19 Sustainable & Unique Graduation Gift Ideas
These graduation gifts support small businesses and socially responsible values! Give your grad a meaningful & ethical gift that shares a story!
This gift guide plenty of ideas organized in a personality based gift guide featuring categories like the one who is ready to celebrate, the go-getter, the traveler, and more.
Most of these gift ideas are affordable and under $100 with a few higher end gift ideas included.
This post does contain some affiliate links which means The Honest Consumer may receive a commission if you decide to purchase, however, at no additional cost to you!
Celebratory Grad Gift Ideas
These gifts are great for grads who are ready to have a good time and celebrate their success!
Congratulations To You! Gift Box $75
What says “Congratulations Graduate” more than a box of gifts themed around the phrase? In the Congratulations to You Gift Box by Packed with Purpose your loved one will receive an insulated stainless steel black beverage tumbler, a pocket-sized bluetooth speaker, juicy gummies with seasonal flavors, and more.
Your graduate feel celebrated and empowered. Plus, some of the companies involved in this box are women-owned and give back.
One company in particular, Cameron's Coffee and Chocolates, makes a difference in the lives of young adults with intellectual disabilities. This is a gift you can feel good about gifting, in more ways than one.
For The Craft Cocktail Lover Box $70
The For the Craft Cocktail Lover gift box is for the graduate that is ready to celebrate with a cocktail, or maybe two. Some of the gifts you’ll find in this box are, handcrafted soapstone whisky beverage cubes, hand-blown glass cocktail stirrers, and more.
The companies involved in creating this are doing their part to create a more sustainable, inclusive, and brighter world.
There is Teroforma that uses sustainable processes to make the whiskey cubes. Then there is Hella Cocktail Co. that is USA made and Black owned.
Your graduate will appreciate a gift that not only celebrates them, but celebrates the good in the world as well.
Gifts for The Go-getter Grad
These unique graduation gifts are great for the go-getter that has been working hard and is ready to get started in the real world!
The Solar Classic Watch $300
For the punctual graduate, this Solar Classic is a great gift. There are many different customizations that can be made to this product, so it can truly become a one of a kind, thoughtful gift. You get to pick out things like the case size, and color, the strap color, you can even engrave it.
Solios has created a watch that is powered by solar technology, made of vegan leather and recycled stainless steel, and rain resistant. In addition to that, each purchase helps the company restore one acre of the rainforest. All around, this watch makes the perfect gift for your graduate.
Good Luck Charm Necklace $138
After graduation, the real world awaits. Instead of wishing your loved one good luck, why not give them a good luck charm, or more accurately - a Good Luck Charm Necklace?
This necklace from Astor & Orion would make a great gift for the graduate that loves jewelry. The necklace is made from recycled sterling silver and is an 18 inch chain, with a two inch extender.
NOMAD messenger bag | COAL $349
This sustainably stylish messenger bag would be a wonderful gift for a graduate who has places to be and needs a bag to get them, and their important items there. On the Carry Courage website you’ll see that there are three different options for the strap color.
The bag is made with various different interior and exterior pockets, including a laptop compartment. It’s handmade with cork fabric and organic cotton. This means you can be sure that sustainable practices are being followed and the bag is made with care.
You can also use the discount code THEHONESTCONSUMER to receive 10% off your purchase from Carry Courage.
Smash the patriarchy Statement Pouch $20
The Smash The Patriarchy pouch is sure to make a statement on the wrist of the graduate in your life. With two different color options, Patriarchy Green and Patriarchy Coral, anyone will be thrilled to receive this cute pouch. It’s made from upcycled cotton print and the wristlet strap is detachable.
When you purchase this gift from Malia Designs, you’re not only giving a thoughtful gift to a loved one. Your purchase also helps fight global poverty, support independent designers, and helps create a more sustainable world.
This pouch is a great affordable fair trade graduation gift at $20. If you want to add something extra consider putting a gift card or some cash inside for the grad!
Positive Vibes Gift Box $90
When one gift isn’t enough to express how proud you are of your graduate, get them a Packed with Purpose gift box. The Positive Vibes Gift Box specifically makes a great graduation gift.
Positive Vibes Gift Box
In the box you’ll find Organic herbal tea, a ceramic mug, a bonsai tree seed grow kit, and more.
Your purchase also gives back by benefiting several organizations like the Detroit Food Academy that supports the youth in Detroit and Effie’s Homemade that supports hunger relief efforts in Boston, among others.
Free to Roam Tote $42
While the last bag meant business, this Free to Roam tote bag is perfect to take out for day to day activities to any adventures your loved one may find themselves on.
It features beautiful artwork that was printed with water-based, eco-friendly inks. Plus, it’s sustainably made with organic cotton.
The tote also features a water bottle holder, a large interior pocket, and a key ring.
When you buy this beautifully made tote from Fair Trade Winds & you are supporting both the maker in India and empowering survivors of human trafficking.
Gift Ideas for The Traveler Graduate
Gifts for the grad who is planning to take some time to explore the world!
Everyday Exploration Box $75
After years of classes, all-nighters, exams, etc., many graduates are ready to go on an adventure to let loose and celebrate. If your graduate fits this description, they’ll love this Everyday Exploration Box from Packed with Purpose.
This unique box comes with a sustainable bamboo tumbler for staying hydrated, and a notebook and pen to plan out or journal about their adventures.
These products are made with the environment in mind, and they help communities as well. Denik, one of the companies associated with this gift box, uses proceeds to fund the building of schools in under-resourced countries.
This is another unique graduation gift idea under $100 and it gives back!
Cambria Sunglasses $68
You shouldn’t travel without a good pair of sunglasses. Protect your loved one’s eyes from the harmful sun rays in the hot summer months with these Cambria sunglasses from Sunski.
There are two color options to choose from, Whiskey Tortoise Slate and Navy Amber. Some important facts your graduate may want to know is that the frames are made from recycled plastic, the lenses are polarized, and it comes in plastic-free packaging.
This is a great eco-friendly gift option under $100!
Inventor Oversized Clutch $135
The Inventor clutch comes in three different colors natural, silver, and cream. Your loved one will love receiving this as a graduation gift. It’s big enough to fit any tablet they may have, but lightweight and versatile enough to carry around.
This bag from Carry Courage is handmade with vegan cork fabric and linen lining fabric and is naturally anti-microbial and water-resistant. It’s sure to be a gift your graduate will love for a long time.
(National) Parks & Recreation Box $60
The Parks & Recreation Box will inspire your loved one to step away from the devices, and into nature, hopefully with a friend or two.
The Parks & Recreation Box includes two games, a national park inspired coloring book, and colored pencils. This box definitely makes a great stress reliever after all the stress school has put them through.
When you buy this box you are helping organizations like WordTeasers uplift children experiencing long hospital stays, among other organizations working towards a more sustainable, eco-friendly world.
This is another great graduation gift under $100!
Gifts for The Overachieving Professional
These graduation gifts are perfect for those who are ready to get going in their professional career.
Erdig Laptop Sleeve 15 inches $40
Every young professional most likely has a laptop. It’s important to keep something like that protected, and a laptop sleeve can do just that. This laptop sleeve from Terra Thread would make a great graduation gift.
It has various color options, it includes a front zipper pocket so you can store more important items, and it’s made with 14-oz Certified Fairtrade Organic cotton canvas. This laptop sleeve is also GOTS Certified and is shipped in plastic-free packaging.
This is a gift you can feel good about giving because it doesn’t harm the Earth, and it even helps donate meals to kids and families in need through their Feeding America partnership.
Sepia Nomad Messenger Bag $349
Every new professional needs a nice bag that communicates that they mean business, in a stylish way of course. The Sepia Nomad Messenger Bag from Carry Courage does just that.
You can choose something truly special for your graduate, and soon to be working professional. The bag is made with cork fabric & organic cotton. It’s also made to order, so you can be sure time and care have been poured into your gift.
Plus, use the discount code THEHONESTCONSUMER for 10% off your purchase from Carry Courage.
The Solar Classic Bundle $340
We did feature the Solar Classic watch a little earlier in this post, but this gift option is a little different because it is a bundle. What it lacks in customization, it makes up for in professionalism.
The watch comes in a silver case with a white dial, and the extra strap is made of blue vegan leather and has a silver mesh.
This watch would make a perfect gift for the graduate that appreciates classic business fashion and state-of-the-art technology.
Fair Trade Haitian Coffee $14+
Anyone entering the professional world is sure to need some coffee for fuel! You’ve got a few different options with this gift. You can buy a bag of Haitian coffee from Singing Rooster.
From deaf, to dark roast, and everything in between, there are several different roasts to choose from. Another option you can gift to your graduate is a coffee subscription.
They offer one month, six weeks, and two month subscription plans. What makes this brand of Haitian coffee so great is that not only are you helping to reforest Haiti when you purchase their coffee, farmers also get 66% of each bag that the company sells.
Gifts for The “I Need a Break from Everything” Grad
These gift ideas are for the graduate who just needs a break and is exhausted from all the hard work they put in.
Courtside Sweatpant $78
School’s out, which means relaxation mode is on, at least for a little while anyway. Give your loved one the gift of relaxation with these comfy sweatpants from Pact. These sweatpants come in four different colors and in sizes small through extra large.
They are made with organic cotton in a fair trade certified factory; so you know that they were made with care by workers that were treated fairly. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that while they are lounging, they won’t be exposed to toxic materials.
Relax & Recharge Box $75
Treat the person of honor to an at home spa day with the Relax & Recharge Box from Packed with Purpose. Some of the relaxation goodies they’ll receive in this box are a hand-poured artisan soap bar, a handcrafted soy candle, a coloring book, and more. The companies that are partnered with this box are women-owned and/or women-focused.
By purchasing this gift box for your grad you’ll be supporting Made by DWC mentor young women in LA to prevent homelessness and Thistle Farms provide safe housing and economic assistance for women that have broken free from trafficking, prostitution, or addiction.
Those are just two of the amazing brands featured in this gift box. Your graduate will get to read about how their gift made an impact as well.
Arte Cheese & Charcuterie Board $129+
Encourage the new grad to chill out and relax with a fun Arte Cheese & Charcuterie board. Consumable gifts tend to be a sustainable choice because they can be eaten and don’t leave behind as much waste as “stuff” gifts!
This board features 17 hand-selected artisan cheeses, meats, dried fruits, nuts, chocolates and olives. It’s great for any graduation celebration too.
Gifts for The Sentimental One
This gift idea is perfect for the one feeling a bit sentimental about leaving school.
Phrase Necklace $70
Our last gift idea on this list is the most personal of them all. If you want to surprise your loved one with a special one-of-a-kind gift, consider personalizing this beautiful phrase necklace from Able.
A short phrase can evoke powerful emotion, especially for sentimental people. They’ll love the thought you put into the gift and every time they wear it they’ll think of you. The necklace will be handcrafted, so you know it will be made with care and attention.
As Able is on a mission to better the planet through their work, the necklace will be shipped in 100% recyclable materials.
For more ethical & sustainable shopping tips be sure to follow The Honest Consumer on social media, subscribe to our newsletter, & check out the Ethical & Sustainable Brand Directory.
