Graduation is a time of celebration and achievement, and it’s natural to want to show your support for the graduate in your life with a thoughtful gift. However, not all gifts are created equal, and some choices may be more likely to disappoint than delight. Here are some ideas for gifts that might be best avoided when celebrating a graduate’s accomplishments.

Cash with No Personal Touch or Message: While cash is always appreciated, it’s not always the most thoughtful or memorable gift. Simply handing over an envelope with money inside may feel impersonal and lacking in effort. If you’re set on giving cash, consider pairing it with a heartfelt card or a small memento that reflects the graduate’s interests.

Anything with Political or Controversial Messaging: Graduation gifts should be inclusive and respectful of the graduate’s beliefs and values. Gifts that express a strong political or controversial message may be seen as insensitive or inappropriate. Avoid gifts that could be interpreted as divisive or offensive, and opt instead for neutral or uplifting gifts that celebrate the graduate’s achievements.

Anything That Reinforces Stereotypes: Gifts that rely on stereotypes or assumptions about the graduate’s interests or personality can come across as lazy or thoughtless. For example, giving a book about cooking to a female graduate or a football to a male graduate may not be appreciated if the gift doesn’t align with their actual interests. Instead, try to get to know the graduate’s passions and preferences, and choose a gift that reflects their unique personality.

Anything That Imposes Expectations: Graduation can be a time of uncertainty, as graduates navigate the transition from school to work or further education. Gifts that impose expectations or pressure on the graduate can add to this stress. For example, giving a graduate a book about “how to succeed in the workplace” may be interpreted as an implicit criticism of their abilities or a hint that they need to work harder. Instead, focus on celebrating the graduate’s accomplishments and offering your support as they embark on the next chapter of their life.

While gift-giving can be a meaningful way to celebrate a graduate’s achievements, it’s important to approach the process with thoughtfulness and sensitivity. By avoiding gifts that are impersonal, controversial, stereotypical, or imposing, you can ensure that your gift reflects the spirit of celebration and support that graduation is all about.

List of Grad Gifts to Avoid

  1. A cheap and generic gift card with no personalization
  2. A novelty gift that will likely end up in a closet or landfill
  3. A self-help book with a patronizing title
  4. A tacky, over-the-top piece of jewelry
  5. A “congrats grad” mug or t-shirt
  6. A giant stuffed animal that the graduate has no use for
  7. A poorly made or low-quality item
  8. A book on a topic the graduate has no interest in
  9. A religious or political book that the graduate does not agree with
  10. A piece of art that doesn’t match the graduate’s taste
  11. A subscription to a magazine that the graduate is not interested in
  12. A subscription to a service the graduate does not use
  13. An expensive item that the graduate cannot afford to maintain
  14. A piece of home decor that the graduate does not like or want
  15. A piece of clothing that does not fit the graduate’s style or size
  16. A cheap and generic piece of tech that is quickly outdated
  17. A game or toy that is too young or too old for the graduate
  18. A piece of kitchen equipment that the graduate will never use
  19. A motivational poster or piece of wall art that is not inspiring to the graduate
  20. A piece of exercise equipment that the graduate will never use.