Graduating from high school or college is a big accomplishment and a milestone worth celebrating. If you want to give a graduate something they’ll never forget, consider an experience gift.
Maybe you’re the one who just graduated, and you want to treat yourself by broadening your horizons. No matter who is turning the tassel this year, these are some of the best experience gift ideas for a new grad.
Live Events
Is there a concert that your grad has been wanting to go to forever? Maybe a hit Broadway show or a favorite sports team? AAA members can access special discounts for tickets to concerts, Broadway shows, music festivals, comedy shows and more. Just try searching your grad’s favorite artist, from Taylor Swift to Usher. You can also get discounted tickets to sports events like baseball, basketball and football.
Classes
More classes? Your grad might appreciate it more than you know! Encourage them to cultivate their hobby or passion project with local art and music classes. Or help them meet people in their city with low-stakes courses that encourage teamwork. Some great options include pottery, golf, martial arts, cooking and dancing. Check out what’s available near your grad and see if any of them are gift-worthy.
If they’re interested in fitness, you can get them a subscription for Active&Fit Direct, which includes over 12,500 gyms, 12,000 on-demand videos and one-on-one wellness coaching.
Or keep them inspired with access to thousands of books on topics ranging from memoirs to motivation with an Audible subscription. AAA members get a two-month free trial with two free bestsellers or new releases.
Travel
Being well-traveled is an education in itself. If you want to get your grad a vacation for graduation, try these top trips and tours.
New travelers may prefer guided tours, where a local expert is the one leading the way. Guided tours also make thoughtful experience gifts, since they take care of all the stress associated with planning daily itineraries, hotel stays and more. AAA’s Club Adventures is a great choice for younger travelers especially, prioritizing authentic, hands-on experiences above all else. Plus, the groups are usually smaller than other guided tours, so it’s a more personalized experience.
After all their hard work, you might want to give your grad a chance to kick back and relax. There’s no better way to get some much-needed rest and relaxation than by going on a luxurious cruise. Whether they’re in search of Caribbean fun in the sun or a European river journey, there’s a cruise for every type of traveler.
Want to immerse your grad in the world of fantasy and fun before they have to get back to reality? AAA members can get discounts to theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and more. You can get them the gift of thrills and chills while saving on tickets.
Plan your graduation vacation with the help of a trusted AAA travel advisor.
Other Ideas
Check out our list of gifts to get your grad financially ready, or this selection of gradation gifts below.
| First-Class Gifts for Grads | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Amazon.com Gift Card in a Graduation Cap Box | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | VIOLABBEY 11x17 Matte Black Diploma Frame with Tassel Holder for 8.5x11 Certificates Document, College Degree Frame for Wall Mounted (Black Gold Double Mat) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | How To Cook Everything―completely Revised Twentieth Anniversary Edition: Simple Recipes for Great Food (How to Cook Everything Series, 1) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | The Last Lecture | Prime | Buy Now | |
 | Oh, the Places You'll Go! | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | WORKPRO 125-Piece Household Tool Kit – 3.6V Rechargeable Screwdriver & Home Repair Basic Tool Set With 13-Inch Easy Carrying Tools Bag, 125 PCS (W009068A) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | REVLON One-Step Volumizer Enhanced 1.0 Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush | Now with Improved Motor | Amazon Exclusive (Black) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Homesick Premium Scented Candle, New York - Scents of Apple Peel, Nutmeg, Clove, 13.75 oz, 60-80 Hour Burn, Natural Soy Blend Candle Home Decor, Relaxing Aromatherapy Candle | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
You can also never go wrong with flowers. Save up to 20% on 1-800-Flowers.com orders. For more gift ideas, visit AAA.com/Discounts.
Do you remember what you got when you graduated? Would you have preferred an experience gift? What are you planning to do for the recent grads in your life? Let us know in the comments below.
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I am planning to give a gift card from the shop on campus at the university the graduate will be attending.