Woman at graduation and graduation gift
Ridofranz | iStock, Le Creuset

13 Practical graduation gifts they will actually use

By: Alyshia McCabe
Published Date:

5 Minute Read

Graduation is a milestone that celebrates one's hard work. Finding the perfect gift to celebrate such an occasion can be difficult, but it doesn't have to be. Mark the end of their hard work with practical gifts perfect for the next chapter of their life. However, just because you are looking for practical gifts doesn't mean they can't be fun.   

From an endearing stuffed animal donning a graduation cap to gadgets they will use daily, here are practical gifts that the graduate in your life will use and love.  

Kindle Paperwhite

Kindle Paperwhite

Price: $184.99 

For the graduate who can't wait to get back to reading, a Kindle is a great gift. Whether they like to read on the go or enjoy cozying up with a book at home, an eReader is portable and has all their books at their fingertips. Plus, many Kindles have glare-free screens for those embarking on a trip soon, meaning you can comfortably read in any light, including bright sunlight.  

Buy now  CAA Members earn 2% back in CAA Dollars at Staples. 

Carryall Tote Cervino

Roots tote bag

Price: $298.00 

Help your grad prepare for a new job with a tote bag perfect for fitting everything they need at work. It is designed and handcrafted in Ontario and features a removable zippered pouch with a wristlet strap. Made with genuine Cervino leather and sustainably made by a Canadian Company, it is perfect for the grad who is always on the go. Plus, it is large enough to use as a work bag, so make sure they have all they need.  

Buy now  CAA Members earn 10% back in CAA Dollars when they shop online at Roots. 

Ultimate Dining Card 

Ultimate Dining Card

Price: $5.00+ 

The Ultimate Dining Card is the gift that keeps on giving. Perfect for celebrating graduation, this gift card can be used at Swiss Chalet, State & Main, and more.  

Buy now  Members save 5% and get free shipping on Ultimate Dining Cards purchased online.  

Classico Pizza Stone Set

Classico Pizza Stone Set

Price: $29.99 

Whether your graduate is a seasoned chef or just learning their way around the kitchen, get them a pizza stone. Perfect for homemade pizza nights or getting the right cook on a frozen pizza after a busy week at their job.  

Buy now  CAA Members save 5% in-store and online at Stokes. 

Apple Watch Series 10 

Apple Watch Series 10

Price: $589.00 

Looking for a thoughtful and practical gift? An Apple Watch might be the perfect pick. With features like calendar reminders, task management, and notifications, the Apple Watch can help your graduate stay organized and on track. Plus, its health and fitness tracking makes prioritizing wellness a breeze, even with a packed schedule.   

Buy now CAA Members earn 1% back in CAA Dollars on most other online purchases at Walmart. 

Ottawa REDBLACKS Tickets

Ottawa REDBLACKS

Price: Various 

For the grad who loves football, gift them tickets to an Ottawa REDBLACKS game. Tickets to an Ottawa REDBLACKS home game are always a good idea for an unforgettable experience that any sports fan will love.  

Buy now   CAA Members save up to 25% on select home game tickets.  

Powdery Tone Faux-Mohair Throw

Powdery Tone Faux-Mohair Throw

Price: $40.00 

Looking for a gift for a graduate that can double as a housewarming for their post-school apartment? A soft and cozy throw is the perfect option. This one from Simon comes in five colour options, so there is surely something to match your graduate's decor. Nothing is better than cozying up under a soft blanket after a long work week.  

Buy now  CAA Members earn 4% back in CAA Dollars at Simons. 

Philips 5000 Series XL Wi-Fi

Philips 5000 Series XL Wi-Fi

Price: $249.99 

An air fryer is a kitchen must-have and is the perfect gift for a graduate. This Philips 5000 Series XL Airfryer will up their cooking game. With Wi-FiWi-Fi connectivity, this air fryer can pair with apps that make cooking a breeze. You can set a recipe that automatically adjusts the air fryer's cooking settings and receive notifications when food is ready. This Philips XL air fryer has a large basket, making meal-prepping easy.  

Buy now  CAA Members save an additional 5% on the total purchase at Stokes. 

iFly Hardside Fibertech Luggage

iFly Hardside Fibertech Luggage

Price: $99.97 

A good quality carry-on always makes a great gift. Whether they have a grad trip booked or need something to pack things when they come home to visit, upgrading your grad’s luggage is the perfect gift to mark their graduation. This carry-on from iFly is rugged and durable for all your grad’s travel needs.  

Buy now  CAA Members earn 1% back in CAA Dollars on most other online purchases at Walmart. 

Round Dutch Oven

Round Dutch Oven

Price: $475.00 

A Dutch oven from the iconic Le Creuset is a fantastic gift for the graduate who loves spending time in the kitchen. They come in various sizes and colours, so there is a Dutch oven to match any kitchen—and they are stylish enough to be used as decor and for cooking! Plus, the enamel and cast iron are built to last for generations, meaning this is the perfect investment piece for those who love to cook.  

Fujifilm Instax Mini Link Smartphone Printer

Fujifilm Instax Mini Link Smartphone Printer

Price: $129.99 

This printer makes the perfect gift for all the memories a grad has collected throughout school and for all the memories they'll make post-school. It is ideal for decorating with all their memories or paired with an Instax photo album. 

Buy now  CAA Members earn 2% back in CAA Dollars at Staples. 

Jellycat Amusable Boiled Egg Graduation

Jellycat Amusable Boiled Egg Graduation

Price: $39.50 

Jellycat stuffed animals make a great gift, especially those from the Amusable collection. This smiling, hard-boiled egg donning a graduation cap is the perfect thing to commemorate all the hard work that got them to graduation. Plus, this little egg is the ideal companion to accompany your grad on all their future adventures.  

Buy now

Flower Arrangement

Flower Arrangement

Price: $139.99 

Instead of real flowers, consider a Lego flower arrangement set. Lego's line of botanical sets features a vibrant array of flowers that can be arranged in many ways, allowing full creativity and customization. A Lego set is the perfect gift that doubles as decoration and will last far longer than a regular bouquet.  

Buy now  

CAA Members earn 3% back in CAA Dollars on kits, sets, expansions and more from LEGO. 

CAA Membership

Female driver holds Everyday Membership card out window of vehicle at a Shell station

Price: starting at $30/year 

A CAA Membership unlocks savings on everything a new graduate needs. Life can be expensive after graduation, so surprise them with their very own CAA Membership. It will give them a year of savings from fuel, dining out, shopping, and more. 

Buy now 

Prices are accurate at the time of posting but are subject to change.