Timeless Books That Make Perfect Graduation Gifts

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Graduation season is on us! It truly is amazing how quickly time goes. I know many people are looking for the perfect gift for graduation.

What is a better gift than a book? Of course I’m extremely biased, being the book lady and all. However, a book can be something very special and even sentimental for a new graduate.

Several of the books on my list can be a great gift for high school or college but high school was the group I was thinking of when I put together this list!

This list includes a couple of fun kid’s books that make great gifts for young adults that can be signed from their teachers or loved ones. We did this with the book Oh, the Places You’ll Go, and it makes a great gift. There is a couple of books that help with life skills, such as cooking and budgeting. Also, we have graduation speeches that have made a lasting impact and put in a book. Hope you find something on this list that you love!

Books that Make Great Graduation Gifts

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones by James Clear

I think anyone who reads a lot of non-fiction has probably already read Atomic Habits but if not you need to pick it up. It is a wonderful book on building good habits and building on them. What I love the most about this book is the way it gives practice tips on making those habits stick and they are very effective. If you are trying to build habits that enrich your life, your business and even your family you need to read this one.

Grit: The Power of of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth

Angela Duckworth’s bestselling book reveals that the key to great success isn’t talent, but a mix of passion and determination she calls “grit.” As People magazine puts it, it’s “inspiration for non-geniuses everywhere.”

Despite growing up with a scientist father who often pointed out she wasn’t a “genius,” Duckworth went on to become a respected professor and researcher. Her experiences in teaching, business, and neuroscience helped her develop the idea that success comes not from raw intelligence, but from sticking with your goals over the long haul.

What Now? by Anne Patchett

Inspired by her well-received graduation speech at Sarah Lawrence College, bestselling author Ann Patchett wrote this heartfelt essay for anyone facing a major life change—whether it’s finishing school, starting a new job, or entering a new chapter of life.

With honesty and humor, Patchett shares her own journey: going from college student to working various jobs—like being a cook, teacher, and waitress—before becoming a successful writer. Her message is simple but powerful: asking “What now?” isn’t something to fear. It’s a sign of new beginnings and the excitement of what’s ahead. She encourages us to embrace the uncertainty and find joy not just in where we end up, but in the path we take to get there.

This is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life by David Foster Wallace

This rare glimpse into the personal side of David Foster Wallace gives readers a better understanding of the man behind his many bestselling novels.

Wallace only spoke publicly about his thoughts on life once—during a 2005 commencement address at Kenyon College. That powerful speech, now available in the book This Is Water, asks deep questions: How do we avoid drifting through life on autopilot? How can we think beyond ourselves and show true compassion? The talk showcases Wallace’s sharp mind and his deep care for others. After his death, the speech gained wide recognition, getting reprinted in major newspapers and widely shared online.

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Congratulations, by the Way by George Saunders

Just three months after George Saunders delivered a graduation speech at Syracuse University, The New York Times published the transcript—and it quickly went viral, shared over a million times. Why did it resonate so deeply? Because Saunders’s message spoke to something we all want: to live with more kindness and purpose.

Both heartfelt and humorous, Congratulations, by the way offers thoughtful advice from one of today’s most unique and respected authors, leaving readers inspired to be better and more compassionate people.

In Conclusion, Don’t Worry About It by Laura Graham

In this expanded version of her 2017 graduation speech at Langley High, her hometown school, Gilmore Girls and Parenthood star Lauren Graham shares her thoughts on growing up, chasing your goals, and staying present in the moment.

She encourages readers to keep looking for joy in what they do—even during times when it’s hard to find. With her signature humor and down-to-earth style, Graham offers a reminder to stay curious, kind, and open, no matter where life takes you or what you’ve accomplished so far. Filled with her own illustrations, this book is both uplifting and comforting—a guide to finding happiness along the way.

Woo Hoo! You’re Doing Great by Sandra Boynton

Whether you’re learning to skate, baking a cake, or making a mistake, this funny and heartwarming rhyming book reminds us that doing our best is something to celebrate. It’s for everyone—from kids trying to learn new things to adults who’ve had a tough week and need a little encouragement. And who better to offer that than a cheerful chicken shouting, “WOO HOO! YOU’RE DOING GREAT!”

This book makes the perfect gift to support people through life’s milestones—big or small—like graduations, birthdays, trying out a new hobby, or starting something new.

Oh, the Places You Will Go by Dr. Seuss

From reaching amazing heights and seeing incredible things to finding yourself stuck in a tricky spot, Dr. Seuss uses his signature playful verse and fun illustrations to tackle life’s ups and downs.

The book carries a timeless and uplifting message, reminding readers that true success comes from within, no matter the obstacles. It’s a classic favorite and the perfect gift for anyone starting a new chapter in their life.

Makes a fun book to get family, teachers, and friends to sign for graduation. Some moms get these when their kids are in preschool or Kindergarten and have teachers sign them each year to their child and when they graduate they have this book with all their teacher’s thoughts about having them as a student.

A Book of Faith (Family Bible, or other devotions)

This is so personal to each family. If you are a family that shares the same faith, religion, or have cultural/family traditions you want to pass down a book of this kind can be a very sentimental gift. I think even a used book in this category could be wonderful if it belonged to past generations or past family members.

A Handwritten Recipe Book

I have seen families who have passed recipe books around to different family members to put their best recipes in and then gifted it to the graduate. I think this is a wonderful idea, what a treasure the young adult would have with all those family recipes in their family members handwriting. Even if you couldn’t get them handwritten but typed it would still make a wonderful gift.

The Easy College Cookbook by Candace Braun Davison

The Easy College Cookbook offers 75 simple and affordable recipes that you can whip up in your dorm room.

Just because you’re away at school doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy delicious homemade meals. This cookbook teaches you how to make tasty dishes using common dorm appliances, easy-to-find ingredients, and a few basic kitchen tools.

Perfect for cooking on a budget or in a small space, this guide is packed with creative tips to help you make everything from a hearty breakfast before exams to a relaxed dinner with friends—no matter how limited your kitchen set-up may be.

175+ Things to do before before You Graduate from College: Your Bucket List for the Ultimate College Experience by Charlotte Lake

This college bucket list gives you all the fun and meaningful experiences you’ll want to check off before you graduate. Whether you want to make the most of your time in school or start preparing for life after graduation, this guide offers tons of activities to help you succeed and have a blast along the way, like:

Becoming a teaching assistant for a subject you’re passionate about
Going off-campus with friends to grab the first batch of fresh donuts
Paying it forward by buying lunch for someone in line behind you at the dining hall
Getting creative with a campus-wide game of hide-and-seek
And much more!

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

For years, readers from all walks of life have found inspiration and empowerment in Elizabeth Gilbert’s books. Now, in this deeply personal work, she explores her own creative process and shares her unique insights on creativity. With deep empathy and generosity, Gilbert delves into the mysterious nature of inspiration, encouraging us to embrace curiosity and release unnecessary struggles. She teaches us how to pursue what we truly love and confront what we fear most.

Letters to the Graduate: Write Now. Read Later. Treasure Forever. by Lea Readmond

Letters to the Graduate is the ideal gift to remind someone that the best is yet to come.

Each letter comes with a thoughtful prompt, such as:

“I’m proud of you because…”
“Remember, you can always count on me for…”
“You have so much to offer the world…”

The set includes 12 letters where you can fill in memories, advice, and hopes for the graduate’s future—whether from a group of loved ones or just you. Once completed, seal the letters with the included stickers, add a postdate, and give this heartfelt keepsake to the new graduate!

You Need a Budget by Jesse Mecham

I really enjoyed this budget book and I have read many books on finance. It helps you with:

Give Every Dollar a Job: Be clear about what you want your money to do before you spend it.
Embrace Your True Expenses: Break down bigger, less frequent costs into smaller, manageable monthly savings. That way, when you need to pay for things like insurance or car repairs, the money is already set aside.
Roll with the Punches: Life changes, and so should your budget. Adjust it as needed, and keep things flexible and guilt-free so it’s sustainable.
Age Your Money: By following the first three rules, you’ll increase the time between when you earn and spend your money. Once your money is at least a month old, you’ll break free from the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle for good.

This method has transformed the finances of hundreds of thousands of people, helping them take control, reduce stress, and create the life they truly want. Stop waiting for payday and start building the future you deserve.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Convey

Imagine having a step-by-step roadmap that helps you go from where you are now to where you want to be in the future—your goals, dreams, and plans all within reach. You just need the right tools to get there.

That’s exactly what Sean Covey’s book provides for millions of teens: a guide to building self-esteem and achieving success. Updated to address modern challenges like social media and cyberbullying, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens applies timeless principles to help teens improve their self-image, make stronger friendships, resist peer pressure, set goals, and better understand their parents. Filled with cartoons, great quotes, and inspiring stories about teens from around the world, this book is packed with wisdom and practical advice.

The Happiness Project One Sentence Journal: A Five Year Record by Gretchen Rubin

In her bestselling book The Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin discovers the joy of writing just one sentence each day. The Happiness Project One-Sentence Journal invites you to create a personal time capsule over the next five years by capturing one moment each day. Simply turn to the date, read the inspiring quote at the top of the page, and write a single sentence about something meaningful from your day.

This simple daily habit offers a sense of accomplishment and, over time, lets you see how your reflections change and grow as the years pass.

How Will You Measure Your Life by Clayton M. Christensen

From Clayton M. Christensen, the world-renowned expert on innovation and author of the bestselling The Innovator’s Dilemma, comes a unique and inspiring book about living a fulfilling life. The Innovator’s Dilemma, a book that even Apple’s Steve Jobs said “deeply influenced” him, is considered one of the most important business books ever written.

Now, in How Will You Measure Your Life, Christensen offers a collection of clear, thoughtful insights to help anyone—whether you’re a student, teacher, mid-career professional, retiree, or parent—find your own path to happiness and fulfillment. This book is in the spirit of works like Randy Pausch’s The Last Lecture and Anna Quindlen’s A Short Guide to a Happy Life, offering wisdom for anyone looking to live a more meaningful life.

The Mountain is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage Into Self Mastery by Brianna Wiest

I believe this book was a TikTok sensation with a lot of young people. My 19-yr old daughter at the time (a couple of years back) encouraged me to read it. It is very different, and I don’t think I have read a book quite like it. It gives you a problem you think you may have and tells you what the problem is in a different light. It made me think about so many areas of my life and what they all really mean. I think we can all self-sabotage easily and this book can help you break that cycle.

The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth About Extradorinaiy Results by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan

I think everyone should have this title on their bookshelf. We are taught to focus on so many things at once that sometimes we dabble here and there, and we don’t accomplish much of anything. It is how we have been taught but if we slow down and begin to focus on our ONE thing at a time, we may be amazed how much we can accomplish. If you look at the people you know who are very successful, my guess is they have mastered this to some point.

Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad by Austin Kleon

Austin Kleon is very creative. His books help you use your creativity and your art to accomplish great things. Keep Going is short but effective in encouraging you on staying creative. One of the things I struggle the most with is keeping my mind and work flowing when I’m going through hard things, this book can help you with that.

In conclusion

So, there are many great books that will make wonderful graduation books. I truly don’t think you could go wrong with any book off this list. You could always add a gift card or pretty bookmark to go along with it.

If you would like to share some books that you think would make good graduation gifts, leave them in the comments. I always think people love to see what other readers are loving.

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