The last day of primary school, the final Year 12 exam, the uni graduation gown. They’re very different milestones, but each deserves a moment to say, “You did it.” :)
If you’re looking for graduation gift ideas, start with the person and what’s coming next. That could mean something for high school, a way to enjoy the summer after exams, or a useful gift for work and life after uni. Here are our picks for each stage.
Primary school graduation gifts for the move to high school
Finishing primary school is a big deal. A new bottle or pencil case is something they can choose in their own style and take into the next school year. For a little more colour, try a SoYoung lunch bag in a print they can pick themselves.
Something to enjoy over the school holidays
For a child who likes making things or solving puzzles, try Djeco’s Small Boxes Origami or the Cubissimo game, which has 60 challenges. Both are for ages seven and up. Or celebrate with an Original Tambú steel tongue drum, a colourful gift for a child who loves making music.
High school graduation gifts for a break from study
Exams are over. Time for something they actually want to spend an afternoon doing! 365 Days of Creativity has activities to dip into, A Wild Year Nature Journal has space for writing and drawing, and Twigg’s Nuts About Gums puzzle brings a colourful challenge to the table.
For summer plans and a gap year
Beach days, camping trips and afternoons with friends. An Ecovask travel towel can come along for the ride, Finska gets everyone into a backyard game, and a WAW BadFish handplane is a fun pick for a keen bodysurfer.
Uni graduation gifts for the next step
A work bag, a coffee cup and a pair of budgie socks. There’s room for a bit of personality in the working week! Terra Thread’s Executive Work Tote has an internal laptop compartment, the Fressko Camino is ready for their regular coffee stop, and Wilson Payne’s Blue Budgie socks add some colour to a first-day outfit.
For their first place
If graduation comes with a move, help them make the new place their own. Sands Made Stix and a Camphor Laurel board are useful additions to the kitchen, while a yellow Lumina solar lantern brings a splash of colour to a balcony or courtyard.
Make it personal with a few words
Tell them what you’re proud of. It might be the way they kept going with a difficult subject, found their people or worked out what they wanted to do. A note about that will mean more than a general “good luck”.
For primary school leavers, mention a favourite memory. For a Year 12 graduate, recognise the effort that got them to the finish line. For a uni graduate, let them know you’re celebrating everything it took to get there.
Pick a card that feels like them and put it in writing. It might be the part they keep longest.
How much should you spend on a graduation gift?
Choose an amount that works for you. There’s no need for a big present to mark the occasion. A small gift with a personal note can be enough, or family members could contribute together to something the graduate has asked for.
What is a useful graduation gift?
Think about their next few months. A school leaver might use a new bottle or pencil case, a traveller might appreciate a towel, and someone starting work might need a bag. If you’re unsure, ask what’s on their wish list before choosing.
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