With graduates donning caps and gowns and making their way across stages everywhere to collect their diplomas this month, it's time to start thinking about graduation gift ideas ! Specifically, cool and unique gifts they'll love that won't break the bank. From high school grads heading off to their first semester of college to college grads taking their first steps into the real world, here are 25 of the best unique graduation gift ideas under $50!
More Gift Ideas:
25 Unique Graduation Gift Ideas Under $50
Ban. Do Big Gem Speaker
Perfect for the girl leaving home for the first time to live on campus or the young lady heading off to her very first apartment, this cool and colorful giant gem speaker is sure to be a hit! She can jam out while studying or take it to the park to toss around the Frisbee after work.
Want it? Get it from Ban. Do for $40.
Shower Squids
As handy as the classic shower caddy, only far cooler, these shower squids keep their tentacles wrapped around bottles of shampoo, shaving cream, and body wash, keeping them at the ready. Available in loads of colors, they're a fun choice for every high school grad on your list!
Want one? Get it from Uncommon Goods for $36.
Letterpress Thank You Cards
Of course, with graduations come plenty of reasons to write thank you notes, so why not hook the graduate up with some gorgeous stationery to make the task more fun? This letterpress thank you card set features gold foil and cute polka dot envelopes making it really special.
Want it? Get the set at J.Crew for $22.
"Choose Happiness" Pillow
Equally as at home on a dorm room beanbag chair or gracing the college grad's new sofa, this colorful throw pillow is perfect for the new graduate embarking on a world of adventure.
Want one? Get it from H&M for $12.95.
"Be a Nice Human" Print
Great artwork is a must-have for any dorm room or apartment, and the beautiful hand lettering and gold foil printing of this one make it a perfect pick!
Want one? Get it from Oh My Deer for $30.
Engraved Shave Kit
A completely charming gift for the gent finishing his college education, this gentleman's shaving kit includes an elegant engraved razor, which can be customized with his monogram!
Want one? Get it from Harry's for $40.
Heart Box Book
Such a pretty and unqiue way of stashing treasures like rings and love notes, this heart box book is a one-of-a-kind gift your graduate will love for years to come!
Want one? Get it from Uncommon Goods for $50.
Pencil Sharpener Pencil Cup
Sometimes the fun, cheeky gifts are absolutely the best kind! This oversized wooden pencil sharpener which is actually a pencil cup would be the perfect addition to any dorm room desk. So cool!
Want one? Get it from Uncommon Goods for $30.
Carboard Unicorn Mount
Speaking of fun and cheeky, it basically gets no more awesome than this funky cardboard unicorn head, offering up that certain something-something your grad will be looking for when adding a touch of personality to their dorm room.
Want one? Get it from Uncommon Goods for $30.
Baggu Bags
Available in loads of colors and patterns ranging from the classic to the neon, Baggu bags are perfect for quick stops at the campus bookstore or trucking home groceries. At such an affordable price you can grab a handful for a gift the gradudate will surely appreciate.
Want one? Get them at Baggu for as little as $7.50 each.
Passport Cover
For a semester abroad or encouraging travel and adventures, every new grad needs a sleek passport cover to take with them around the world. It's one of those elegant little luxuries the travel-loving graduate will adore.
Want one? Get it from J.Crew for $45.
Alex and Ani Charm Bracelet
These super fashionable charm bracelets from Alex and Ani are all the rage right now---pick a charm that speaks to your graduate's passions or hobby, or her alma mater.
Want one? Get it from Alex and Ani for $28.
150 Weekends Through the US and Canada Book
Encourage a bit of wanderlust with this awesome tome to all things travel, focused on fun weekend trips through the United States and Canada. Especially perfect for college grads, this will have a permanent place on the coffee table.
Want one? Get it from Taschen for $39.99.
Wishbone Keychain
As your grad receives the keys to their new apartment or dorm room, they can keep them in check in style with this beautiful wishbone keychain. The leather and gold are such a sleek look!
Want one? Get it from Jayson Home for $22.
Hairband Pint Glasses
For the rock music lover graduate, this fun glasses and coasters set can also double as a housewarming gift for the new graduate!
Want one? Get it from Uncommon Goods for $35.
Monogram Bracelet
I'm always a sucker for pretty little things, and this enamel initial bracelet is perfect for the lady graduate who loves that extra bit of sparkle. Choose your initial and pick your color for the perfect look for her.
Want one? Get it from C. Wonder for $38.
Ban. Do Tech Accessories
New graduates are known to be pretty much always on the go, so help her keep her tech in check with pretty battery chargers and accessories from Ban. Do.
Want one? Get them at Ban.Do starting at $25.
Canvas Laundry Bag
For the guy grad who hates to do his laundry (meaning all of them), this handsome and cool canvas laundry bag should make the chore a bit less daunting. Or at least make the trek home to Mom's laundry room a bit more stylish.
Want one? Get it from Izola for $39.
Mini Foosball Game
Seriously, is any dorm room complete without a little friendly competition? This mini foosball table can come out for game night and be hidden under the bed when not in use. Ingenius!
Want one? Get it from Haystack Needle for $39.99.
101 Things to Do with Ramen Noodles
The age old college student dinner staple just got all kinds of hip thanks to this book---it's also perfect for college grads who will be paying off those pesky student loans while trying to stock the cupboards!
Want one? Get it from Amazon for $8.99.
Bedphones
These Bedphones are super thin and soft and come packed with a sleeping mask, making them perfect for blocking out noisy roomates or dozing off on flights around the world. A perfect gift for any graduate!
Want them? Get them from Amazon for $39.95.
Canvas Laptop Sleeve
When toting the laptop to and from class or back and forth to the office, make sure the new graduate is working in style and gift him with this stylish canvas laptop sleeve.
Want one? Get it from J.Crew for $29.99.
GAP Gift Card
While gift cards may seem impersonable, college grads will need to stock up their wardrobes with interview and work appropriate pieces without a huge budget to work with. Choose a store like the Gap which has loads of casual and dressier pieces to help get them started.
Want one? Get it at the Gap .
Poppin Notebook
A great notebook is ideal for note taking in class or for making a good impression on a potenial employer. These fancy-looking notebooks feature the graduate's initial and come in loads of cool colors.
Want one? Get them at Poppin for $9 each.
Pinhole Press Print
Not to forget the sentimental gifts that are so appropriate for grads of all ages, these awesome photo collages from Pinhole Press come beautifull printed, framed, and ready to hang!
Want one? Get it from Pinhole Press for $39.99.