With graduation season slowly approaching, I decided to put together a list of 10 actually useful graduation gifts under $50. Take it from a soon-to-be graduate, these are things we need and will actually use they won’t be going to waste. I am graduating in May and honestly can’t wait to be done with college and start with another phase of life – adulting. Anyways, if you have a loved one who is graduating from college soon, you’ve come to the right place.
Life changing books for twenty somethings
This gift is perfect for that person who is always reading a book. Or for those who are into self-development. A book about making the most out of their twenties is a must-read for those starting a new exciting phase in their lives. Here’s a list from Buzzfeed, full of books for twenty somethings, you can choose from.
A graduation cap they’ll never forget
This is perfect for those who want a cute graduation cap topper that will stand out, but aren’t really artistically skilled… hey, that’s okay, we are all good at something, but art maybe isn’t their thing. Or with finals approaching and job hunting, they don’t have time to design and put together a truly memorable graduation cap. No matter what the situation is, Once Upon A Time has you covered! They carry hundreds of toppers you can choose from. They are all beautiful and have a different quote, some are floral, some are metallic… There’s something for every soon-to-graduate student out there. The best part? They are super easy to attach with their peel & stick base. And can be kept as a memento or reminder of the accomplishment that is graduating college.
PS. Use the code SOFIA10 for 10% off!
Below you can find my top picks:
Jewelry – a girl’s best friend
Now, you might be thinking: good quality jewelry under $50? And that’s where I say, YES! I’ve been lucky enough to find online stores that sell good quality jewelry for under $50. One of them also happens to be a good friend of mine and she just opened her store a few months ago – Cheriz.
Other stores I absolutely love are Amoriana Jewelry and Perri Foia!
PS: Perri Foia is a sustainable jewelry brand, click here to read more about that!
A good quality planner
This is for the organization obsessed in our life. Get them a planner they can use to write down her 10 or 15 year life plan, along with all other plans and appointments. They’ll take this planner everywhere with them and I’m sure they’ll love it. If they are into art and crafts, then a bullet journal might also be a good idea! They can customize their planner to fit their life perfectly and have fun while doing it!
My picks + the bullet journal I purchase year after year.
ClassPass gift card
Gift cards make such useful graduation gifts! And if your soon-to-graduate is moving to a new city and loves all things fitness – a ClassPass gift card is perfect for them! This will allow them to try out different classes at all the fitness studios within the ClassPass network, before they choose which studio or gym to join! Or they can even decide to pay for a ClassPass membership instead of a gym membership – you never know.
Portable charger
For that person whose phone is always dead or dying – this is the perfect gift. There’s many options to choose from, but we are going with one that has a long battery life and is solar powered. Because, if they constantly forget to charge their phones, I doubt they’ll remember to charge the power bank. Also, we are trying to be more sustainable!
Silk pillowcase
If you’re looking for the perfect gift for that skincare obsessed friend or family member – silk pillow cases are the answer. They are pricey for the typical college student to splurge on. And they are usually an item people forget about, because pillow cases are obviously not as exciting as the newest vitamin c serum. Silk pillowcases are gentler on acne prone or sensitive skin than cotton pillowcases. They also help prevent fine lines and wrinkles and are super good for the hair too! They prevent frizz and don’t take away moisture like cotton does. Below are some of my picks!
Apartment stuff
Moving is very expensive. And decorating the place you’re moving to is also another expense. Help your loved one save money while they start their journey, by getting them useful apartment stuff. Such as a coffee maker, a toaster, some cute decor you know they want, and other things. Below are some options below $50!
Work from home stuff
Working from home isn’t going away for most of us. If your soon-to-graduate recently got a job for after college, and it happens to be WFH, then they might need thing to stay sane while living and working in the same place. Below are some WFH must-haves. I personally can vouch for the bed desk – it literally perfect for those days when you don’t want to leave your bed.
Money
Everyone loves money. 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.
And that’s it for useful graduation gifts! As always, if you have any questions, leave a comment below!