‘I’ll be able to take it with me wherever I live’: the best graduation gifts, chosen by graduates

Whether it’s a casserole dish or art inspired by the city they studied in, these are the gifts recent graduates told us they loved the most

There’s considerable pride to be taken from graduating, and it’s a moment friends and family are often eager to mark with a gift. But what presents best cement this major milestone? As leaving celebrations of all stripes approach, we asked recent graduates to tell us about what they loved receiving, from the sentimental to the practical.

“When I graduated from York, my parents treated me to a meal at a restaurant I’d had my eye on since starting my course,” says reader Toby Beer, a biology graduate. “It was a brilliant send-off to celebrate my time in Yorkshire.”

Alternatively, buy them a voucher for their favourite restaurant, or one that covers various restaurants, such as Squaremeal.

“I was given a Canon G7 X [digital camera],” says fashion graduate Kayleigh McKenna. “I had wanted a camera for as long as I could remember and was able to capture the whole day in gorgeous photos.”

A reusable point-and-shoot film camera is a more affordable option for an analogue-loving gen Zer. Kodak’s Ektar H35 is a half-frame model, so the recipient can get twice as many shots from each roll of film.

For Mia, who graduated with an early childhood education degree, a thoughtfully chosen piece of art made the perfect gift: “My parents gave me a painting by Kimi Zoet that features all of my favourite spots in the city where I went to university, along with the houses I lived in. I’ll be able to take it with me wherever I live in the future.” Or try Artfinder for original art from independent artists.

Poppy Park was thrilled to get a pair of gold hoop earrings from her mum: “Every time I wear them, I’m reminded of the hard work that got me through my degree,” she says. We love these from Monica Vinader.

Amy Klaire was given a Coach handbag: “It’s stylish and practical, symbolising a step into adulthood,” she says.

If leather goods are out of budget, a small sentimental gift can be just as nice: “My sister gave me a Jellycat egg wearing a mortarboard,” says sports coaching graduate Cerys Yardley-Turpin. A Star Wars fan in your life? We love this Grogu plush in a full graduation outfit.

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Beyond the ceremony

Otherwise, say it with words. “I received cards from my friends and family – some were handmade – and I’ve kept them all,” says Rowan, a history of art graduate. These personalised cards featuring the city they’ve graduated from are a thoughtful option they can keep.

Or what about some homewares for post-grad life? Bethany Love got some “nice rose-shaped gin glasses”. We love these coupes from Our Place, or try platters for dinner parties, or even a posh Le Creuset utensil set.

You could also help continue their broader education: “Each time I use the Art Fund life membership given to me by my uncle – which is often – I remember our shared love of art,” says Julia Marlow.

Art Fund’s National Art Pass includes free entry to 250 museums, galleries and historic houses and 50% off some exhibitions, and is available for three months upwards.

For Sinead Campbell, a grownup leather wallet was the perfect gift from her parents. “I lost my wallet while studying abroad during my second year, and for the following year, tied my cards together with a hairband. When I graduated, my parents bought me a vintage leather wallet. It was a practical present, and also a mark of maturity, symbolising the potential for prosperity. I still carry it around with me every day.”