Graduation Gifts & Ideas

Writing pages and pages of notes, caffeinating through late-night study sessions, staying awake in lectures about trigonometry… Getting to graduation isn’t easy, so when it comes time to throw the cap, it’s an occasion worth celebrating! But what to get your new graduate? Whether they’ve made it through high school or earned their master’s degree, our curated collection of graduation gifts has plenty to choose from.

There’s no denying that graduating from university or some other educational facility is quite an achievement. It’s also one that should get celebrated, of course, and one way to do that is by presenting your friend or loved one with a gift to show you’re proud of them.

After all of that hard work and brain power, they deserve something to celebrate their achievement. At Hardtofind, we’ve got the best selection of graduation gifts Australia-wide that we know you’ll love, and each one will both motivate and inspire.

We’ve got graduation gift ideas ranging from the personalised keepsake kind to the ‘set off on the right foot to the world of work’ kind, with some fun, quirky options in the mix as well. So forget about run-of-the-mill graduation presents and choose something unique and extra special for your favourite clever clog.

How to find the best graduation gifts

If you want to find the best graduation gifts but you’re not sure which ones would be perfect for your intended recipient, the following guide should help.

Are they starting a new job?

If your new graduate is heading off to their first job, consider something they can take with them on the journey. A personalised antique-style leather desk set will make their new cubicle feel less entry-level-assistant, more future-CEO, while a profesh-looking leather laptop bag will carry everything they need on the commute in executive style (cue: serious colleague envy!).

Are they heading off to uni?

If your high-school grad is heading off to university, think more sleek and practical: a pair of wireless headphones to help them get into the zone on campus, a backpack with a tech sleeve for their laptop (and plenty of room for snacks to fuel their study) or a personalised notebook to kick off this fresh page of their learning life.

Are they taking a gap year?

Maybe your graduate is putting down the pencils and heading off on a gap year. A personalised compass engraved with your own special message is a keepsake they can carry with them on their travels – and it might come in useful when Google Maps is out of range. Or get them something a little bit luxe for the trip (it’ll be appreciated if they’re not exactly travelling five-star), like a leather duffle bag, monogrammed with their initials, a carry-on-friendly tech case for all their gadgets and cords, or a personalised passport holder.

Still stuck or ideas? Here are a few more useful tips for finding the best graduation gift ideas.

Make a list of things they like

It sounds simple, but a list of things they like will help you narrow down the options. For example, is the grad into music, drinking coffee or getting zen with mood lighting and candles?

Make them laugh

A graduation gift that makes them laugh will be one to remember. Check out our Quirky Gifts department for some fun ideas, such as a golf ball ice ball or a floating rainbow pool bar.

Gift them something useful

We’re talking personalised notebooks, monthly planners, diaries and journals - basically anything that helps them stay organised!

5 unique graduation gifts for him

Is the graduation gift recipient in your life male? If so, how can you determine which graduation gift ideas might be the right ones? At Hardtofind, you’re bound to find the best unique graduation gifts for him. Check out these examples:

1. A stylish messenger bag. When the male graduate finishes his further education and forges a new career, he’ll undoubtedly need something to carry all his essential documents, stationery, and laptop computer. Check out our range of stylish leather messenger bags for inspo!
2. A personalised pen. Yes, we live in a digital world, but that doesn’t mean you can’t gift something traditional like a beautifully-crafted pen that can be engraved with his initials. Our Pens & Pencils department should have the perfect option.
3. A special piece of jewellery. For a meaningful graduation gift that will last a lifetime, we suggest a personalised item of men’s jewellery that he can keep and treasure for years to come.
4. A men’s toiletry bag. If he’s just graduated from college and will soon be going to university, why not gift him a personalised toiletry bag? Not only will it come in handy for storing his grooming prods, but he won’t lose it in the communal locker room!
5. A personalised keepsake. For some guys, there will be times where the graduation gift doesn’t need to be practical as such but more symbolic. If the graduate in your life is an explorer and loves to travel, consider a personalised compass or a bespoke trinket box with a map of his favourite holiday destination. Check out our Keepsakes department for more ideas.

5 unique graduation gifts for her

Of course, we also have a broad selection of unique graduation gifts for her that are sure to impress. The following are some of our top suggestions:

1. A personalised ring. In our Rings department, you’ll find gorgeous gold, silver and precious stone options to engrave with her initials and the date she graduated.
2. A set of personalised glasses. Want to cheers your study star with a celebratory drink? Before you pop a bottle of Prosecco to celebrate all their hard work, consider taking your toast to the next level with an appropriately boozy gift. Our collection of graduation presents has loads of personalised wine, beer and whisky gifts that are 100% fun but also something they’ll treasure for years to come. Pour their favourite tipple into a personalised Champagne flute, whisky tumbler or beer tankard or present it in a custom engraved keepsake box.
3. A personalised mug. You know she’s a clever clogs, so why not give her a graduation gift that reminds her of that every day? Our range of fun, personalised mugs will surely raise a smile whenever she reaches for the coffee.
4. A beautiful framed print. As your new graduate sets up her college dorm room (if she’s a school leaver) or new home (if she’s just completed her degree), she’ll love a framed piece of art to hang on her wall. Visit our Prints & Art department for some beautiful framed prints from creative Aussie artisans.
5. A jewellery box. Last but not least, a jewellery box or personalised trinket dish that she can store her special pieces in makes for a thoughtful, practical present that she can enjoy for years to come.

Find more inspiration with Hardtofind

The graduation gift ideas within these pages are all sourced or hand-crafted by an amazing creative small business, so if you need help or have any questions or special requests, please reach out to the relevant seller and ask them - they are on-hand to help you find the perfect present!