The class of 2026 wants a tabby cat, a cruise and a job.
At least that’s what I learned when I surveyed this year’s upcoming graduates for their graduation gift wishlists. The job, of course, is the realest wish: every graduate has their career on their mind, but this particular class is entering a market where AI is threatening to take over entry-level roles. It can feel, well, “cooked”, as some anxious students worry.
A small token of encouragement can go a long way as graduates navigate a fraught future. While it may not be the job offer they’re waiting on, a graduation gift can help make their entry into the “real world” a tad more bearable.
Below, upcoming and recent graduates have recommended 22 thoughtful gift ideas that they want or previously received (on top of the three less-accessible answers above), including custom M&M’s and a practical air fryer.
And, as a class of 2025 graduate, I’ve included a few recommendations of my own.
Personalized Graduation M&M’s
Personalized Graduation M&M’s
M&M’s
$25.49
For my graduation party in 2023, my parents ordered me custom M&M’s in my college’s colors printed with tiny versions of my grad photos. They were made to look like mini champagne bottles and they were such a fun party favor to keep for myself and pass out to everyone. I’m big on hosting and sentimental gifts, so this was a cool and unexpected way to blend those that you might not see at every party. Jessica Ferguson, Guardian US copy editor, Emerson College ’23
Personalized Graduation M&M’s
M&M’s
$25.49
A buy-it-for-life knife set
Zwilling
The Must-Haves Knife Set (two-piece set)
from $146.41
I’ve already invested in this as a gift to myself. For people who like to cook, this is a “buy-it-for-life” kind of purchase and a very welcome upgrade from the college-style $25 knife set. Eda, University of Pittsburgh ’26
Zwilling
The Must-Haves Knife Set (two-piece set)
from $146.41
A custom diploma frame
Etsy
Custom Diploma Frame
$69.99
A diploma frame is already an item people look for after their graduation. Jiamin, University of Pittsburgh ’26
Etsy
Custom Diploma Frame
$69.99
No Particular Order guided journals
No Particular Order
Capsule Collection
$78
This set of journals from one of my favorite stationery brands, No Particular Order, is an outlet for documenting pivotal moments in adulthood: a travel journal for planning adventures, a moving journal for moving cities and a career journal for outlining their dreams.
I recently tested the set and appreciated its thoughtful prompting questions, minimalist design and travel-friendly weight.
No Particular Order
Capsule Collection
$78
A new university sweatshirt
Dick’s Sporting Goods
University Sweatshirt
$24
The items that I got freshman year are getting old. I would like one new sweatshirt. Bryona, University of Pittsburgh ’26
Dick’s Sporting Goods
University Sweatshirt
$24
A new bookbag
North Face
Vault Backpack
from $70
I’ve been wearing the same one since college, and would like a new one for graduate school. Bryona
North Face
Vault Backpack
from $70
Apple Macbook Neo laptop
Apple
Macbook Neo laptop
from $589
It’s a new MacBook that’s in high demand because of how simple it is. I love my Macbook Air: I barely use it for anything serious, so I feel like it’s really good when you’re coming out of college and just figuring things out. But it’s expensive, so if you’re in a tough spot, there’s now an affordable option so you don’t have to spend $1,500 on a frickin’ laptop. Jasmin, California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt ‘26
Apple
Macbook Neo laptop
from $589
A practical e-gift card
I’d like gift cards, maybe from Amazon. If I’m moving to a new place for a job, I’d like to be able to buy some things. Theresa, University of Pittsburgh ‘26
Amazon
E-Gift Card
$5
Nespresso Vertuo Coffee Maker
Nespresso
Vertuo
from $131.97
As a major coffee lover, having a good machine to brew my morning cup has been such a nice everyday gift – especially now that I’m working a 9 to 5 and reaching for it even more. Leeann, Baruch College ’25
Nespresso
Vertuo
from $131.97
A sentimental necklace …
Edge of Ember
Initial Pearl Necklace
$135
I received a set of pearls from my grandparents that my grandpa picked out before he passed. They were obviously sentimental and special. Nola, University of Tennessee, Knoxville ’25
Edge of Ember
Initial Pearl Necklace
$135
… or even matching ones
Pandora
Sparkling Infinity Necklace
$175
When I graduated from my master’s program last year, my mom gifted me a gold infinity necklace. It was a complete surprise and a departure from the more practical gifts that I usually receive from her. I wear it daily, and my mom loved it so much that she bought a matching one.
Pandora
Sparkling Infinity Necklace
$175
Project Hail Mary novel
Project Hail Mary Novel
from $13.98
I really enjoyed the movie and want a good book to read when I take the train to work. Matthew, Kansas State University ‘26
Project Hail Mary Novel
from $13.98
Custom LL Bean Boat and Tote
LL Bean
Boat And Tote
$44.95
What kind of New Englander would I be if I didn’t have an LL Bean Boat and Tote? I’ve purchased these bags for myself and friends, and they’re a perfect blend of practical and sentimental. There are countless options of what to embroider the tote with – I just went with my name, but you could also do their initials, college name or something personal to the graduate. Jessica Ferguson
LL Bean
Boat And Tote
$44.95
Papier Daily Planner
Papier
Dotted & Spotted Undated Planner
$28
For anyone looking to keep track of their new work schedule, I love my planner from Papier. Not only does it look adorable on a desk, but it also has a layout that makes it easy to track everything from work meetings to weekend plans.
Papier
Dotted & Spotted Undated Planner
$28
Engraved fountain pen
Beiluner
Personalized Fountain Pen
$39.99
No one ever has a pen on hand anymore, so if I pull out my engraved fountain pen, it’s like, “Oh, she’s got it together.” Jasmin
Beiluner
Personalized Fountain Pen
$39.99
‘Heartfelt’ congratulation cards
No Particular Order
The Everything Card
$24
I received congratulatory notes from all of my maternal family members back in my home country, Thailand. It’s just touching to see heartfelt messages from people who cared about me, though they lived half a globe away from me. Wasamon, Columbia Journalism School ’25
No Particular Order
The Everything Card
$24
‘Investment piece’ gold earrings
Mejuri
Gold Huggie Hoops
$298
My sister gifted me these gold hoops a few years ago, and they’re still in perfect condition. Since they’re solid gold, I pretty much only take them out to clean them. They make the perfect gift because although I’m big on accessorizing, I probably wouldn’t buy them for myself since they’re more of an investment piece. Jessica Ferguson
Mejuri
Gold Huggie Hoops
$298
Hard drives for file storage
Seagate
Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD
$119.99
USBs or hard drives are great for transporting pictures or files. Theresa
Seagate
Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD
$119.99
Hand-painted heels for special occasions
Alepel
Butterfly Beige Square Heels
$172
My parents helped me buy a new dress for graduation. For a graduation and birthday gift, my brother bought me these heels with a hand-painted design that I wore for graduation and to many events since. Carmen Lawrence, Guardian US executive assistant, Washington University at St Louis ’21
Alepel
Butterfly Beige Square Heels
$172
Amazon Kindle
Amazon
Kindle
from $109.99
Diamond Necklace
Quince
14K Gold Diamond Bezel Necklace
$198
I graduated last year, and a few of the gifts I got really stuck with me. The first is a necklace that has honestly become a wardrobe staple. I haven’t taken it off since I got it. It’s one of those pieces that ties every outfit together, and since I’d never had a go-to necklace before, it quickly became one of my most treasured gifts. Leeann
Quince
14K Gold Diamond Bezel Necklace
$198
A new air fryer
Ninja
4 QT Air Fryer
from $98
It will be very useful and will make cooking much easier. Matthew
Ninja
4 QT Air Fryer
from $98
A new luggage case
Delsey Paris
Helium DLX Softside Expandable Luggage
$257.73
The luggage I received was helpful with moving and traveling post-grad! Nola
Delsey Paris
Helium DLX Softside Expandable Luggage
$257.73
A free restaurant meal
I received a gift certificate to a Michelin-starred restaurant. Rebecca, New York University
Restaurant Gift Card
Other pieces you might enjoy from the Filter, the Guardian’s guide to buying fewer, better things:
