The Ultimate Graduation Gift Guide
Curated by 2026 graduates because who would know better
For the last 17 months, I’ve had a wonderful, curious, brilliant, creative, discerning, analytical human helping me manage Prof Off Duty.
Her name is Sara. She’s 22.
Sara has read (almost) every single post and provided editorial feedback. It was Sara who spent 30+ hours helping me translate the Happiness Blueprint from an in-person course into one that could be self-guided online. It was Sara who helped design the visual identity you see—from the little Workhorse pony to the carousels on IG that have inspired millions of people to get a hobby. And it was Sara who didn’t allow me to wallow in the failure of my first book proposal.
I’m crying big, fat tears because we have to say good-bye.
Today is Sara’s last day.
She’s graduating and stepping into a role at a multinational company in marketing. If there’s anything I’ve ever been confident of it’s that she’ll be happy. And please note, I’m not saying successful. She could be, if that’s what she chooses. But there are so many versions of success available to a woman who knows how to be happy.
I do have a plan for what’s ahead for Prof Off Duty but for today I want to keep the focus on saying thank you to Sara. If you were in the 2026 Happiness Blueprint cohort, you’ll get an invite for May 17 at 12pm EST to hear more about what’s next and to meet a new face. (Hint: I’ve made a decision that will provide for a more robust community!)
As a parting gift, Sara chatted with all her friends to put together a list of workhorses that the graduate in your life would keep for all the chapters to come. I then went to a few of the trendsetters on campus and got a few more ideas.
The Ultimate Graduation Gift Guide
Hey everyone! Sara here, adding my last two cents before graduation!
When Marina asked me to curate this Ultimate Graduation Gift Guide, I was giddy. Two reasons: first, who doesn’t love to study trends and pull together the most beautiful, special pieces?! Second, it is so meaningful to help grads step into this new chapter with confidence — gifting them a few thoughtful pieces they might not yet treat themselves to, each one a small reminder of you and this milestone moment.
Graduation Gifts For Her
A “big girl bag”, the most beautiful leather, good size for work and feels sophisticated. Wears well and will last a lifetime. (Editor note: I’m loyal to this big girl bag).
These huggie earrings are timeless. These earrings are ones I could I could gift to a friend for an under $75 gift.
There’s something about having a nice, rectangle wallet feels so grown up.
The Shirt by Rochelle Behrens. Knowing that this one is designed with no-gape technology will allow me to walk into meetings (as likely the youngest person in the room) confident and prepared! (editor note: I def influenced Sara on this!)
Girl on the go watch: I love the titanium gold band, goes with my jewelry and always get compliments on it.
This monogrammed waffle pouch is it. (editor note: That came from my trendsetter student). Under $80.
The most luxurious refillable notebook (I’m dreaming of this!), feels so grown up and would last a lifetime. (editor note: I ordered this for a special graduate in my life!)
For the book girlies. Though make sure to check with your grad, since some readers are strictly physical book people.
Everyone loves Longchamp (great travel bag too, and hand-washable).
The only grad themed item on the list is this Jellycat.
One of my students sent this to her sister :) Boy Smells Candle: I’ve seen this brand, Boy Smells, popping up on corners of the internet and think it’s so fun. Under $75.
Cocktail glasses: this shape is perfection! While GenZ isn’t drinking quite as much, when we do, we want it to be photo-worthy. The saying “phone eats first” is not too far from the truth!
Dyson Airwrap: I’ve been waiting on this purchase for a long time and still haven’t splurged. This is the type of gift that is a DREAM to receive. It’s a little out of my budget. One day…
Jewelry box: I love the thought of having a special place for jewelry, especially as your collection grows throughout your 20s. This is soooo much better than what I currently do, which is toss it all in a couple of glass bowls.
Jewelry travel case: in the same vein, great to have a compact way to travel with your jewelry. Under $100. (editor note: I ordered a few of these for my Teaching Assistants with monograms).
Graduation Gifts For Him
Over the holidays, we posted the Ultimate GenZ Girl Gift Guide. We received a handful of comments asking for gift ideas for guys, and when you ask, we deliver! I crowd-sourced this list from some of my guy-friends. Editor note: This was a hard list to procure so I also went to my coolest TAs and asked for a few more items.
From an early grad: “I started my NYC job this week and the first thing I bought was this belt in the scotch color.”
“I’m moving to NYC and this is the backpack I asked for.”
According to my friends, part of adulthood is no longer finding the closest grocery bag and chucking your clothes in it for a weekend trip (I can’t believe they did this!). It’s time to elevate, guys! Here are two classic options: Leather travel duffel, Canvas travel weekender.
Boy Smells Candle, so that the “boy” doesn’t smell! A good smelling apartment is peak.
Apple watch–self explanatory!
Gone are the days of red solo cup darties and frat beer-pong. Step it up with some classic whiskey glasses.
If you’re in the south, these Tecovas boots are THE thing. I almost always see them as a blend with business-casual style, worn with a nicer pair of jeans or chinos.
Grown up guys still like to play games, just with higher stakes! This leather poker set will make your grad the coolest one in his friend group. Who doesn’t love to host a game night?
If you only own one tie, this would be it.
Golf is moving away from silence and having fun! Everyone is getting these cart speakers which also double as a range finder.
The most versatile t-shirt. I can wear for life and work.
A crowd pleasing polo.
If you want to walk the course, this golf bag is light enough to do it.
Noise cancelling headphones are a must, especially if your grad travels a lot. These Bose headphones are very popular LINK.
Happy Grad Season
Aside from the gifts, if you’re part of someone’s transition to this next chapter, enjoy the season. It’s bittersweet.
If we missed a great gift, add it in the comments. For example, I didn’t find a great toiletry bag or wallet that was universally beloved. If you know of one, share it with us!
We keep a list of specials that are indulgent, useful, and worth it. I update these lists as I discover great products.
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Marina! Tears. Thank you so much for this delightful surprise and for a wonderful year and a half of partnership. We'll get sappy over lunch next week :)
Off Duty Community: I have so loved creating content and editing thoughtful pieces for you! This is truly such a special part of the internet--where else does the whole message center around redefining joy?! Thrilled to stay on as a community member and bring this message into the corporate world. Thank you all for your kind words :)
For a travel toiletry bag, I do still love the Calpak medium clear cosmetics case. It was trendy years ago, and I think people have moved on. But I'm loyal! It's very functional, though I will say if you fly often, just make sure you store your liquids in a baggie you can pull out separately for both directions through security.