15 Most Popular Graduation Gift Ideas For Under $30

Graduation season is here, and you want to celebrate the grads in your life without spending a fortune.

The good news? Thoughtful, meaningful graduation gifts don’t have to break the bank! Whether you’re looking for something practical, sentimental, or just plain fun, you’ll find the best affordable graduation gifts that make them feel special. Without maxing out your budget.

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Exciting Non-Money Gift Ideas for Graduation

First, if you want to give something besides money, try one of these creative yet relatively cheap graduation gift ideas.

1. Inspirational Book or Journal

Have you read a book that has changed your life perspective?

Now is the time to share it! Give your graduate your favorite book, a stylish notebook for jotting down dreams, or a planner to help keep them organized. These are small but mighty ways to keep them inspired for the road ahead.

2. Personalized Tumbler or Stanley Cup

Graduates are on the go. A good water bottle or tumbler can keep their drinks cold or hot through it all.

3. Portable Charger

A portable charger can be a lifesaver for busy days on campus when they’re low on battery.

4. Coffee, Tea, or Snack Kit

Recent graduates don’t always have the money for fancy coffee out. Help them out with a coffee or tea kit at home. Include a mix of their favorite sweet and savory treats too!

5. An Experience Together

While a concert or vacation might be pricey, there are many ways to make beautiful memories on a budget. Gift any of these experiences and your graduate will remember it far longer than an ordinary gift.

• Gift them a custom puzzle of a memory and do it together
• Take a cooking class together to get their skills ready
• Do an escape room together since they’ve “escaped” high school
• Take a painting class together
• Go on an outdoor adventure (hike at a new location and bring a picnic)
• Spend a morning exploring new coffee shops and taste their specialties
• Sign up for fitness classes together
• Attend a DIY craft workshop and make something they can use in their new place.

6. Gas or Uber Gift Card

Getting places isn’t cheap! Any high school graduate will be grateful for extra gas money.

7. College Survival Kit

Fill a basket with snacks, toiletries, and first-aid essentials. This college survival kit from thirtyhandmadedays features the cutest free tag too!

8. Tile or Apple AirTag

The tile makes an excellent item finder. It helps keep track of keys, wallets, or backpacks.

9. Good Quality Tote

A good quality tote is perfect for carrying books, groceries, dorm essentials, and more.

10. Laundry Essentials Kit

Buy a simple laundry basket and throw in detergent pods, dryer sheets, and stain remover. This cute basket by Cul de Sal Cool also comes with a free laundry guide.

11. Personalized Jewelry

You’ll want to gift something meaningful but not cheesy. Try a birthstone necklace or one with their initials on it.

Another idea is a compass necklace or bracelet. It symbolizes new beginnings and direction without being over the top.

12. Cookbook for Beginners

Provide them with quick and easy recipes for college life. This cookbook is great!

13. Spotify or Apple Music Subscription

No ads. Just good vibes.

14. Fun Desk or Dorm Decor

Any recent grad would love something to personalize their new living space. Try:

• A small plant
• Motivational sign
• String lights
• Or quirky calendar.

5 Fun Ways to Give Money as a Graduation Gift

Let’s face it, money is still often the most appreciated graduation gift! So, if money is going to be your gift, spice it up with these awesome budget graduation gifts.

15. “Break in Case of Emergency” Frame

Place the cash inside a shadow box or frame with a label that says “Break in Case of Tuition, Rent, or Adventure!” This frame from itsalwaysautumn comes with a cute free printable tag.

You could also substitute money with chocolate or any other fun treat.

16. Money Pizza Box

Arrange bills in a circle inside a pizza box with coins as “toppings” and a note that says, “You’ve earned a little dough!” or “You can’t live on just pizza, so here’s some extra dough!”

17. Balloon Pop Surprise

Fill balloons with rolled-up cash and confetti. The graduate has to pop them to get their gift!

18. Secret Stash Book Gift Idea

Give the gift of your favorite book, with cash hidden between the pages.

Or buy a hollowed-out book and hide the money inside. Attach a note that says, “Knowledge is priceless, but here’s a little extra!”

19. Tissue Box “Money Roll”

Tape dollar bills end to end inside an empty tissue box with a pull tab that says “Don’t blow it all in one place!” The example below is from 365 Days of Pinterest.

20. Cash-Filled Umbrella

Gift a wrapped-up umbrella with a note that says “For a rainy day!” When they open it, cash will fall out!

What’s Next?

Help your new grad start managing their finances with a free budget planner.

Plus, don’t miss the fastest-growing newsletter around! Sign up (for free!) now to get high-value printables and ideas on family finances.

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