What are the best luxury graduation gifts for the Class of 2020? Our correspondent Jillian Tangen has curated our list of the best luxury gifts for graduates this year, for all ages and genders.
the best graduation gifts for the class of 2020
With most 2020 graduation ceremonies either being held virtually or postponed indefinitely, it’s more important than ever to make sure your graduate feels special after all of their hard work at school.
After all, we can all imagine that this is not exactly how they expected their final year of school to play out, right? And whether it’s high school, college, law school or any other type of graduate school – graduation is a huge milestone for both the graduates and their families, and must be celebrated as best we can.
Join our community
For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier newsletter. And see luxury in a new light.
You may already be hosting a small family gathering or, perhaps a virtual one to toast and recognize all their dedication and hard work. Equally important however, is finding the right gift that will send them off into their new world feeling not just prepared, but also loved.
the best luxury graduation gifts for the class of 2020
Before they turn their tassel, we’ve rounded up 20 of our favorite options when it comes to thoughtful, A+ gifting. Whether they’re getting ready to start their dream job, or to decorate their college dorm room for freshman year, we are certain you will find something to make their day a little brighter. Even better, you can shop all of these gifts online, making it even easier to let the celebrations commence.
the best luxury graduation gifts for the class of 2020
So while there likely won’t be much pomp this year, a thoughtful gift from you just might be enough to improve their circumstances.
1. adulting kit from pinch provisions
There’s no better way to introduce a recent grad to the real world than with an Adulting Kit from Pinch Provisions ($24). This fun yet practical gift comes with 15 essentials including a laundry guide, a mending kit, stain remover, lint brush, thank you notes with envelopes, folder labels, takeout decision coin and more.
BUY NOW ($24)
2. smythson 2020-2021 planner
Nothing says accomplished graduate like penciling your post-grad plans and goals into a sleek leather Smythson Soho Agenda ($285).
BUY NOW ($285)
3. gucci ophidia weekender bag
A weekend travel bag that has room for a laptop is the perfect gift for a new graduate who’s parents want to secure weekend visits. You can’t go wrong with Gucci’s Ophidia GG large carry-on duffle ($2,290).
BUY NOW ($2,290)
4. the gift of soothed skin
Herbivore’s Coco RoseLuxe Hydration Trio ($39) includes exfoliating body polish, face mist and a lip conditioner not only looks pretty but will also leave their skin soft and healthy. For the guys we like the Jack Black Skin Saviors Set ($35). It’s the perfect way for a recent grad to treat themselves after their last round of finals.
5. the gift of sophisticated style
A transitional dress like Shoshanna’s Lilah Sheath ($395) is an ideal addition to a young woman’s post-grad wardrobe, while you can’t go wrong with a Brooks Brothers Regent Fit Two-Button Stretch Blazer ($498) for the guys. A classic but chic dress or blazer will ensure they look polished and professional for networking events, work, internships or sophisticated nights out on the town.
6. a sleek bag
A tote bag they can bring to class or even to work that’s also stylish enough to wear on the weekend is basically a necessity. Our pick is Mansur Gavriel’s Large Tote ($655) in a rainbow of color options for the ladies or the Rains Commuter Bag ($135) for the gents.
7. minimalist watch
We love the simple style of Daniel Wellington’s Iconic Link Watch ($219). Another great pick is this stainless steel Raymond Weil Toccata Watch ($795) with a clean face that looks like a pretty bracelet. Not only would either help them upgrade their style, but it would also help them stay punctual too.
8. lulu frost compass necklace
Some of the best graduation gifts of 2020 will become treasured family keepsakes. Their journey is just getting started and Lulu’s Frost’s Find Your Way Compass Necklace ($295) will remind them of just that.
BUY NOW ($295)
9. upgraded loungewear
New beginnings call for wardrobe overhauls. Consider it the perfect time for your recent grad to upgrade her pajamas from a worn out old T-shirt to a matching set like this sweet Hearts PJ Polo Set from Roller Rabbit ($95). Guys might enjoy a new pair of sweatpants like the Origins Monogram Joggers from Calvin Klein ($55).
10. amazon fire stick 4k
They won’t miss their parent’s premium cable subscription once they connect an Amazon Fire 4k TV Stick ($50) to their TV because they will be able watch Amazon Video, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ and more whenever they please.
BUY NOW ($50)
11. sonos smart speaker
Perfect for dinner parties or for dorm room dance parties (or any other type of party for that matter), you can’t go wrong with a Sonos One ($200) wireless smart speaker as one of the best graduation gifts of 2020.
BUY NOW ($200)
12. bose quietcomfort headphones
Whether they are for commuting, late-night study sessions, gym time or even weekend trips, rest assured that your grad will get a lot of use out of the Bose QuietComfort 35 II Headphones ($350). They’re more than likely something they’ll hold onto for years to come.
BUY NOW ($350)
13. an inspiring book from jk rowling
J.K. Rowling’s 2008 commencement speech at Harvard was so impactful, it was turned into the book Very Good Lives: The Fringe Benefits of Failure and the Importance of Imagination ($10). It tackles how anyone can use failure and even embrace it to better their future, making it an inspiring book for anyone, but especially grads who are trying to find their way in the world.
BUY NOW ($10)
14. succulent garden
Even if your grad doesn’t have the greenest thumb, a Terrain Succulent Garden ($78) is easy to maintain, on-trend and it brings freshness to new apartments and even stale dorm rooms.
BUY NOW ($78)
15. philips smartsleep wake-up light
Everyone knows it’s hard to get up early and head to class or work. Ease your grad’s morning struggle with perhaps the most practical of our best luxury graduation gifts for the class of 2020. A sunrise alarm clock such as the Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light ($140) that will wake your graduate up with a gradual sunrise.
BUY NOW ($140)
the best graduation gifts for the class of 2020
That’s it! Our picks for best graduation gifts this year for the Class of 2020, from high school to graduate school and everything in between. Just add a thoughtful card and you’re all set!
join our community
For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier Newsletter here. And see luxury in a new light.
Jillian Tangen is the Head of Research at Dandelion Chandelier and a former Senior Research Analyst at McKinsey & Co and Analyst at Shearman & Sterling. She is an avid fan of Nordic design, having owned an independent lifestyle store and sales agency focused on emerging Scandinavian design. Jillian lives in New York and is married with three young children. She loves cross-country skiing, the New York Rangers, reading, travel and discovering new brands.
Join our community
For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier newsletter. And see luxury in a new light.