The class of 2026 wants a tabby cat, a cruise and a job.
At least that’s what I learned when I surveyed this year’s upcoming graduates for their graduation gift wishlists. The job, of course, is the realest wish: every graduate has their career on their mind, but this particular class is entering a market where AI is threatening to take over entry-level roles. It can feel, well, “cooked”, as some anxious students worry.
A small token of encouragement can go a long way as graduates navigate a fraught future. While it may not be the job offer they’re waiting on, a graduation gift can help make their entry into the “real world” a tad more bearable.
Below, upcoming and recent graduates have recommended 22 thoughtful gift ideas that they want or previously received (on top of the three less-accessible answers above), including custom M&M’s and a practical air fryer.
And, as a class of 2025 graduate, I’ve included a few recommendations of my own.
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Personalized Graduation M&M’s
For my graduation party in 2023, my parents ordered me custom M&M’s in my college’s colors printed with tiny versions of my grad photos. They were made to look like mini champagne bottles and they were such a fun party favor to keep for myself and pass out to everyone. I’m big on hosting and sentimental gifts, so this was a cool and unexpected way to blend those that you might not see at every party. Jessica Ferguson, Guardian US copy editor, Emerson College ’23
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A buy-it-for-life knife set
I’ve already invested in this as a gift to myself. For people who like to cook, this is a “buy-it-for-life” kind of purchase and a very welcome upgrade from the college-style $25 knife set. Eda, University of Pittsburgh ’26
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A custom diploma frame
A diploma frame is already an item people look for after their graduation. Jiamin, University of Pittsburgh ’26
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No Particular Order guided journals
This set of journals from one of my favorite stationery brands, No Particular Order, is an outlet for documenting pivotal moments in adulthood: a travel journal for planning adventures, a moving journal for moving cities and a career journal for outlining their dreams.
I recently tested the set and appreciated its thoughtful prompting questions, minimalist design and travel-friendly weight.
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A new university sweatshirt
The items that I got freshman year are getting old. I would like one new sweatshirt. Bryona, University of Pittsburgh ’26
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A new bookbag
I’ve been wearing the same one since college, and would like a new one for graduate school. Bryona
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Apple Macbook Neo laptop
It’s a new MacBook that’s in high demand because of how simple it is. I love my Macbook Air: I barely use it for anything serious, so I feel like it’s really good when you’re coming out of college and just figuring things out. But it’s expensive, so if you’re in a tough spot, there’s now an affordable option so you don’t have to spend $1,500 on a frickin’ laptop. Jasmin, California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt ‘26
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A practical e-gift card
I’d like gift cards, maybe from Amazon. If I’m moving to a new place for a job, I’d like to be able to buy some things. Theresa, University of Pittsburgh ‘26
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Nespresso Vertuo Coffee Maker
As a major coffee lover, having a good machine to brew my morning cup has been such a nice everyday gift – especially now that I’m working a 9 to 5 and reaching for it even more. Leeann, Baruch College ’25
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A sentimental necklace …
I received a set of pearls from my grandparents that my grandpa picked out before he passed. They were obviously sentimental and special. Nola, University of Tennessee, Knoxville ’25
… or even matching ones
When I graduated from my master’s program last year, my mom gifted me a gold infinity necklace. It was a complete surprise and a departure from the more practical gifts that I usually receive from her. I wear it daily, and my mom loved it so much that she bought a matching one.
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Project Hail Mary novel
I really enjoyed the movie and want a good book to read when I take the train to work. Matthew, Kansas State University ‘26
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Custom LL Bean Boat and Tote
What kind of New Englander would I be if I didn’t have an LL Bean Boat and Tote? I’ve purchased these bags for myself and friends, and they’re a perfect blend of practical and sentimental. There are countless options of what to embroider the tote with – I just went with my name, but you could also do their initials, college name or something personal to the graduate. Jessica Ferguson
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Papier Daily Planner
For anyone looking to keep track of their new work schedule, I love my planner from Papier. Not only does it look adorable on a desk, but it also has a layout that makes it easy to track everything from work meetings to weekend plans.
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Engraved fountain pen
No one ever has a pen on hand anymore, so if I pull out my engraved fountain pen, it’s like, “Oh, she’s got it together.” Jasmin
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‘Heartfelt’ congratulation cards
I received congratulatory notes from all of my maternal family members back in my home country, Thailand. It’s just touching to see heartfelt messages from people who cared about me, though they lived half a globe away from me. Wasamon, Columbia Journalism School ’25
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‘Investment piece’ gold earrings
My sister gifted me these gold hoops a few years ago, and they’re still in perfect condition. Since they’re solid gold, I pretty much only take them out to clean them. They make the perfect gift because although I’m big on accessorizing, I probably wouldn’t buy them for myself since they’re more of an investment piece. Jessica Ferguson
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Hard drives for file storage
USBs or hard drives are great for transporting pictures or files. Theresa
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Hand-painted heels for special occasions
My parents helped me buy a new dress for graduation. For a graduation and birthday gift, my brother bought me these heels with a hand-painted design that I wore for graduation and to many events since. Carmen Lawrence, Guardian US executive assistant, Washington University at St Louis ’21
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Amazon Kindle
Recently, I credited my Kindle for helping me read upwards of 50 titles a year. I received this as a gift in my second year of undergrad and it changed my reading game altogether. In my post-graduation life, I use my Kindle daily for sneaking in a few pages after work.
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Diamond Necklace
I graduated last year, and a few of the gifts I got really stuck with me. The first is a necklace that has honestly become a wardrobe staple. I haven’t taken it off since I got it. It’s one of those pieces that ties every outfit together, and since I’d never had a go-to necklace before, it quickly became one of my most treasured gifts. Leeann
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A new air fryer
It will be very useful and will make cooking much easier. Matthew
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A new luggage case
The luggage I received was helpful with moving and traveling post-grad! Nola
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A free restaurant meal
I received a gift certificate to a Michelin-starred restaurant. Rebecca, New York University
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Other pieces you might enjoy from the Filter, the Guardian’s guide to buying fewer, better things:
