Our Picks for Graduation
1Kapten & Son Chrono Small Watch, Silver Steel
A smaller silver chronograph on a steel bracelet, an everyday watch that still feels special for a big birthday.
£249.90Kapten & Son
3Kaweco Collection Sport Fountain Pen, Smooth Sage
A pocket fountain pen from Kaweco, a design first made in 1911, in soft sage green. Takes standard ink cartridges.
£30.00Papersmiths
518ct Gold Filled Evil Eye Charm Bracelet
A little gold bracelet of blue evil eye charms, a thoughtful good luck gift for a friend.
£55.00Sophelia & Co
HintDrop perk: 10% off
2Kapten & Son Helsinki Backpack, Sandstone, 17L
A roomy 17 litre backpack in a soft sand colour, with a laptop compartment and padded back for daily commutes.
£129.90Kapten & Son
4Papersmiths Discovery Set, Pink and Red
Papersmiths' five signature pens and pencil, all refillable, in a gift wallet. Designed in London, made in Japan.
£45.00Papersmiths
Know whether they want sentimental or practical (or ask)
Some graduates want something to remember the day by; others would rather have something genuinely useful for the job, course, or move that's coming next. Knowing which one someone actually wants makes a much bigger difference than the gift itself. If you can't ask, check whether they keep a HintDrop list.
Graduation gifts by budget: under £20, £50 and £100
Under £20, a good pen, a framed photo from the day, a nice notebook or a card with a handwritten note about how proud you are does the job. Around £50 opens up a quality watch strap or wallet, a smart work bag, a cookbook and a good pan for the first flat, or a bottle of something to celebrate with. Around £100 you can look at a proper watch, a decent set of luggage, noise cancelling headphones or a contribution toward a laptop. Set your cap first and spend it on one thing they will use.
Sentimental graduation gifts that last
A framed photo of the graduate in their gown, a keepsake box, a personalised pen or engraved watch, or a scrapbook of messages from family and friends will still be around in ten years. A short letter saying what you have seen them achieve often matters more than the object it comes with.
Practical gifts for the job or the first flat
Plenty of graduates are about to start work or move out. A smart work bag, a good coat for interviews, a set of kitchen basics, a toolkit, a laptop sleeve or a bit of help with the first month's costs will get used every day. If they already have a list, buy from it so it isn't doubled up.
Gifts for school, college and university leavers
School leavers moving to university love useful basics such as bedding, a desk lamp, a kettle and cash for freshers' week. College leavers heading into work suit smart accessories or a first proper bag. University graduates often want something that marks the end of a long road, like a nice watch, a trip or a framed photo of the day.
For a bigger send-off gift, bring the group in
A laptop, a proper suitcase for the move, a contribution toward the first flat. These are exactly the kind of gifts that work better as a group pot than as one person's sole responsibility, letting family and friends put in what they can toward one thing that actually matters.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good graduation gift?
Something that marks the day and helps with what comes next: a framed photo, a quality pen or watch, a smart work bag, or a contribution toward something big they need. Match it to whether they prefer sentimental or practical.
How much should I spend on a graduation gift?
Most people spend between 20 and 100 pounds. Close family may give more, and friends or colleagues can keep it under 20. A thoughtful gift and a kind note matter more than the price.
When should you give a graduation gift?
Give it on the day of the ceremony or at the celebration afterwards. If you can't be there, send it in the week before or after with a card.
What is a good graduation gift for someone who has everything?
Go for an experience, a framed keepsake, a contribution toward a big purchase or something for their new job or home. Asking them to save a few ideas to HintDrop shows you what they actually want.
Is money an acceptable graduation gift?
Yes, many graduates would prefer it, especially with a first flat or a job search ahead. Put it in a nice card with a note, or pool it with family toward one specific thing.
Ready to actually find something?
Browse graduation gift ideas