17 Graduation Gifts Under $100 To Buy For 2022

It’s that time of year when friends and family walk across the stage to receive that degree they’ve worked so hard to achieve. Not only is this accomplishment worth celebrating, but it also requires a graduation gift that will make the transition to post-college life a little easier for the recipient – or at least put a smile on their face when student loans will arrive. See: These 17 Graduation Gifts Under $100. (Because you probably still have student loans to pay too, am I right?)

As someone who graduated from college only a few months ago, I can say from experience that this is a scary time that brings with it a lot of uncertainty about the future. How are we supposed to do the adult thing, anyway? And WTH is a 401k? But gifts like durable household items (for that first off-campus apartment), professional-looking accessories (for all those job interviews), and stress-relieving gifts (like soothing candles) can make all the difference.

Without more pomp and circumstance, see and shop 17 graduation gifts under $100. Of course, you can always opt for a card with cash (no complaints, I’m sure) – but for something a little more personal, scroll down below.

Bustle Shop is Bustle’s buying guide for editor-approved shopping in fashion, beauty, wellness, and lifestyle. We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

A meaningful gem

Mark the special occasion with jewelry they can keep and wear for years. Crafted in the shape of a pole star, this 18k gold vermeil necklace can serve as a reminder that you’ll be there for the new grad whenever they need guidance. Plus, its minimalist design (available in gold and silver tones) makes it endlessly versatile.

A soothing candle

Recent college graduates will likely be worried about what the future holds for them now that school is out – and that’s totally normal! This ‘Pretending Everything Is Fine’ candle is the perfect gift to make them smile and feel less alone during this strange time of transition when everything seems the opposite of good.

A long wallet

Time after college graduation is perfect for building up credit. This long wallet has a small magnetic closure and room to store credit cards, ID cards, cash, business cards and other everyday essentials. (Just make sure your gift knows not to overdo it: opening new cards can impact your score.)

Candy colored champagne glasses

Congratulations to the class of 2022! Whether the recent graduate is toasting a recent job offer or hosting a graduation party, these rainbow glass champagne glasses are a gorgeous way to kick off any special celebration. Plus, they can be used in the future for any other stage where bubbly is warranted.

wellness tonics

Finding focus and moments of calm during post-college life can be difficult, but these adaptogenic tonics can help. The “Focus” blend will come in handy during that 15-hour slump, thanks to a formula that includes blueberry and schisandra. Meanwhile, the ‘Calm’ tonic can help relax with wild green oats and holy basil. Just add three droppers to a glass of water and stir.

A pair of weighted bracelets

Although they’re no longer walking around campus, new grads can stay active with these weighted bracelets. Featured in an episode of shark tank, they can be placed around the ankles or wrists for extra resistance, whether during a workout or even during races.

A daily planner

It may sound simple, but there really is no better graduation gift under $100 than a new planner. This will keep them organized when their to-do list seems long and help them stay on top of job interviews and other appointments. Complete with an embossed, spiral gold cover, this daily planner has space available to jot down deadlines, tasks, reminders, and more. The best part? It’s only $10.

A pair of headphones

After four or more years of helmet use (walking to class, study sessions, etc.), recent graduates probably need a new pair. Opt for these wireless Bluetooth headphones designed to block out outside noise and keep those tunes pumping for up to five hours on a single charge.

A cool headline

Are their favorite Airpods still in good condition? You can always give them a tech upgrade with this cool ear cuff. Crafted from 14k gold-plated brass, it’s designed to hold headphones and hook over the ear for a modern, on-trend accessory designed for on-the-go.

A retro-inspired instant camera

Traveling is a must for many recent grads, and you can help them remember every moment with this instant camera. Designed by Fujifilm, it takes and prints photos on the spot, and it has a high-performance flash that automatically adjusts brightness and shutter speed.

Their new favorite work shoes

Job hunting can be difficult for those new to the workforce, but having a wardrobe with professional attire can help. Gift these loafers that can be worn with a traditional suit, skirts and slacks (and even jeans on the weekend!) for a high-end, timeless look. Expect them to quickly become MVPs of the recipient’s closet.

Kitchen utensils suitable for apartments

Stock their first apartment with this set of mugs that will come in handy when coffee cravings strike. (They might even inspire the recipient to cut back on their daily Starbucks shopping.) The four neutral tones are basic enough not to clash with other cookware, and they’re dishwasher-, microwave-, and microwave-safe. in the oven and in the freezer.

An inspiring read

Perfect for sitting on their first coffee table in that new apartment, this inspired hardcover book features a foreword by Amanda Gorman, stunning paintings by Gayle Kabaker, and gripping first-person accounts of some of the world’s most influential women. of the world. Featuring pieces from Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Malala Yousafzai, and more, this is a special and empowering graduation gift under $100.

This “Smart cookie” puzzle

Let them know they’re a “Smart Cookie” (and give them a fun anti-stress activity too) with this cute puzzle. Composed of 1,000 pieces and made from recycled paper, it represents a delicious variety of cookies, cakes and other desserts.

A practical tote bag

Allowing them to pull out their trusty backpack, this minimalist “Peace & Quiet” tote serves as a useful graduation gift under $100. Crafted from cotton canvas, it can hold all of the grad’s odds and ends when they’re on the go, whether they’re heading to the flea market, the gym, the grocery store, brunch with friends, or they travel with their laptop.

A pair of blue light blocking glasses

Many jobs require staring at a computer screen for hours. Help protect their eyes from that tired and uncomfortable feeling (you know it…) with these square acetate glasses. Non-prescription lenses will block out that problematic blue light, while frames will look cool and stylish.

Anti-stress supplies

What’s a party without something sweet? After the graduation party (or whenever those post-grad stress cravings strike), they can dig into this delicious cookie gift set. Free of gluten, dairy, and eight common allergens, it includes crunchy chocolate chip, double chocolate, chewy chocolate chip, and triple chocolate options.

Bustle Shop brings you the editor-approved buys we can’t get enough of and you’ll love too. Even better, you can buy all of the above products directly from this page without visiting multiple retailers. Simply click on an item to find out more, choose your preferred size or color (if applicable), then click “add to cart”. When you’re done, you can click on your shopping cart in the upper right corner of your screen to purchase all of your stellar selections at once. Is it easy?

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About Clayton Arredondo

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