Graduation marks the end of one chapter of life and the start of another. A graduate's gift should not only please but also help in adult life or remind them of the day years later. Here are gift ideas for school and university graduates: practical gifts for the future, keepsakes, experiences, flowers and sweet bouquets, plus what to avoid. If they also turn 18, see 18th birthday gifts. For those already at university, see gifts for students.
Combine the useful and the memorable: something for the future plus flowers or an experience.
Gifts for a school graduate
University applications, moving out and student life lie ahead, so the most useful gifts are ones they will need there: a laptop or tablet, a tech backpack, headphones, a power bank, an e-reader, a suitcase or a dorm kit. Experiences are just as valuable: a post-graduation trip with friends, festival tickets or driving lessons.
Keepsakes are fitting too: a photo book of school years, a watch or jewellery engraved with the graduation date, or a letter from parents to open in ten years. Graduates often prepare joint gifts for teachers; see gift ideas for teachers.
Gifts for a university graduate
A university graduate is entering professional life, so career gifts fit well: a leather briefcase or laptop bag, a quality planner and pen, business clothes, a watch, or a voucher for a professional course or conference. A trip after the thesis defence is a great way to celebrate.
Flowers and sweet bouquets for graduates
A female graduate will love bright or soft bouquets to match her dress: roses, peony roses, hydrangeas or mixes. A male graduate may prefer a restrained arrangement or a snack or sweet bouquet. Flowers complement any main gift and suit thesis defences and last-bell ceremonies too.
What not to give a graduate
Avoid preachy gifts such as encyclopaedias or exam guides on the big day, cheap Graduate souvenirs, clothes without a fitting and things that won't be useful in their new life. Ideas for siblings are in gifts for a brother and our gift ideas section.
Graduation bouquets delivered in Kyiv
Congratulate a graduate with a bright bouquet: our catalogue has rose mixes, soft arrangements and teacher bouquets delivered across Kyiv.
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
Birthday
Hydrangeas