23+ Great Gifts for the Class of 2023
The products listed here were selected by a member of the editorial staff. Should you choose to purchase a product through a link on this page, we may receive an affiliate commission.
Image: Seattle Met Composite and Courtesy the Shops
Graduation marks the end of an era, and the commencement of something new. It's a huge accomplishment worth celebrating—and not just because it's bound to beget other huge accomplishments. But it's also a nerve-wracking transition period. Help the grad in your life take it all in stride with these local gifts.
These products were chosen by our editorial staff from the Shops at Seattle Met, the city's first online marketplace bringing the best local businesses together in one place. Every purchase comes to you directly from a Seattle-area shop.
Jump to Your Graduate:
Gifts for Any Grad / Going Back to School / Moving Out / Entering the Workforce
For Any Graduate
Help graduates find their direction with this sweet, sentimental, recycled sterling silver necklace from Seattle-based Boma—that also happens to be super reasonably priced.
Got a Seattle sports fan on your list? Make a lasting impression that rivals that of our lost NBA team by sending them a Sonics snapback and T-shirt each month for however long you choose.
Keep it simple: Propose a toast.
This high-quality, inspirational notebook should come in handy for any grad, whether they're taking notes, journaling about the future, or doodling on a work call. Also available in midnight blue.
Custom gifts feel like an extra-special way to commemorate big milestones. Pick up to three tiny initials to display atop gold fill, rose gold fill, or sterling silver.
New jobs, new major, an uncertain void where their school routine used to be—this pretty, ombre deck of cards offers some much-needed assurance, like "obstacles are only as large as I believe them to be."
Two angle-dipped mugs and a matching handmade pour over work great for helping stock a new kitchen—but any grad could use a little caffeinating.
Remind grads where they've been, or where they're going, with this sweet nod to school days. It also makes a lovely first decoration for a dorm room or apartment.
For grads staying in Seattle, or those who could use a practical reminder of the Emerald City in another rainy clime, this locally made raincoat looks fashionable and put-together protecting an interview outfit from the elements (but not too dressy for sweats).
Prep grads for wet weather with a fashionable rain jacket that cuts through the gloom.
For the Grad Going to School (Again)
The modern version of gifting a briefcase to a recent grad, this dreamily distressed, leather-and-brass laptop case slides right into a larger bag or handles things on its own.
Fjallraven's classic backpack offers a laptop sleeve, plenty of storage, and a pretty mustard color that evokes first-day-of-school fall leaves.
Help new UW students start their collection of husky gear with a vintage-inspired tee.
A geometric black-and-white pattern adorns Fulcrum and Tokyobike's gender-inclusive bicycle, complete with all the extras necessary for a student's commute: a storage rack, fenders, and a coffee-ready cupholder.
For the Grad with the Cute New Apartment
No home is complete without a little greenery, and the bold, tropical Monstera is a favorite among interior design buffs for a reason. Pair it with a planter to round out the gift.
Remind them how proud you are every time they pick up a new farmer's market bouquet: Thumbs up for a job well done.
Get their brand-new pantry in shape with this collection of exploration-encouraging spice blends from Villa Jerada.
Suddenly doing three times as many chores feels a lot nicer when the products you're using are this luxurious.
Whether they're building their own library or need a sophisticated way to display schoolbooks, Fruitsuper's bright bookends add a pop of color to any space (but are minimal enough not to clash with most styles).
Grads looking forward to entertaining guests (communal dorm kitchenettes just don't have the range) will appreciate Alison Roman's lineup of "unfussy food for having people over." It also looks great on display.
Anna Learns Things' pretty beaded basket was designed and handmade by a recent University of Washington graduate, so you can all but guarantee it'll be a hit with Gen Z recipients.
If you're looking to give super generously to a graduate starting from scratch, Hestan's comprehensive, home-chef-approved set of dishwasher-safe cookware will keep their kitchen stocked for a lifetime.
Small kitchen appliances make great gifts for any size home or apartment; with just a little counter space, this all-in-one rice cooker can make grains, of course, but also steam veggies and proteins.
Available in a range of standout colors, this brushed stainless steel french press does double duty as a practical kitchen tool and a gorgeous piece of decor.
Odds are solid your fashionable graduate already has a Baggu or two in the rotation. Help them make their bathroom as stylish as they are.
For the Grad Entering the Workforce
This rugged and fashionable suede take on the classic briefcase looks casually sophisticated and lasts a lifetime.
Grads in East Coast cities might prefer a tailored suit; in our casual, West Coast vintage mecca, this relaxed suit jacket makes an ideal special-occasion, gender-neutral gift.
Prep grads for a world that demands more than just chunky sneakers—without sacrificing their bold sense of style. Intentionally Blank makes high-quality, wear-everyday shoes with some serious flair.
They may not have to keep track of hectic class schedules anymore—but those work to-do lists can be daunting. Make it a little more fun with this bold planner.
Grads entering the professional world may or may not know what a tie clip is, let alone own one. This unique gear-adorned clip from Luly Yang feels as special as a jewelry gift, and will surely come in handy one day.
