What should you give as a graduation gift? Ideas for every budget

The graduation cap is on, and now it's time to find a gift. Many graduates are on the verge of moving away from home, so a gift with practical value is often used long after the celebrations are over. Others prefer something personal, like a piece of jewellery for the graduate, or something that's simply fun to unwrap on the day itself.

In this guide, you'll find concrete ideas in several categories, and at the end, a few words on how to find the right budget without getting too worked up about it.

The short answer: a gift that follows the graduate onwards

The best graduation gift is often something that serves a purpose once the party is over. Many freshly minted graduates will soon be standing in their own kitchen or moving into a student room, and this is where a gift with everyday value makes good sense. It could be something for the home, a piece of jewellery as a keepsake of the day, or an experience the graduate chooses themselves. If you need more guidance on amounts, you can read more in How much should you give as a gift? Rules and advice.

See the whole range of Graduation gifts, if you want the overview gathered in one place.

Gifts for the first home

If the graduate is moving away from home soon, a gift for the home is often the most useful choice. It doesn't have to be big or expensive, just something that makes the new surroundings feel a bit more personal.

• A cup for morning coffee, for example an Amalia cup in blue stoneware or a Regnbue cup in stoneware, which adds colour to the breakfast table.
• A throw for the sofa, for when the evenings turn cool in the new home. See the range under Throws.
• A set of wine glasses, such as Gardenia wine glasses in crystal glass, for the first dinners with friends.
• Something for the spice shelf, for example a Svampe salt and pepper set in ceramic or a Mops salt and pepper set in stoneware, which adds personality to the kitchen worktop.

If you want more concrete suggestions specifically for moving in, take a look at Housewarming gift: 7 great ideas for the new home.

Jewellery as a keepsake of the day

A piece of jewellery is a classic graduation gift, because it can be worn on as a little reminder of the day. Go for something simple and understated, so it suits most styles and doesn't just feel right on the day itself.

• A Genua earring in a calm design that can be worn every day.
• An Aventurosa necklace or a Freja necklace, both of which are simple enough to go with anything.
• A Spirala ring, if the graduate prefers something a bit more discreet on the hand.

See more options under Jewellery, if you're looking for something in the same style.

The fun bit: something that says congratulations

Sometimes a graduation gift just needs to be fun. It's a gift that doesn't necessarily need to be used every day, but which makes the graduate smile when it's unwrapped.

• A Marsvin money box in stoneware, which suits the graduate who needs to save up for their new home.
• A Gravhund salt and pepper set or a Marsvin salt and pepper set in stoneware, both with a touch of humour for the kitchen.
• A disco ball for parties and colour. See Disco balls.
• A Tulipan wine stopper in ceramic, which is a small, fun detail for the bottles.

Feel free to pop by Cups, if it should be something with a built-in laugh, for example a Mor mug in ceramic or a Far mug in ceramic, if the gift is for a parent who is themselves celebrating an adult graduate.

Money and experiences

Many simply choose to give an amount of money as a graduation gift, because it can help the graduate with the expenses that come with moving away from home, whether it's a deposit, furniture, or just the first purchases for the new place. There's no official standard for what a graduation gift should cost, so it's entirely up to you to judge what suits the relationship and your own budget.

A gift card is a good alternative, if you'd like to give a set amount, but at the same time want the graduate to choose something specific themselves. The gift card from Dims Studio is available in several amounts, including 100 DKK, 175 DKK, 250 DKK, 400 DKK, 500 DKK, 600 DKK, 1000 DKK and 1200 DKK, so there's room to hit exactly the level you have in mind.

How to choose your budget

There's no fixed rule for how much a graduation gift should cost. A good starting point is to think about the relationship, for example whether it's your own child, a close friend or a more distant acquaintance. The closer the relationship, the more natural it often is to spend more, but it's far from a fixed rule.

If several of you want to give together, you can pool your budgets and find a gift in a higher price range than you would have chosen individually. This gives you the option to choose something a bit bigger or more thoughtful.

The shop has gifts divided into the ranges 1-200 DKK, 200-400 DKK, 400-600 DKK, 600-800 DKK, 800-1000 DKK and 1000-1500 DKK, so you can find something that suits your particular budget. Several of the smaller gifts, for example cups and salt and pepper sets, fall within the range 200-400 DKK, while jewellery and glass sets can be both lower and higher.

All items in the shop are hand-picked by Dinna, so regardless of budget, quality and design have been carefully considered.

Summary

There isn't one right answer to what you give as a graduation gift. Something for the new home, a discreet piece of jewellery, a fun detail or money for the move are all good choices. Choose according to your relationship and budget, and remember that there's no fixed rule.

Read also

• Housewarming gift: 7 great ideas for the new home
• Gift for the confirmand: Stylish ideas for the big day
• How much should you give as a gift? Rules and advice
• Wrapping paper and packaging: Make the gift complete