Graduation season is here, and I can hardly believe it! 

To all of my amazing seniors – I’m SO proud of you. You’ve worked hard, stayed up late, and poured your heart into this year. It’s time to celebrate all of your accomplishments and look ahead to the exciting adventures to come. And what better way to celebrate than with thoughtful, personal grad gifts that your senior will treasure forever?

Whether you’re a proud parent, grandparent, or friend attending a grad party, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite meaningful and unique gift ideas for the senior in your life. Here’s your ultimate SJP-approved grad gift guide!

Custom Grad Signing Board

This is a forever favorite at SJP! A signing board featuring senior portraits is the perfect keepsake. Friends and family can leave messages of love and encouragement, and it makes the perfect dorm room decor. Display it at the grad party, and then take it to college – it’s both meaningful and decorative. Email me to design your custom grad signing board ASAP!

Grad Party Must-Haves

• Yard Signs: Make sure your guests know where to celebrate. We have three cute designs to choose from – printed front and back!
• Grad Invites & Stickers: Make your invites stand out with a full-photo front. Add adorable stickers and matching thank-you notes.
• Confetti: One bag is more than enough to add a festive flair to your party setup!
• Accordion Albums: These mini albums are perfect gifts for grandparents and family. They hold nine photos and are a cherished keepsake.

Email me today to create your custom yard signs, grad invitations, and accordion albums in time for graduation!

Monogrammed Laundry Bag or Basket

Let’s be honest… Laundry may not be their favorite task, but a stylish monogrammed bag or basket can help! Bonus points if you fill it with dorm essentials like detergent, hangers, paper towels, and cleaning supplies.

Collegiate Pouch

Practical and personal! A cute college-themed pouch filled with your grad’s favorite pens or markers is perfect for the classroom or study sessions.

Board Games

Break the ice and make new friends with fun games like Cards Against Humanity, LRC, or Apples to Apples. A great gift idea for grads moving into dorm life.

Coordinate-Themed or Monogram Jewelry

Jewelry with coordinates of home or their future college campus and monogram jewelry are timeless pieces that grads can wear with pride.

Campus Map

A personalized map of their new campus is sentimental and unique!

Personalized Travel Accessories

Tech cases, jewelry holders, cord organizers – you name it! Personalized travel items are thoughtful and functional grad gifts for college kids on the go.

To all my seniors… Soak it all in. Don’t rush through this moment. You’ve made it so far, and you deserve every bit of celebration and recognition. Don’t forget to live in the moment, be still for a second, and appreciate how far you’ve come.

This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see what amazing things you’ll do next. Congratulations, Class of 2025!! And to my incoming seniors… Let’s make your senior year magic. I’m ready when you are!

Stay up to date with what’s happening at SJP & check out the latest senior photos on the blog!

The Ultimate Guide to Grad Gifts by SJP | Bourbonnais Illinois Senior Photos | Illinois Senior Photographer | Chicago Senior Photography