Our Favorite Graduation Gift Cards for Every Graduate

April 21, 2025

As the graduate moves forward on their unique path—whether that’s a new job, destination, school, or adventure—they have a lot of excitement ahead. The tradition of giving graduates a gift to honor this milestone comes with the importance of choosing the right graduation gift. With The Gift Card Shop’s many options for finding the right card, a fitting design, and an appropriate amount, grad gift cards are an excellent choice. They are popular as they allow the recipient to spend as they please on exactly what they need, and they’re convenient for the gift-giver to find and send a special message and easily deliver to family and friends near or far.  

Read on to explore the wide variety of styles and retailers available and surprise each graduate with a thoughtful gift card. 

Why Gift Cards Make Great Graduation Gifts

Whether the new grad is packing up for a move or just looking for a break to relax, gift cards allow them flexibility of how and when to spend. Gift cards are convenient for both in-person and online use at the grad's favorite retailer or any location that accepts Visa®, Mastercard®, or American Express® Gift Cards. This wide range of gift cards for grads allows you to select a card that suits different graduates’ tastes and needs for their own journey ahead. The Gift Card Shop is your graduation shopping helper, making it easy to purchase and send gift cards, a bonus especially for long-distance or last-minute gifting.

Top Gift Cards for High School Graduates

The high school grad has a world of opportunities ahead, so selecting a gift card for their individual needs makes for an unforgettable gift. Shop these popular options for high school grad gifts: 

Visa Gift Card: With so much flexibility, these gift cards are perfect for buying college supplies, home décor, flights, and so much more.  

Target Gift Card: Is the grad headed to college or their first home away from home? This gift is great for dorm essentials and everyday needs.  

Gift of College Gift Card: Contribute to a 529 to help the graduate pay for their education, student loans, and other school-related expenses.  

 American Express® Graduation Cap Gift Card: Congratulate them on their accomplishment with this graduation-themed Gift Card that allows them to spend it on their gift of choice.  

Top Gift Cards for College Graduates 

What’s next for the college grad? Whatever they have planned, graduation gift cards will help get them there.  Check out these gifts to equip them for the road ahead. 

Best Buy Gift Card: Get the grad geared up with tech gadgets and accessories as they begin their job search or settle into their new career.  

You Did It Visa Gift Card: Flexible and widely accepted, this festive design celebrates the graduate’s achievement and shows your support.  

Uber Gift Card: Ideal for getting around locally or while on vacation, this gift provides convenient rideshare options.  

Wayfair Gift Card: For the grad moving into their own place, this gift card gives them the power to dream, design, and decorate as they choose.  

Home Depot Gift Card: Ideal for setting up or renovating a new apartment or home, give the grad a gift for the tools, hardware, or supplies they need. 

Make Grad Gifting Meaningful with Gift Cards  

At every level, graduates have different goals and plans, whether they’re moving on to advanced education, traveling, or focused on a new living space. You can make yours a gift to remember by choosing it based on their needs and interests. That could mean treating them to funds for their favorite stores or college or giving them a congratulatory greeting on a widely accepted gift card.  

Gift cards provide freedom that comes with flexibility and convenience. The grad can spend it on what they need now or what will benefit them in the future. Another advantage of giving gift cards extends to you—the gift-giver—as you can shop to find what you need and deliver it however you prefer.  

Want personal and practical gift cards for graduates? The Gift Card Shop is your one-stop destination with exciting options and a seamless process.