With graduation season in full swing, it’s time to start thinking about the perfect gift for the grad in your life. Cash is one of the most popular gifts, (and Clark’s favorite, we might add) — but if you’re looking for something a little more personal to commemorate the occasion, there are plenty of great budget-friendly ideas to choose from!
From Bluetooth speakers to kitchen essentials, this list covers gift ideas the grad in your life will love.
RELATED: 125+ of the most useful items that can make life easier
Best budget-friendly graduation gift ideas
Personalized tumbler
This item is great for both high school and college grads. Find it for around $23 on Etsy.
“1,000 Places to See Before You Die (Deluxe Edition): The World as You’ve Never Seen It Before”
This book is full of great ideas to add to a bucket list!
Weekly meal kit
Choose from 17 delicious and affordable recipes that change weekly. Everything you need is shipped to your door, and it can be made within 30 minutes! This is a perfect gift idea for any grad.
1080P NexiGo web camera
Web cameras are essential to education these days, and they are a great gift idea for high school grads!
Amazon Prime subscription
A Prime membership is a great way to get fast and free shipping on textbooks, school supplies and even snacks! Members also get access to Prime Video which lets you stream movies, TV shows and Amazon Originals. Students can join for $69 a year with a .edu email address. Prime memberships can also come in handy for college grads as well!
Lightweight vacuum
This Bissell vacuum is perfect for dorm rooms or smaller apartments. It’s lightweight and bagless with an included crevice tool. This one is only $34!
Personalized stationery
These will come in handy for the grad who needs to send thank you notes for graduation gifts. Find stationery sets starting at around $16 at Etsy.
Westinghouse 32″ HD smart Roku TV
This is a great TV to start with at a great price!
AirPods
Whether they’re listening to music at the gym or during a study session, your grad will be happy to have these AirPods. Find them on sale on Amazon right now.
Budget Bytes: Over 100 Easy, Delicious Recipes to Slash Your Grocery Bill in Half cookbook
No need to sacrifice healthy eating because of a college or high school grad budget! This cookbook offers more than 100 simple, healthy and cost-conscious recipes plus expert tips for saving in the kitchen. You can find used books from $13.
Standard 4 x 6″ photo prints starting at 17 cents
These are great prices for photo prints!
Laundry bag
A good laundry bag is something every high school or college grad needs.
Smart light bulb
This 850-lumen smart bulb is compatible with Alexa and Google Home. If you want a little more light, Amazon also sells 1000-lumen smart bulbs.
Bluetooth speaker
If your grad is into music, a Bluetooth speaker can make a great graduation gift. Here’s a highly-rated Bluetooth speaker on sale for under $30. It’s even waterproof!
Air fryer
Air fryers have become one of the most popular kitchen must-haves. They would make a great gift for recent grads and are often on sale!
Waterproof and fire-resistant safe
A fire-resistant safe is essential for protecting passports, important documents, photographs and more. You can find them under $45!
Stanley home tool kit (65-piece)
Perfect toolset for a college grad!
Jump starter
While this may not be the most entertaining deal, a jump starter can really come in handy in an emergency. If you’re looking for a portable battery-powered charger, you can find them starting at around $70.
Echo Dot
These can be great little personal assistants for students, helping them set reminders, check the weather, call home and more.
12-piece dinnerware set
A new set of dinnerware always comes in handy for any grad.
Keurig coffee maker
Postgrad life will be busy. Help your grad save some time with this Keurig K-Compact brewer available at Walmart. This coffee brewer makes 8 ounces of coffee, tea, hot cocoa and more in under two minutes! Plus, they’re great for small spaces like dorm rooms and apartments. Also, an inexpensive milk frother pairs nicely, allowing you to make delicious lattes at home!
Laptop
A new laptop is a gift your new grad is sure to love.
Fitness equipment
Keep your grad healthy with this free weight and bar set. Stay hydrated with these water bottles!
Luggage
A set of luggage can be handy for spring break trips and study abroad travels.
CollegeBox Healthy Care package
This is a thoughtful way to let your graduate going off to college know you care, even if you are far away! This box includes 35 different snacks. Many different boxes are available, including a gluten-free and vegan option.
Fire tablet
An Amazon Fire tablet is great for the grad who loves to catch up on all their favorite movies and TV shows. This tablet also gives the user access to eBooks, apps and games.
Audible subscription
Subscriptions are $14.95 a month. Enjoy a free 1-month subscription for new customers.
Thrive Market membership
Thrive is an online service that lets you shop healthy products such as groceries and household products and have them delivered right to your door. It’s perfect for the busy graduate with most orders arriving in just 2 days. Membership is only $5 per month