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This post is all about 2020 graduation gifts that will actually be used.
Graduation is such an exciting time filled with lots of celebrations... and that means gifts to give.
There are so many new experiences and responsibilities to prepare for before graduates leave for college or embark on the "real" world after college. There are so many great gift ideas that can be fun or practical, but either way will make their lives better.
All of these 2020 graduation gifts are guaranteed to wow your graduates and make their transition to into this next phase of life a little bit easier.
If you're looking for more graduation gift ideas, I've got you covered:
This post shows you the best 2020 graduation gifts to give this year.
Graduation Gifts for Girls:
1. iPad Pro
I think that this is going to be one of the most asked for 2020 graduation gifts.
I have one and I am absolutely obsessed with it, so I can totally see why. It's so great for on the go studying or even taking notes (saves a ton of paper!). Such a great and useful gift that will last them so long.
2. UGG Slippers
These UGG slippers are THE slippers to give to any trendy graduate. Every single girl I know either has these or is dying to get them.
If you're looking to stick to a budget you can always go with a less expensive pair from Amazon which seriously has so many super cute options too!
3. AirPod Pro
If you're looking for a hot 2020 graduation gift, this is it. AirPods make listening to music while walking to class or working so much easier since they don't have wires. I promise anyone would be so thankful to receive these as a gift!
4. Lululemon Define Jacket
The Lululemon Define Jacket has been a staple for years now and it’s definitely not going anywhere. In college, this is the jacket every girl wear or wants when going to class. Even after graduation, this is every girl's go-to athletic jacket to wear when running errands, hitting the gym, or even lounging around the house.
If you're looking for the most popular graduation gifts, this is it.
5. Apple Watch
Apple watches are almost like your own personal assistant. They show you texts, track workouts, and you can even play music from them.
So if your graduate needs a reminder that's always on them, I highly suggest getting them an apple watch for 2020 graduation.
6. Hydro Flask
Literally any single 2020 graduate would love this gift! I swear by these water bottles.. I take mine everywhere!
HydroFlasks keep things cold for SO long and are super helpful when walking back and forth from classes. They have tons of colors and sizes to choose from so you can pick one that fits your graduate!
7. Polaroid + Film
Polaroids are a perfect way to capture pictures in college and be able to hang them up right away on your wall. If your graduate doesn't own one of these, it would be a great grad gift!
If they already have the camera, an easy and affordable gift would be getting more film:
Get a film set with colored film, desk frames, sticker frames and more.
8. College Daily Planner
When I say I live by my BSL planner I’m not just saying that. This thing was my lifeline in college and even after I graduated.
Whether it's heading off to college or starting a new job, anyone graduating this year is sure to feel stressed and maybe a little even lost but this planner will make their life feel just a little more organized!
9. Laptop Case
College students are on their laptops basically 24/7. You want to make sure they are protected but also still looking cute.
This leather laptop case is the perfect graduation gift for any girl. It will keep their laptop in tip top shape while also not breaking the bank.
10. Gift Cards
Sometimes graduates are really hard to shop for because you just cannot seem to please them. If that's the case, gift cards are a great gift option that they will definitely put to use.
Amazon has a TON, so definitely look there or go with super basic ones like the ones I've linked above!
11. Money
Kids love cold hard cash, man. What can I say? If you need a graduation gift at the last minute and want to be sure it isn't one that goes to waste, money is the answer!
12. School Spirit Gear
Can’t go wrong with some new college apparel!
Whether the graduate you're buying for is headed into their first year or celebrating their last, trendy college sweatshirts, t-shirts, sweatpants, and hats are always going to make great graduation gifts.
13. A Super Nice Robe
I love getting into my nice cozy robe right after I shower. Robes are perfect for lounging around in your dorm or having something to throw on while you get ready. And this Ugg robe is sooo soft and comfy!
14. Tool Kit
I got one of these for my high school graduation and I still rave about how handy this is four years later. It might seem like in the moment this gift is boring, but your graduate will use it over and over again.
15. Phone Wallet
I have had one of these all throughout college and it has been a lifesaver.
When you go out in college, it is so easy to lose your cards! This keeps them secure and connected to your phone which makes it wayyy harder to lose.
Any graduate will definitely put this to use in college and it will save them on more occasions than they think.
16. Waterproof Speaker
Speakers are great for college. Who knows what a speaker will go through in the college dorms so getting a waterproof one will ensure that it will last as long as possible!
Great for jamming in the shower, hanging out with friends, or relaxing while you get ready. Definitely a one of our favorite 2020 graduation gifts.
17. Weighted Blanket
This blanket feels like a literal hug.
If your graduate deals with anxiety or homesickness, then this is a perfect gift to get them. The weight of it eases nerves to help them sleep better and I can promise they will use it every night!
18. Keurig
Coffee is the lifeline of any recent graduate, especially when they move on to college. Help them save money by getting them a Keurig. I promise you they will use it every morning!
19. Weekend Carry-On
Freshmen in college will definitely be traveling more than they might expect - whether it's a weekend visiting home, or traveling on spring break, a sturdy carry-on is a really great graduation gift idea that will last them for years.
20. Clear Game Day Bag
A clear bag was something I didn’t even think about needing before college until football season.
This game-day bag is perfect for tailgates, football games, or even just casual use that can be completely personalized! I promise they will fall in love with this gift.
21. Makeup Mirror
College dorms do not have good lighting whatsoever. If your graduate wears makeup, this a great gift for them that they will definitely use!
22. Games to Play with New Friends
A great way to spend time with new neighbors and get to know them fast, is with card games (specifically adult card games lol). These are some of my favorites that are a little more Rated R and definitely geared towards high school graduates.
So fun to play with new friends or neighbors on your floor!
23. Custom Necklace
I love this necklace as a graduation gift! It's subtle still a cute necklace that they can easily layer.
24. Amazon Prime Student Membership
Click here to learn how to gift a Prime Membership.
Amazon Prime is a lifesaver in college so any high school graduate would be so excited to get a membership!
From renting books for school or watching shows on Prime Video, this would be such a useful graduation gift. As for graduation gifts for girls, this is one thing you absolutely can not go wrong on getting them.
25. RayBan Sunglasses
Getting a graduate a new pair of sunglasses is a great graduation gift idea they will actually use.
And no, these sunnies don't have to be Ray Bans! I just linked those because they are super popular right now. But Amazon has a ton of more affordable options as well so definitely go and take a look!
26. Laptop
One of my big high school graduation gifts was my MacBook and it's still in brand new shape 4 years later (using it as I write this!)
Laptops are essential for college and definitely will be used for many, many years. Definitely a great 2020 graduation gift and a really good investment!
27. Gel Nail Kit
I don't know what it is about college that convinces girls they must have their nails done all the time, but it's definitely a trend. And an expensive one at that!
Help your graduate stay in budget while also staying on trend by getting them a gel nail kit!
(I've been using one of these since Christmas and am OBSESSED! My nails look just as good as going to the salon)
28. Wireless Charger
If your graduate uses a lot of different technology, like an iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch, this wireless charger is an amazing graduation gift.
It literally charges all of them at once without any cords! And in the dorms, the less cord mess, the better.
29. Custom Travel Jewelry Bag
Personalized gifts automatically are so much more special.
High school graduates are sure to be traveling in the near future whether it's to visit friends at school or come home for the holidays so this personalized graduation gift is sure to be well-loved!
30. Lululemon Leggings
Athletic wear is always a go-to when picking out graduation gifts because you can guarantee that they will get worn!
Both high school seniors going to college and recent college graduates will basically be living in leggings whether it’s on-campus or in the gym. This is a gift you can give to literally any girl and guarantee it'll be a hit.
31. A Crossbody Purse
Every girl in college with definitely need a crossbody purse. These are great for going out or walking around because they hold the perfect amount of things - your phone, cards, and some chapstick. What else do you need in college?
They also make it so much easier not to lose your phone or cards since they are always attached to you. Such a great 2020 graduation gift!
32. Amazon Echo Show
I've recommended getting a graduate an Amazon Echo before because I mean, who doesn't want a personal assistant at their fingertips?
But did you know that Amazon now makes Echos with screens? They're really cool and pretty popular among college students now so it's definitely a great 2020 graduation gift.
33. Roku
If your graduate spends a lot of time watching TV or movies, a Roku is a great way for them to access all of their favorite streaming services for a super low cost.
34. Casper Pillow
Sleep is a college student's favorite time ever!
Help the graduate in your life get the best sleep that they can with a casper pillow! It's incredible, and they'll literally use it every night.
35. Silk Pillow Case
And lastly, for the graduate that needs beauty sleep, I highly recommend giving them silk pillow cases!
Silk pillow cases help keep skin clear and hair from going crazy. So when they wake up bright and beautiful, they'll mentally have you to thank for it!
Graduation Gifts for Boys:
1. Roku
If your graduate spends a lot of time watching TV, sports game or movies, a Roku is a great way for them to access all of their favorite streaming services for a super low cost.
2. Apple Watch
Apple Watches are great for anyone but are especially helpful for people that love to workout and track their fitness. They also hook up to your phone so you can get texts, email, play music and so much more.
I highly suggest getting them an apple watch for 2020 graduation because they will definitely use it on the daily and for years to come!
3. Tile Tracker
For those boys that tend to lose everything they own, this is a great gift that is also practical.
Just put it on your keys and then you can track them if you ever lose them! It'll definitely be a life saver at some point their freshmen year.
4. Hydro Flask
Hydro Flasks are amazing water bottles that seriously keep your water cold for days. Everyone I know that owns one raves about it and I seriously think I drink 5x more water than I would if I didn't use a Hydro Flask lol.
This is a great graduation gift for anyone that works out or just needs to stay hydrated!
5. AirPod Pro
AirPods are honestly a really great investment for anyone going off to college. I use mine literally every day.
From listening to music or podcasts when I study, walk to class, do my laundry, etc. they're never in the way. Such a great 2020 graduation gift!
6. College Bookstore Gift Card
If you know your graduate is going to want to stock up on school apparel, a gift card to the school bookstore is a perfect graduation gift.
The bookstores always have the most options for apparel so they will definitely be able to find something they love with this!
7. Waterproof Speaker
Speakers are pretty much essential in college.
Waterproof speakers are great for jamming in the shower, hanging out with friends, or relaxing while you get ready. Definitely a great graduation gift for 2020.
8. Cigars
I don't know if it's just my hometown or if this is everywhere, but it's such a thing for guys to smoke a cigar at graduation.
Maybe it's a right of passage but either way, it's a great graduation gift!
9. Gym Membership
If your graduate loves to workout, this is a great 2020 graduation gift. They may be worried about finding a place that has all the equipment or maybe it's too expensive for them.
Getting them a membership would be a great gift so they don't have to worry about these things before they get to college!
10. College Teams FanChest
Check out FanChest, starting at $69.
If your graduate is a big sports guy, this is such a fun gift! It's a curated basket with a ton of different things from their favorite sports team. Such a great graduation gift for any sports fan!
This post was all about the best 2020 graduation gifts.
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