9 Graduation Gifts Any Hudson Valley Grad Would Love

Not sure what to get for a graduation gift? With colleges and universities holding commencement festivities over the next month or two, and high schools to follow, we’re sure you have at least one graduation party to attend. Since this time of year is so busy, it could be a challenge to get creative with graduation gifts. Never fear! We have you covered with a guide to gifts any Hudson Valley grad would adore.

For those who love all things health and beauty 

Organic Whipped Body Butter and Soap Sample Parcel 

Ash Hopper Botanical Skincare, Warwick

What better way to treat your graduate than with elevated skincare from Ash Hopper Botanical? The perfect addition to any self-care routine, the soap sampler parcel has six 1.5 oz versions of the brand’s most cherished artisanal bars. Included in the sampler pack are the indulgent scents of Heilmoor clay, pine, cedar fir, indigo lime, Bulgarian lavender, rose geranium, kelp, and clay. The organic whipped body butter provides ultimate hydration with whipped Ghanaian shea butter, cocoa butter, and cold-pressed sunflower seed oil. For more local soaps, check out our soap guide.

Gift Card

Birch Body Care, Kingston

Self-care is super important for your new graduate, who’s probably ready for time to unwind. For an ultimate relaxation experience, a gift card for a massage or facial is a perfect present. At Birch Body Care in Kingston, massage options include a therapeutic massage, spa land massage, and couples massage, with add-on options such as hot stones. Custom, express, and LED quick facials are also offered with add-ons available. Looking for other spas around the Hudson Valley? Check out our full guide.

For the Foodie 

Assorted Large Box of Cookies

Crumble + Melt, Hudson Valley

You can’t go wrong with a sweet treat as a gift, especially when that gift has 18 cookies and sweets. Check out the website and choose a custom assortment box if you’d like to pick the flavors for your grad, or let the makers behind Crumble + Melt select top-notch flavors such as the Meyer lemon ‘wich, orange cardamom macaroon, chocolate rugelach, cherry pistachio biscotti, and more. 

Gift Card

Ready Coffee, Multiple Locations

This Hudson Valley chain has been all the rage over the past few years, and for good reason. Its menu features a variety of coffees, iced drinks, frozen beverages, and teas in tempting flavor combos that vary throughout the year. It’s a must-visit for anyone with allergies, with alternative milk options such as almond, coconut, oat, and soy available to make sipping as enjoyable as can be. A gift card to Ready means your grad can feed their caffeine cravings while supporting local at the same time.

Deluxe Gift Box

Sweet Deliverance Granola, Hudson Valley

Delicious, nutrient-dense granola with organic ingredients from Sweet Deliverance Granola is a nourishing treat that your grad will love following countless meals at the college dining hall. The deluxe gift box is an ideal gift, with three stylish tins of turmeric and super seed, strawberry and salty peanut, and blueberry and sunflower butter granolas, as well as a jar of Diaspora Co. chai and a packet of Smoking Tiger incense discs.

For the Music Lover

Concert Tickets

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

With so many different performers coming to Bethel Woods this season, there is sure to be a concert that your grad would love to attend. Some musicians to look forward to include Luke Bryan, Train & REO Speedwagon, Hozier and more. 

Vinyl Records

Darkside Records, Poughkeepsie

With a selection of new and used vinyl featuring artists from every genre and age of music, Darkside Records has something for all those college grads who are also record enthusiasts. Get them their favorite music from artists such as Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Lana Del Ray, Paramore, Kacey Musgraves, Zach Bryan, The Beatles, and more. 

For the Traveler

BEIS Suitcase

Online

Does your grad love to travel? Help them fit everything in their luggage comfortably with a suitcase from BEIS. This celebrity-led luggage brand has boomed across social media, and it’s easy to see why. (Just look at the sleek designs, weight indicators, and TSA locks.) It’s the perfect piece to pick up before booking a post-graduation flight out of Newburgh’s Stewart International Airport or Albany International Airport.

For the Grad Who’s 21-Plus 

Winery Gift Card

Millbrook Vineyards & Winery, Millbrook

For your wine lover, this gift card is perfect for everything from special bottles and wine tastings to special events. With plenty of outdoor seating, a tasting room, food trucks (starting on May weekends), and room for picnics, Millbrook Vineyards & Winery is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon.

P.S. Looking for other Hudson Valley wineries? Check out our comprehensive guide here.

Related: Your Guide to the Hudson Valley’s College Commencements