Unique Graduation Gifts
Celebrate their Graduation or leaving College with one of our personalised gifts, including Certificate or Scroll Holders, Wine or Beer Glasses & Hip Flasks, Photo Frames and Pens and many more personalised items to cherish.
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Graduation Gifts
Graduation is a special day, full of pride and achievement, so celebrate their hard work with a personalised graduation gift they’ll love! As they step into their next chapter, give them a meaningful keepsake to show how proud you are. Choose from engraved watches, pens and pen sets, smart cufflinks for that new work shirt, photo frames that will perfectly show off their graduation photo, wine glasses and bottles of prosecco to celebrate in style and so much more. We have the perfect personalised gift to make their day unforgettable, and something they’ll cherish forever.
How Does Graduation Work in the UK?
Graduation is a formal ceremony held by universities and other higher education institutions to celebrate students’ completion of their degree courses. Here’s a breakdown of how it typically works:
Completion of Studies
Undergraduate Students: Most UK students graduate after completing a three- or four-year bachelor’s degree. The final year involves exams, coursework, and sometimes a dissertation.
Postgraduate Students: This includes students finishing master’s programs (usually one year) or PhD programs (three to five years).
Students must pass all required exams and assignments to be eligible for graduation.
Degree Classification (for Bachelor’s Degrees)
UK undergraduate degrees are classified into categories based on the final grades:
First Class Honours (1st): Highest achievement, typically 70% and above.
Upper Second Class Honours (2:1): Generally between 60-69%.
Lower Second Class Honours (2:2): Between 50-59%.
Third Class Honours (3rd): Between 40-49%.
Pass: Without honours, if a student meets the minimum criteria. Master’s and PhD degrees do not usually have classifications.
Graduation Ceremony
When It Happens: Graduation ceremonies typically take place a few months after students have completed their courses (often in July for summer graduations or December for winter graduations).
The Ceremony: It’s a formal event held at the university, often in a grand setting like a university hall or cathedral. Students wear academic gowns, hoods, and mortarboards (caps).
Guests: Graduates can usually invite a set number of family members or friends to attend.
Receiving the Degree: Graduates are called to the stage to receive their degree from the university chancellor, vice-chancellor, or a senior official. Typically, they shake hands and receive a degree certificate.
Academic Dress
Gowns and Hoods: The specific colour and style of the hood reflect the graduate’s degree and university. Gowns are typically black, while hoods and trimmings vary based on the degree.
Mortarboard: The square cap that is traditionally part of academic dress.
After Graduation
Degree Certificate: Graduates typically receive their degree certificate either at the ceremony or in the post afterward.
Graduation Photos: Many students take official graduation photographs in their academic dress, often with family members.
Job Search or Further Study: Graduates often start searching for jobs or pursue further education, such as a master’s degree or PhD.
In some cases, there may be smaller, informal celebrations after the ceremony, such as a meal with family or friends. The graduation ceremony is a symbolic end to university life and a transition into the next stage of a student’s career or further studies.
What Are The Steps Of A Graduation Ceremony?
A typical graduation ceremony in the UK follows these key steps:
Arrival and Registration
Graduates arrive at the venue and check in, collecting their academic dress (gown, hood, and mortarboard). Guests take their seats in a designated area while graduates sit in order based on degree or subject.
Professional Photos
Many students take official graduation photos before the ceremony. These are usually staged shots in full academic dress, either solo or with family and friends.
Seating and Procession
Guests Seating: Family and friends take their seats in the designated area of the venue (which might be a university hall, theatre, or even a cathedral).
Graduate Seating: Graduates are usually seated in a separate area in order of their degree or subject group. Seating is often organised by name or by student number to ensure smooth staging.
Academic Procession: Before the ceremony officially begins, the university’s academic staff, including professors, chancellors, and other officials, process into the venue, usually wearing ceremonial robes. They take their seats on the stage or platform at the front.
Opening Remarks
The vice-chancellor or another senior official welcomes everyone and speaks about the significance of the day and the achievements of the graduates.
Awarding of Degrees
Graduates are called to the stage by name, grouped by degree level or subject. Each graduate crosses the stage to shake hands with a senior university official, symbolising the formal award of their degree. They may receive a degree certificate or a certificate folder (with the degree sent later).
Keynote Speech and Honorary Degrees
A guest speaker, often a notable figure or alumnus, gives an inspirational speech. Honorary degrees may be awarded to distinguished individuals for their contributions to society or academia.
Conclusion of Ceremony
Vice-Chancellor’s Final Remarks: The vice-chancellor or another senior figure gives closing remarks, offering congratulations and best wishes for the future.
National Anthem or School Song: Some universities play the national anthem or a traditional school song at this point, though it’s not always the case.
Academic Procession Exit
The academic staff, along with the new graduates, exit the venue in a formal procession, often to music. This signals the end of the formal ceremony.
Post-Ceremony Celebrations
Outside the venue, graduates often gather to throw their mortarboards for celebratory photos with family and friends. Many then attend informal gatherings or meals to continue the celebrations.
This structure, blending formal traditions with personal celebration, marks an important milestone in a graduate’s life.
What Is An Appropriate Graduation Gift?
Choosing an appropriate graduation gift depends on the recipient and the nature of their achievement, but here are some popular ideas:
Personalised Gifts
Engraved Watches: A timeless and stylish keepsake.
Personalised Pens: An elegant option, often with the graduate’s name or graduation date engraved.
Cufflinks: Customised cufflinks with initials or a meaningful design.
Photo Frames: A framed graduation photo or a custom frame for them to add their own memory.
Hip Flasks or Wine Glasses: Personalised with the graduate’s name or a congratulatory message.
Bottles of Prosecco or Champagne: For a celebratory toast, often with a customised label.
Professional Accessories
Briefcase or Leather Portfolio: Useful for job interviews or starting a new career.
Business Card Holder: A professional accessory, often engraved with their name or initials.
Technology and Gadgets
Smartwatch or Fitness Tracker: A practical and modern gift for graduates entering the workforce.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones: Great for focusing in a busy work environment or relaxing during a commute.
Books and Stationery
Inspirational Books: Titles related to their field of study or career aspirations.
Personalised Notebooks: For journaling, planning, or taking notes at work or in further study.
Experiences
Travel Vouchers: To help them take a break before starting their new chapter.
Experience Days: Activities like skydiving, cooking classes, or spa days offer memorable experiences.
Gift Cards
If you’re unsure, a gift card for their favourite shop, restaurant, or online store allows them to pick something they truly want.
The best graduation gifts are thoughtful and mark the importance of the occasion, reflecting the graduate’s tastes, personality, or next steps in life. Personalised and practical gifts that commemorate their achievement are always well-received.
How Much Should I Spend On A Graduation Gift?
The amount you should spend on a graduation gift can vary depending on your relationship with the graduate and your budget. Here are some general guidelines:
Close Family Member (e.g., Child or Sibling)
£50 to £150+: For immediate family members, it’s common to spend more on a significant or personalised gift, such as a piece of jewellery, watch, or a tailored experience. The higher end might include tech gadgets, a special trip, or a substantial cash gift.
Extended Family or Close Friend
£30 to £75: For extended family members or close friends, a thoughtful gift like personalised items (pens, cufflinks, photo frames) or a more modest but meaningful gift like a bottle of prosecco or an experience day voucher is appropriate.
Acquaintances or Friends
£20 to £50: If the graduate is a friend or a more distant acquaintance, a small but thoughtful gift such as a book, stationery, or a personalised item would be fitting. Gift cards also work well in this price range.
Colleague or Casual Acquaintance
£10 to £30: For a work colleague or a more casual acquaintance, a small token of congratulations, like a personalised pen, notebook, or a bottle of wine, would be appropriate.
Additional Considerations:
Your Budget: It’s important to spend within your means. Graduation is about celebrating the accomplishment, and a thoughtful gift is appreciated regardless of the price.
The Graduate’s Preferences: Consider what would be meaningful to the graduate. Sometimes, a heartfelt or personalised gift can mean more than an expensive one.
Ultimately, the right amount to spend is what feels comfortable to you, and the gesture will be appreciated regardless of the cost.
What Flower Symbolises Graduation In The UK?
In the UK, red roses are often considered a popular flower to symbolise graduation. Red roses traditionally represent love, admiration, and respect, making them a fitting choice for acknowledging the graduate’s hard work and achievement.
Other flowers commonly associated with graduation include:
Orchids: Symbolise strength, beauty, and maturity, making them an elegant choice for graduation.
Sunflowers: Represent joy, positivity, and success, which align well with the celebratory nature of graduation.
Lilies: Specifically, white lilies can symbolise new beginnings, making them another appropriate flower for graduation.
Overall, flowers that represent admiration, accomplishment, and new beginnings are typically chosen to mark this milestone event.