If you’re preparing to celebrate an upcoming college graduate, setting up an online registry for them can be the perfect place to start! By creating a custom list of things that they’ll likely need as they take this next step in life, you’ll play a crucial part in setting them up for success. Once the registry is set up, you can share it with friends, family, and other loved ones who can work together to get them started on the right foot.
We’ve created a list of the perfect college graduation registry ideas –from stainless steel mixing bowls to fresh new bedding, so that nothing important falls through the cracks. Read on for inspiration!
Congrats Grad!
1. New Bedding
Sometimes students have a twin bed and are in need of an upgrade after college, especially if they lived in dorms. Regardless, having a fresh set of quality sheets is a good way to start their journey into adulthood.
Photo by Mitchell Luo on Unsplash
2. Towels
Same as sheets, despite already having towels from college, starting with a fresh new set can make your grad feel like they are stepping into a new chapter. Get a matching set of hand towels, wash clothes and shower towels all in their favorite color.
Photo by Mel Poole on Unsplash
3. Grocery Gift Cards
You can’t go wrong with a gift card for graduation. Getting the graduate a grocery gift card to their nearest supermarket is a gift that will go to immediate use!
Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash
4. Dishes & Silverware
As many college students live with roommates, often-times they share dishes and silverware. Making sure they have a set of their own to start out with is important, as it’s something they’ll use every single day!
Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash
5. Pots & Pans
Encourage your grad to save money and stop ordering takeout, by supplying them with a set of non-stick pots and pans. Send them a few easy recipes to whip up, so they can learn to cook the basics!
Photo by Cooker King on Unsplash
6. Crock Pot & Rice Cooker
A Crockpot and rice cooker make great gifts because they can help save time and effort when cooking! If they start dinner in the crockpot first thing in the morning, they’ll have a warm meal waiting for them when they get back from work. Additionally, a rice cooker is a staple for easy-to-make homemade dinners!
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
7. A Mattress
This more expensive item on our list is an important staple that can make or break a good night’s sleep in a new apartment. Check out Siena and Nectar mattresses, both affordable memory foam brands that will deliver mattresses right to your door!
Photo by Stephen Andrews on Unsplash
8. A Laundry Hamper & Detergent
Get a nice laundry hamper that is easy to carry to the laundry room. If your new grad is living somewhere with a communal laundry space, consider getting them a portable basket or a hamper on wheels for ease. Additional laundry items to start them out with are detergent, stain remover, dryer sheets, and bleach.
Photo by Sarah Brown on Unsplash
9. Coffee Pot or Keurig
If your grad can’t function without coffee, consider gifting them a coffee pot, keurig, or other functional brew tool like a french press! This will be a vital gift for starting the morning in a positive way.
Photo by John Schnobrich on Unsplash
10. A Paper Planner
While some people prefer to use a digital calendar, a paper planner can end up being an incredibly helpful tool to stay organized and keep track of plans, grocery lists and more!
Photo by Marten Bjork on Unsplash
11. Wine Glasses & Bottle Opener
Nothing says ‘new home’ like a gift of wine glasses and a bottle opener. Pair this with the new graduate’s favorite wine and it will be the perfect way to toast to a new chapter.
Photo by Matthieu Joannon on Unsplash
12. Vacuum or Broom
This item is commonly forgotten but can make a big difference in the cleanliness of the home. Depending on if the floor is mainly wood, tile or carpet, gift a vacuum, broom, swiffer wet-jet or even a roomba to clean when they aren’t around.
Photo by Kowon vn on Unsplash
13. Tool Kit
Everyone needs a basic tool kit whether they’re taking on a building project or just want to hang some art on the wall. At the least, make sure the kit has a hammer, nails, a screwdriver, measuring tape, and a level.
Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash
14. Clothing Gift Card (For Work Clothes)
If the new graduate already has a job lined up, a gift card to shop for new work clothes can be incredibly helpful. For those moving into an office job or a first time role, they may not have the correct wardrobe quite yet. This will set them up for a successful first day.
Photo by Nimble Made on Unsplash
15. Luggage Set
This gift is especially valuable if the new grad is planning on moving cities for a job opportunity. Giving them a quality luggage set will allow them to visit home comfortably and with style!
Photo by American Green Travel on Unsplash
16. Good Quality Water Bottle & Coffee Thermos
No more frequenting the vending machine now that college is over. Set them up with a quality reusable water bottle and stainless steel coffee thermos to take to and from work. This, paired with a coffee maker will also encourage them to make coffee at home, instead of overspending on daily trips to the coffee shop!
Photo by Matt Hoffman on Unsplash
17. Amazon Alexa
These home companions can give you all the insight you need when moving to a new area. From daily weather and traffic updates, to playing your favorite comfort song on request, this gift will make your loved one feel a little less alone in a new environment.
Photo by Nicolas J Leclercq on Unsplash
18. Laptop Bag for Work
Getting a work computer for a new job can be a very exciting milestone. You’re out in the world and finally feel like a real adult, taking on a new job in a new office! Laptop bags/cases make a great gift because it will provide reassurement that their new equipment is well taken care of.
Photo by Windows on Unsplash
19. An Electric Toothbrush
It is scientifically proven that electric toothbrushes provide better care for your teeth than any standard manual toothbrush. Consider this gift an investment into their health and wellness routine that will pay dividends when it comes time to visit the dentist!
Photo by Goby on Unsplash
20. Hello Fresh or Meal Kit Subscription
For those who may not know their way around the kitchen, a meal kit subscription such as HelloFresh can be a less intimidating way to dive into cooking. Sign them up for a few months to start and let them find their footing with easy-to-follow recipe cards and every ingredient delivered straight to their door.
Photo by Gareth Hubbard on Unsplash
21. Toaster Oven
For a home with a smaller amount of counter space opt for a toaster to get them started. If they have the room, gifting a toaster oven can be handy for toast, bagels and even small meals for ones that don’t quite need the oven!
Photo by Daniel Salgado on Unsplash
22. Mixing Bowls
You don’t realize the importance of mixing bowl sets until you need them. If you’ve ever had a late night cookie craving, you’ll know that having mixing bowls is a must! Get a set with a few different sizes so they have options.
Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash
23. Fire TV Stick
Amazon Fire TV Sticks will convert any TV to a smart TV, allowing you to download apps and stream your favorite shows. Allowing your new grad access to their favorite comfort shows is an absolutely priceless gift in the digital age.
Photo by Jonas Leupe on Unsplash
24. Headphones
Shop between over-the-ear headphones or AirPods and give your grad the gift of peace and quiet. Headphones can be helpful while working, working out, commuting, and even cleaning!
Photo by Super Snapper on Unsplash
25. Clothing Steamer
While ironing can sometimes feel like a chore, steaming your clothes is easy and quick! Even the inexpensive steamers seem to get the job done and are conveniently portable for travel. Gifting a steamer will help make sure they show up to their new job wrinkle-free!
Photo by Cristofer Maximilian on Unsplash
26. Fan
Some people need a fan to sleep or could really use the extra air-flow, depending on the area they’re living in and whether or not their apartment has air conditioning. For an amazing fan brand, check out Vornado — it doesn’t get much better than these.
Photo by Call Me Fred on Unsplash
27. Duffel Bag & Toiletry Kit
Some travel essentials that are good to have on hand are a sturdy duffel bag and a toiletry kit. These items will make weekend excursions and quick visits home a breeze!
Photo by Erol Ahmed on Unsplash
28. Kindle
If your new grad enjoys reading, a Kindle can make for a great gift! It’s easy to take on the go and allows for hundreds of books to be available at the tips of their fingers.
Photo by Shayna Douglas on Unsplash
29. Comforting Candles or Plug-Ins
Which candles you gift will depend on their smell preference and their housing allowances. Some apartment communities don’t allow candles. In this case, consider gifting a wall plug-in or a Scentsy to make the space feel homey!
Photo by Luma Candles on Unsplash
30. Visa Gift Card
Lastly, add a generic Visa gift card to the registry so the new graduate can get anything extra particular on their wishlist!
Photo by Ekaterina Shevchenko on Unsplash
Create Your Registry Today
Now that you’ve gotten some ideas for what to add to your graduation registry, let’s get you set up today! Visit our homepage to start customizing your own. Oh, and give a big ‘congrats’ to your grad from the team here at Celebration Wishes!
