The Best Grad Gifts (Because They Have Enough Mugs)

Grad season is almost here! According to the National Center for Education Statistics, “In school year 2021–22, the U.S. average adjusted cohort graduation rate (ACGR) for public high school students was 87 percent.” So, I think we can all agree that these graduates deserve some celebration. No one wants another generic “Congratulations!” card with a crisp $20 bill inside (okay, maybe they do, but let’s aim higher). Whether you’re a proud parent, a cool aunt, or a company looking to gift new grads something they’ll actually use, it’s time to think outside the box.

Forget the boring picture frames and awkwardly oversized teddy bears. We’re talking about custom swag that’s both practical and unforgettable—the kind that’ll have them saying, “Wait, this is actually cool?” Let’s dive in!

The Grad Survival Kit: Because Adulting is Hard

Graduation is exciting until reality smacks you in the face. Suddenly, you’re expected to cook meals, pay bills, and—gasp—schedule your own dentist appointments. Set grads up for success with a custom survival kit filled with practical (and slightly humorous) essentials:

• Wireless Charger – Because their phone battery dies faster than their motivation to find a job. Custom wireless chargers keep them charged up for all those LinkedIn applications (or TikTok scrolling).

• Personalized Tumbler – Coffee is now their best friend. A sleek, custom tumbler ensures they stay caffeinated whether they’re commuting to work or pretending to be productive in a coffee shop.

• Customized Notebook – Adulting comes with an overwhelming number of to-do lists. A stylish, notebook helps them keep track of bills, job interviews, and those “totally not optional” family Zoom calls.

The “Hire Me” Kit: Because Degrees Don’t Come with a Job Offer

Getting a diploma is great, but landing a job? That’s the real challenge. Help grads impress future employers (or at least look like they have it together) with the ultimate interview-ready swag:

• Custom Polo Shirt – First impressions matter. A custom polo with a subtle, stylish logo gives grads that “I’m totally professional” look without trying too hard.

• Executive Pen – A high-quality, engraved pen says, “I’m here to sign contracts, not just vibe.” Plus, they can nervously click it during interviews.

• Custom Padfolio – No one’s taking you seriously if you show up with a crumpled resume in your back pocket. A nice branded padfolio keeps resumes crisp and makes grads look like they mean business.

The “I Swear I’ll Stay in Touch” Pack

Graduates always promise to keep in touch with their friends, but let’s be real—once life gets busy, those group chats turn into ghost towns. Keep the connections alive with fun, customized swag that makes it easy:

• Branded Tote Bag – Perfect for weekend getaways, gym sessions, or last-minute road trips with their college crew before reality fully sets in.

• Customized PopSockets & Phone Stands – With all those FaceTime calls and group selfies, they’ll thank you for it.

• Graduation Yard Signs – And of course, no grad celebration is complete without the classic “Senior – Class of 2025!” sign proudly staked in the front yard. It’s a rite of passage.

The “Treat Yo’ Self” Kit: Because They Earned It

After years of exams and late-night study sessions, they deserve some real celebration. Give them custom swag that lets them kick back and relax:

• Personalized Stress Reliever – For those late night study sessions where you feel like you are just getting nowhere.

• Branded Spa Set – Help them unwind with custom candles, a cozy robe, and a relaxation kit. Perfect for pretending they have their life together while binge-watching their favorite shows.

• Custom Baseball Cap – Nothing says “I’m an alum now” like a fresh cap repping their school or future school. Plus, it’s perfect for hiding bad hair days when they have early morning Zoom meetings.

Graduation is a major milestone, and the right gifts can make it even more special. Instead of giving grads something they’ll toss in a junk drawer, hook them up with custom swag that’s actually useful, stylish, and maybe even a little funny.

So, if you’re looking to be the MVP of graduation season (and not just another person handing over a generic gift card), check out ProImprint’s graduation gifts and give them something to actually smile about.