sizes and styles to choose from, so you can find the perfect fit for his space and his style. I'd personally focus on a design or quote that really speaks to his specific plans after graduation.

The ability to customize it – with his name, graduation year, or a meaningful quote – makes it a unique and sentimental graduation gift for a best friend, even though it's practical.

Graduation Gift Ideas For Friends: Custom Canvas

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• Personalized Graduation Tumbler (Personal House)

Staying hydrated is key, and this tumbler will keep his drinks at the ideal temperature, no matter where he is. It's a practical, everyday item with a fun, personalized twist, making it one of the best graduation gifts for friends who appreciate functionality. The personalization – maybe his name, a funny nickname, or a graduation year – adds a touch of humor.  Just be sure to pick the right size.

Custom tumblers with quotes

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• Leather Messenger Bag (Fossil)

A stylish and functional bag is essential for carrying a laptop, books, and other essentials. A leather messenger bag is a classic choice that looks professional and only gets better with age. A great graduation gift for a friend starting his career, providing both style and practicality.

• Noise-Cancelling Headphones (Sony WH-1000XM5)

If you're looking for graduation gift ideas for a friend who values productivity or enjoys music, this is a top-tier choice. The noise-cancelling is almost eerily effective – perfect for blocking out distractions. The sound quality is also fantastic, rich and balanced. They're comfortable enough to wear for hours, and the battery life is excellent.

• Amazon Gift Card

When you are not sure what to get your friend for graduation, this is a good idea, as it allows him to choose something he truly needs. Maybe he needs textbooks, maybe he wants a new gaming headset, maybe he just needs to stock up on ramen noodles. This lets him get exactly what he wants, and you don't have to worry about guessing his size or style.

• Portable Bluetooth Speaker (JBL Flip 6)

He can use it to listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks anywhere – perfect for parties, outdoor adventures, or just chilling at home. This is a versatile and fun graduation gift for friend who enjoys music on the go. The JBL Flip 6 packs a serious punch for its size. The sound is surprisingly loud and clear, with decent bass. It's also super rugged and waterproof, so he doesn't have to worry about taking it to the beach or the pool.

Portable Bluetooth Speaker

• A Subscription Box Tailored to His Interests

A unique graduation gift idea for him, offering a continuous stream of surprises related to his hobbies. Grooming products? There's a box for that. Hot sauce? You get the idea. It's a great way to introduce him to new things, and it's like getting a little present every month. 

Funny Graduation Gift Ideas for Friends

• Personalized "Officially Done with This BS" Mug

I'm telling you, this mug is a winner. The phrase is bold, but it perfectly expresses that "I'm finally free!" feeling. The real fun is in the personalization – think beyond just their name. Add a nickname, their major ("Officially Done with Biology BS!"), or a funny inside joke about a particularly terrible class. These make fantastic funny graduation gifts for friends.

Personalized graduation mug for college

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• "Congrats Grad, Now What?" Socks (Odd Sox)

These are great if you're looking for small, inexpensive graduation gifts for friends, or something to add to a larger present. Odd Sox has a million different designs, but the "Now What?" message is perfect for a recent grad. They're comfy, colorful, and a little bit silly – a great way to say, "Congrats, and good luck figuring it all out!" 

• A Custom Bobblehead in Their Likeness

It's a unique and personalized gag gift that they can proudly (or ironically) display. A mini-version of your friend, with a giant wobbling head? Hilarious. The key is to find a reputable company that can actually capture their likeness – look at examples of their previous work. And consider adding a little detail that relates to their major or a hobby – a tiny graduation cap, a miniature textbook, anything that makes it even more personal. 

• "The Awkward Years" Adult Coloring Book

Adult coloring books have become super popular for stress relief, and this one takes it to the next level with its funny and relatable illustrations. It's a great graduation gift for a friend who appreciates a good laugh and enjoys creative activities. Just be sure they're actually into coloring – some people find it relaxing, others find it tedious!

• A "Diploma" Toilet Paper Roll

It is a funny and cheap graduation gift for a friend. It's not meant to be a real gift, but it's a perfect little something to add to a gift basket or to give alongside a more substantial present. It's cheap, it's funny, and it's definitely unexpected.

• "I Graduated, Can I Go Back to Bed Now?" T-Shirt

A comfortable and funny way to celebrate their achievement, it is the best option when you don't know what to get your friend for graduation. This t-shirt is basically a mood. It's perfect for the graduate who's ready for a long nap after all those all-nighters. It's casual, comfy, and a great conversation starter. 

"I Graduated, Can I Go Back to Bed Now?" T-Shirt Personalized

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• Funny Graduation Card with Cash Inside

A funny card, paired with the universally appreciated gift of cash, is always a winner. Find a card that actually makes you laugh – something that reflects your friend's specific sense of humor. And the cash? They can use it for whatever they need or want – a post-graduation trip, paying off some bills, or just treating themselves to something fun. 

Small Graduation Gift Ideas for Classmates

• Personalized "Class of 2025" Keychain

Everyone needs a keychain! It's a small, practical, and affordable keepsake that commemorates their graduation year – something they can use every day. It is a great way to give a graduation gift for a classmate. You could go with their name, initials, or just the year. 

• "Congrats Grad" Gift Card to a Local Coffee Shop

This is my go-to gift for classmates I don't know super well. It's thoughtful without being overly personal. I usually choose a coffee shop that's near the school or where most students live. A $5 or $10 gift card is plenty – it's the gesture that counts. Honestly, I'd pick this over a generic "Congrats" card any day. It is small and affordable graduation gift ideas for classmates.

• Mini Succulent or Air Plant

I'm a terrible plant parent, but even I can keep a succulent alive. That's why I think these are great graduation gifts for friends. They're trendy, they look cute, and they require minimal effort. You can find them everywhere these days – grocery stores, garden centers, even some pharmacies.

Mini Succulent

• Gourmet Popcorn Tin

Popcorn is always a crowd-pleaser. I like gourmet tins because they offer a variety of flavors – you can usually find something for everyone, from sweet to savory to spicy. Plus, the tin itself is reusable. One thing to watch out for: check for any allergy information if you know your classmate has dietary restrictions. It is a cheap and delicious graduation gift for a classmate.

• Set of Inspirational Pens

Pens are always useful, and a set with inspirational quotes can be a nice, subtle touch of encouragement for their next steps. These make surprisingly thoughtful, yet still practical, graduation gift ideas for classmates. I wouldn't go for the cheapest pens you can find – look for something with decent ink flow and a comfortable grip. 

• High-Quality Notebook and Pen Set

Whether it's for journaling, note-taking, brainstorming, or just making to-do lists, a nice notebook is always appreciated. Look for one with thick paper that won't bleed through, and a binding that lays flat. A nice pen to go with it completes the set. This is a small graduation gift for friends that combines practicality and a touch of elegance.

• Small Desk Organizer

This is a super practical gift, especially if your classmate is moving into a dorm room or a small apartment. I've seen some really clever organizers that maximize space and have compartments for everything. Before you buy, try to get a sense of their style – do they prefer a minimalist look, or something more colorful? A cluttered desk can be a real distraction, so this gift can actually help with productivity. 

Small Desk Organizer for Classmates

Hopefully, this list has given you some inspiration and helped you find the perfect way to say "congrats!" to the graduates in your life. Good luck with your gift-giving!