Graduation season is right around the corner! These celebrations always seem to mark the real beginning of summer – speaking of which, seems to have snuck up on all of us. Do you remember your high school or college graduation? With so much cause for ceremonies and celebration, it’s hard not to recall the memories of those times without a smile. Just like any other special event, graduation calls for gifts. In case you need some gift inspo, we’ve put together a list of gifts to give a graduate, to help brainstorm ideas that might be best for your graduate!
Gifts to give a graduate this season:
Shop my gift guide round up for graduates on this LTK post!
- The Five Minute Journal
- Silk Pillowcase
- Recess Pickleball Starter Set
- Leather Passport Case
- Baggy Carry On
- Levoit 200S Dual Smart Top Fill Humidifier
- Pistachio Gingham Linen Bundle
- Chris Loves Julia Essentials Kitchen Set
- Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
- The Rhode Skin Kit
DIY Gifts
In my Polynesian family, a large part of gift giving is with homemade leis – ESPECIALLY for graduations. The word “lei” is the singular version of the Hawaiian word “nā lei”, which is used to describe the woven garland or wreath that is strung together with flowers or plants. Sometimes a lei can also be made of other objects such as shells or seeds, which carry special cultural significance for Pacific peoples. Today we even use candy and money to give those graduate leis some oomph!
If flowers and garlands interest you as DIY gifts for your graduate, be sure to check out our Lady Liberty Flower Crowns, How to make a floral crown: Part 1 or Money necklace DIY to get started! These are just some of the many DIY Gifts to browse, so if you’re a crafter check out more DIY Gift Ideas from Lars!
Gifts on a Budget
Maybe if you don’t have time to craft and are looking for a graduate gift on a budget, this is for you! We have some great items in the Lars shop available if you need to snag a gift in a pinch. Your gifts don’t have to be elaborate or decadent – sometimes small gifts are the perfect way to say congrats without overdoing it! You’ll find quite a selection down below, and we can’t wait to see what speaks to you! Neither can your graduate!
Gifts for Your High School Graduate or College Graduate
I seem to remember going to a high school graduation perpetually every year until I graduated – and even after that! I think growing up in a tight-knit community, you just naturally end up going time and time again to support someone that you know. High school graduation feels so special as that first-big-adult-milestone-everyone-comes-out-to-celebrate; the energy is contagious! What better way to mark that coming of age feeling than with a gift for your high school graduate?
I still have gifts from my college graduation that I’ve kept for years after, as special reminders of my accomplishments there. I absolutely loved my college experience and was so happy to receive timeless and simple gifts, however big or small, from my friends and family. Browse through and find something meaningful for your graduate!
Yummy Gifts
The way to a graduate’s heart…is through their stomach? Ha ha. Maybe not true of everyone, but don’t rule out the edible treats if you are a whiz in the kitchen! Food is often a family heirloom, with recipes that travel down from generation to generation. This is a great way to celebrate your graduate, while letting everyone share a piece of the pie – especially if you know they have a favorite food or meal!
Great food is just as much a love language as any other gift. In lieu of a physical gift, you could throw a themed brunch or a graduation dinner. Cakes are always a big hit for any celebratory occasion: Roll out the rainbow carpet with this Colorful layered cake recipe, or go with a Chocolate Tiramisu Layer Cake for chocolate lovers.
Aebelskivers and The Lamington Float are some yummy favorites at Lars. We also have fun recreating recipes that we love or have tried abroad! We’ll leave originality up to you, but feel free to peruse if you come up short on treats.
Graduate Cards
Last but not least, cards are the original gift giving go-to. Cards are a straightforward way to say a little something special, and a gift your graduate can keep!
Try DIYing your own cards with DIY Paper Flower Embroidery Boutonniere and Cards or learning something new with a DIY Confetti Postcard.
You can also browse through these printable cards and find The Art of the Handwritten Note and printable bookmark and Summer art printables and more!
In your search for gifts to give your graduate this year, we hope you find something here that is whimsical and inspiring! Tag us with your gifts at #LarsMakes so we can celebrate those special moments with you.