Gift Cards for Graduates: Our Top Picks

April 21, 2025

Pure Flexibility 

A Vanilla® Visa® Gift Card offers flexibility in how and when the graduate uses it with wide acceptance anywhere in the U.S. and the District of Columbia where Visa debit cards are accepted. And with no expiration date, they’re free to use it right away or wait until they are ready.

An Ideal Gift for Graduates  

When you give Visa Gift Cards as graduation gifts, you also remove the guesswork. There’s no need to figure out their favorite color or style of the moment or where they want to dine out or shop for home décor. They have the freedom to use their gift card on exactly what they want.

Make Graduation Gifts Personal 

While gift cards may seem less personal than other gifts, Vanilla Gift allows you to choose from remarkable options that make it special. The variety of choices makes it fun to pick a design, and you can add a heartfelt message to show you care. Read on for more tips on top graduation gift ideas that will make a lasting impression.  

How Much Should You Spend on a Graduation Gift?  

When purchasing gift cards, you may be wondering exactly how much to spend on a graduation gift. This can depend on your relationship to the graduate and the level they are completing.  

Type of Graduation

College graduations call for a larger gift, while a smaller gift may be appropriate for high school or middle school graduations. Additionally, you might spend more on close family members or friends as opposed to acquaintances. With this in mind, here are some general ranges to consider at each level:  

• Middle School: $15-$30 may be ideal for students who are heading into high school. 
• High School: $50-$200 makes for a great gift as these graduates pursue their next goals. 
• College: $100-$500 offers a wide range for this higher-level graduation, while keeping in mind that gifts closer to $500 would most likely be given by the graduate’s parents or as a group gift. 

Your Budget 

It’s the thought that counts, so make sure to spend only what you’re able on the graduate’s gift. The beauty of graduation gift cards is that you can select the amount you want to spend based on your budget. 

Visa Graduation Gift Card Designs  

Vanilla Gift offers designs made specifically for celebrating graduations. Available as eGift or physical gift cards, these styles are an outstanding surprise. 

Graduation Tassels Gift Card: Dazzle the grad with the festive and fun Graduation Tassels Gift Card. It’s ideal for a graduate at any level, sending a celebratory message with a gift they can enjoy spending. 

Graduation Gold Gift Card: Make grad day shine with the sophisticated style of the Graduation Gold Gift Card. Great for delivering in person or digitally to honor their big day. 

Hats Off Graduate Gift Card: The lively design of the Hats Off Graduate Gift Card is a favorite with a message that matches the celebration. Encourage them with their gift of choice. 

Con-GRAD-ulations Gift Card: Say congrats to the graduate with the Con-GRAD-ulations Gift Card design from Vanilla Gift. This flexible gift is a great choice for students entering a new phase of life. 

Grad Cap Gift Card: Featuring a lively and celebratory design, this Grad Cap Gift Card is perfect for any graduate, whether they are finishing middle school, high school, or college. 

Send a Congratulatory Gift Card for Graduation  

Delight in graduation presents that deliver an uplifting message. These designs are focused on congratulating the grad combined with a gift full of flexibility. As they enter a new phase of life, they’ll have your gift to spend on whatever comes up or whatever is on their wish list. 

You Did It Gift Card: Treat them to a gift with the supportive message of the You Did It Gift Card to honor their achievements and celebrate what’s next. 

Congratulations Confetti Gift Card: The festive design of the Congratulations Confetti Gift Card is a great choice for any graduate with bursts of joy and a meaningful message. 

Deliver a Gift Card to the Graduate Moving Somewhere New    

Is the recipient headed to a new place after graduation? Give them thoughtful gift cards that have new apartments and homes—and new projects—in mind.  

Home Paint Gift Card: Inspire the grad with the Home Paint Gift Card that lets them create their dream space with a palette of fresh colors.  

Home Doormat Gift Card: Welcome the grad to their next destination with the Home Doormat Gift Card. Ideal for those who are excited to decorate their new place. 

Home Tools Gift Card: Gear up the grad with the Home Tools Gift Card, giving them the power to tackle all the projects on their list. 

Give a Gift Card to Wish Them Good Luck  

Indulge the new grad while giving them gift cards focused on well wishes. These designs send messages of praise and inspiration as the grad enters a new phase of life with unknown adventures ahead.  

Gold Wishes Visa Gift Card: The clean aesthetic of the Gold Wishes Visa Gift Card sends them off with words of encouragement for the path ahead. 

Proud Of You Visa Gift Card: Applaud their efforts with the Proud of You Visa Gift Card, a joyful style with a spirited message. 

Good Luck Visa Gift Card: Cheer on the grad with the glow of the Good Luck Visa Gift Card, ideal for those setting out on a new journey.  

Celebrate the Grad with Exceptional Gifts

Put the graduate on the path to their next adventure with gift cards picked just for them. Fun, flexible, festive gift cards are a top choice for graduation gifts for students at all levels with all kinds of interests. With a Vanilla Gift Card, you get to choose an expressive design, and they get to choose the time and place they spend their gift—it’s brilliant!