Austin Graduation Gifts for UT and Other College Grads
Graduation gift ideas for University of Texas and other Austin college graduates: keepsakes of Austin for grads moving away, practical gifts for grads staying, and something burnt orange.
Austin Graduation Gifts for UT and Other College Grads
Quick answer: For a graduate leaving Austin, the best gift is a piece of the city to take with them: an Austin skyline sculpture for their first apartment, something burnt orange for a Longhorn, or a framed print of campus. For a graduate staying, think practical: things for the new place and the new job.
Austin is a college town as much as a state capital. The University of Texas is one of the largest universities in the country, and St. Edward's, Huston-Tillotson, Austin Community College and nearby Texas State all send graduates out every spring. For many of them, Austin is where they became adults, and graduation is the moment they realize they might leave.
For grads moving away
1. An Austin skyline
The Texas State Capitol dome at the front, the Frost Bank Tower and downtown behind. For a graduate heading to a first job in another city, it's the view of the years they spent here, on the shelf of their first apartment. The Small (6 inches) fits a desk; the Medium (7.5 inches) a bookshelf.
2. A framed campus print
The UT Tower, the South Mall, or their college's main building.
3. Something burnt orange
For a Longhorn, anything with the team's colors. Hook 'em.
4. A barbecue care package
Rubs and sauces from the places they'll miss.
For grads staying in Austin
5. Things for the first real apartment
Good kitchen basics, a toolkit, a plant that survives Texas summer.
6. Something for the first job
A quality bag, a desk item, or a skyline for their first office desk.
For a graduating class or student organization
Student groups, departments and alumni associations sometimes give graduates a shared keepsake. A skyline with the organization's name and the class year on the base is possible on orders of 10 or more. Ask about group orders.
FAQ
What's a good graduation gift for a UT Austin graduate?
Something that keeps Austin with them: an Austin skyline sculpture, a framed print of the UT Tower, or something burnt orange.
What's a good graduation gift under $75?
The Austin skyline sculpture comes in three sizes, all under $75.
More: Best gifts for someone from Austin · The Austin skyline, building by building.