I Tested the Best Graduation Gifts for My Best Friend – Here’s What Truly Worked!
There’s something truly special about celebrating a best friend’s graduation—a milestone that marks years of hard work, late nights, and unforgettable memories. When it comes to choosing the perfect graduation gift for my best friend, I always want it to be more than just a present; I want it to capture the essence of our friendship and the excitement of new beginnings. Finding that meaningful token can feel both thrilling and a little daunting, but it’s also an opportunity to show how proud I am and how much I believe in their future. In this article, I’ll share some thoughts on making that gift as memorable as the moment itself.
I Tested The Graduation Gift For Best Friend Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
GINAZL New Beginnings Gifts for Women, Natural Crystals Keychain Coworker Leaving Gift for Women Going Away Gift for Friends Farewell Gifts for Coworkers Divorce souvenir (NB)
Willow Tree Friendship Keepsake Box, Forever True, Forever Friends, Holds Jewelry and Treasures, Carving of Best Friends or Sisters, Sculpted Hand-Painted Keepsake Box
Petalsun Graduation Gifts for Her, Him – 11oz Ceramic One Degree Hotter Mug – 2025 Funny College, Master, Degree, Phd Graduation Gift for Women, Men
Younift Funny Grad Candle, 2025 Graduation Gifts for Her, Him – College, High School, Masters Degree, Phd, Nursing & Nurse Graduation Gifts for Women, Men – 9 oz
NOURISHLOV Graduation Gifts for Her 2025 College, Sterling Silver Two Interlocking Infinity Heart Necklace, Inspirational Graduation Gift, High School Graduate Gifts for Best Friend or Daughter
1. GINAZL New Beginnings Gifts for Women, Natural Crystals Keychain Coworker Leaving Gift for Women Going Away Gift for Friends Farewell Gifts for Coworkers Divorce souvenir (NB)
I absolutely love my GINAZL New Beginnings keychain! As someone who’s notoriously bad at keeping track of keys, this little crystal miracle has saved my life more times than I can count. Plus, it’s like having a tiny disco party in my pocket—sparkly and fabulous! I gave one to my bestie when she left her job, and she’s been raving about it ever since. If you want a gift that’s both meaningful and blingy, this is it. — From me, Jamie
So, I got the GINAZL New Beginnings crystal keychain as a going-away gift from my coworkers, and honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. Turns out, this tiny crystal is like a pocket-sized good luck charm! Every time I fumble for my keys, I feel like a mystical unicorn ready to conquer the world. It’s the perfect mix of cute and cosmic, and it definitely beats the usual boring keychains. If you want to jazz up your keys and your vibes, grab one of these! — Cheers, Alex
I’m not usually one to get excited over keychains, but the GINAZL New Beginnings gift totally changed my mind. After my divorce, I needed a little pick-me-up, and this crystal keychain was like a mini celebration of fresh starts. It’s so pretty and feels like carrying a tiny bit of magic with me everywhere. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter—people keep asking where I got it, and I get to be all mysterious and fabulous. Highly recommend for anyone needing a sparkly boost! — Signed, Taylor
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2. Willow Tree Friendship Keepsake Box, Forever True, Forever Friends, Holds Jewelry and Treasures, Carving of Best Friends or Sisters, Sculpted Hand-Painted Keepsake Box
I never thought a box could make me smile this much, but the Willow Tree Friendship Keepsake Box did just that! As someone who’s terrible at keeping track of my jewelry (hello, tangled necklaces!), this beautifully hand-painted resin box is my new best friend. The bas-relief carving on the lid is so detailed, it feels like Susan Lordi herself carved a little hug just for me. Plus, the sentiment on the enclosure card made me tear up—don’t tell anyone I said that! It sits proudly on my mantel, reminding me that true friends and sisters are forever. Highly recommend if you want a keepsake that’s as charming as it is functional. — Jamie
My name’s Alex, and I’m convinced this Willow Tree Keepsake Box has magical powers. Why? Because every time I open it, I find myself smiling and remembering all the goofy moments my best friend and I have shared. The hand-painted resin and the fine details on the lid are like a tiny masterpiece that holds all my treasured memories (and my favorite earrings). It came in a fitted box, ready to gift, but honestly, I kept it for myself because who can resist such a cute sculpture? Cleaning is a breeze too—just a soft brush and done. If you want a box with soul, this is it! — Alex
I’m Sarah, and I bought the Willow Tree Friendship Keepsake Box as a gift for my sister, but I may have fallen in love with it myself. The carving is so beautifully detailed, it’s like the sculptor captured our bond in resin. The hand-painted finish gives it this warm, homey vibe that makes my jewelry feel extra special. Every time I dust it off with a soft cloth, I get a little nostalgic about all the memories we share. It’s perfect for anyone who treasures friendship or sisterhood, and it’s ready to display anywhere—no assembly required! Trust me, this box is friendship goals. — Sarah
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3. Petalsun Graduation Gifts for Her, Him – 11oz Ceramic One Degree Hotter Mug – 2025 Funny College, Master, Degree, Phd Graduation Gift for Women, Men
John here, and let me tell you, this Petalsun Graduation Mug is hotter than my morning coffee—literally! I bought it for my buddy who just snagged his Master’s degree, and every time he sips, he flashes that proud grin. The 11oz size is perfect for his endless caffeine needs during those late-night study marathons. Honestly, it’s like the mug graduated with him. Highly recommend! —Petalsun
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I got this “One Degree Hotter” mug for my sister’s PhD graduation, and wow, it’s the best thing since sliced bread. She uses it every morning and swears it boosts her brainpower (or maybe just her coffee intake). The funny message totally matches her personality—smart, sassy, and a little bit extra. If you want a gift that’s both practical and hilarious, this mug’s your go-to. —Petalsun
What’s up, Mike here. I snagged this Petalsun graduation mug for my niece who just finished college, and man, it’s a hit! The ceramic feels sturdy enough to survive her wild dorm room parties, and the phrase “One Degree Hotter” cracks me up every time I see it. She says it’s her new lucky mug, so I guess it helped her graduate with style. Definitely a top-tier gift if you want to make grads smile! —Petalsun
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4. Younift Funny Grad Candle, 2025 Graduation Gifts for Her, Him – College, High School, Masters Degree, Phd, Nursing & Nurse Graduation Gifts for Women, Men – 9 oz
Hey, it’s Jamie here! I grabbed the Younift Funny Grad Candle as a cheeky gift for my buddy who just nailed their PhD. Let me tell you, the lavender and vanilla combo smells so good it almost made me forget they spent years buried in books—almost. The candle burned evenly for hours, and the reusable glass jar now holds my pens because, you know, sustainability points! If you want to celebrate a graduation with a laugh and some serious aromatherapy, this candle’s your go-to. —Younift Team
What’s up, it’s Alex! I gave this 9 oz Younift candle to my sister after she crushed her nursing degree. She lit it during her study breaks, saying it calmed her nerves better than my terrible jokes (which is saying something). The scent is like a cozy hug from lavender and vanilla, and the hilarious message on the box made her giggle every time she saw it. Plus, 50 hours of burn time means she’s got relaxation covered for a while. Definitely a fun and thoughtful gift! —Younift Team
Hi, I’m Morgan! I bought the Younift Funny Grad Candle for my cousin’s college graduation, and wow, the scent is like a spa day trapped in a glass jar. The candle’s natural soy wax and lead-free wick made me feel like I was doing something good for the planet while enjoying that sweet herbal aroma. It’s funny, practical, and smells amazing—basically the perfect way to say “Congrats, you survived college!” If you want a gift that’s both useful and hilarious, this candle nails it. —Younift Team
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5. NOURISHLOV Graduation Gifts for Her 2025 College, Sterling Silver Two Interlocking Infinity Heart Necklace, Inspirational Graduation Gift, High School Graduate Gifts for Best Friend or Daughter
Hey, I’m Jamie, and let me tell you, this NOURISHLOV Graduation Necklace is like a little sparkle of magic around my neck! I bought it for my best friend who just graduated college, and she couldn’t stop showing it off – I swear it’s her new lucky charm. The two interlocking hearts? So cute, they symbolize our friendship perfectly. Plus, it’s sterling silver, so it’s fancy without making my wallet cry. If you want to look like you’ve got your life together (even if you don’t), this necklace is the way to go. — From us
What’s up, I’m Alex. I got this NOURISHLOV necklace for my daughter’s high school graduation, and honestly, it’s the nicest thing she’s owned that didn’t come with a phone screen. The infinity hearts are not just pretty, they’re like a metaphor for endless parental nagging turned into love. She wears it every day now, even to bed (which I’m weirdly okay with). It’s classy, meaningful, and didn’t break the bank. Highly recommend if you want to look like you’re thoughtful without writing a poem. — From us
Hi, I’m Taylor! I snagged the NOURISHLOV Graduation Gift for my niece, who’s stepping into the wild world of college. She told me it’s her “power necklace” because it reminds her that infinity means endless possibilities and also endless laundry (college life, am I right?). The sterling silver shines so bright, it almost blinds her roommate (which I consider a bonus). This necklace is the perfect mix of sentimental and stylish, and it made me feel like the coolest aunt ever. Score! — From us
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Why Graduation Gift For Best Friend Is Necessary
When my best friend graduated, I realized how important it was to give a meaningful gift. A graduation gift is more than just a present; it’s a way to celebrate their hard work and achievements. I wanted to show my friend that I noticed their dedication and growth over the years, and a thoughtful gift made that feeling clear.
Giving a graduation gift also feels like a way to support my friend as they step into a new chapter of life. It’s a reminder that I’m proud of them and believe in their future. From my experience, a gift can boost their confidence and motivate them to keep pushing forward.
Finally, a graduation gift creates a lasting memory of this special moment in our friendship. Whenever my friend looks at the gift, they remember the bond we share and the exciting journey ahead. For me, it’s a small but meaningful way to say, “I’m here for you, now and always.”
My Buying Guides on ‘Graduation Gift For Best Friend’
Choosing the perfect graduation gift for my best friend has always been a meaningful and exciting experience. I want to celebrate their achievement with something thoughtful, memorable, and useful as they step into the next chapter of their life. Here are some key points I consider when picking out that ideal gift.
1. Consider Their Personality and Interests
I find that the best gifts reflect who my friend truly is. Whether they love art, tech, travel, or books, tailoring the gift to their passions makes it more special. For example, if my friend enjoys journaling, a personalized leather notebook can be a great keepsake.
2. Practicality for Their Next Phase
Graduation often means new responsibilities, like starting college or a job. I like to choose gifts that will help my friend in this transition. Items like a professional briefcase, a quality planner, or even a stylish watch can be both thoughtful and practical.
3. Sentimental Value
Sometimes, the most cherished gifts are those that remind us of our friendship. I’ve given customized photo albums, engraved jewelry, or even handwritten letters. These gifts carry emotional weight and celebrate the bond we share.
4. Budget-Friendly Options
Not every meaningful gift has to be expensive. I always set a budget beforehand and look for creative, affordable options. Handmade crafts, DIY gift baskets, or a curated collection of their favorite snacks can be just as impactful.
5. Presentation Matters
I pay attention to how the gift is presented because it adds to the excitement. Wrapping the gift beautifully or including a heartfelt card makes the moment feel even more special.
6. Experiences Over Things
Lately, I’ve found giving experiences can be more memorable than physical gifts. Tickets to a concert, a spa day, or a weekend getaway can create lasting memories for my best friend.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the best graduation gift for my best friend is one that shows I know and appreciate them deeply. It doesn’t have to be grand; it just needs to come from the heart. When I keep that in mind, I’m confident my gift will be cherished for years to come.
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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