Gift the college grad in your life some books to get them started off right
A new college graduate is probably in need of a little advice, wisdom and direction. After all, most grads are still quite young and probably just beginning their “real” adult lives. That’s why a good book to help guide a newly-minted grown-up can be the best gift to show the grad in your life that you want them to get off on the right foot.
We found some books that will make great graduation gifts, and all of them are available on Audible, which you can purchase either on Amazon or through the Audible store with Audible credits. If your grad doesn’t have Audible, you can also gift them an Audible membership.
Books to give grads the advice they need to start their new life
Whether its career advice, getting their finances in order or finding happiness and contentment in their existence, these books can help guide new grads on their path to adult life.
Consider a memoir, a book about managing money or a funny book to help them look at the future with hope and humor. The right book can become a trusted guide as your new grad finds their footing in their career and in general. As time passes, they may find themselves revisiting a great book with solid advice, and that’s when they’ll think of the person who gave them a gift that truly keeps on giving.
Best books for college grads
“Your Turn: How to Be an Adult” by Julie Lythcott-Haims
The current crop of young adults is facing a very different landscape than prior generations. Gone are the traditional expectations for approaching life milestones after college graduation. The author helps new grads learn to look at life as a process rather than a list of milestones to meet by a certain age.
“The Algebra of Happiness: Notes on the Pursuit of Success, Love, and Meaning” by Scott Galloway
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An NYU business professor breaks down what it means to live a fulfilling life, achieve work-life balance and find success in a relationship. Galloway provides a perspective that’s at turns humorous and moving, giving new grads solid advice while entertaining them as well.
“How to Keep House While Drowning” by KC Davis, LPC
Beginning life as an adult with an apartment or home can feel daunting, particularly to those who experience anxiety, depression or ADHD. If your new grad has these challenges, this book is the perfect gift. The author offers tips to help young adults feel at peace with not having a home that always looks great while providing practical advice on completing and scheduling chores in a way that doesn’t overwhelm.
“The Book of Joy” by the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Douglas Abrams
A new college grad can certainly use advice and perspective on overcoming hardship and few could do a more credible job of speaking to finding joy amid extreme hardship than the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. In this book, the pair offer their reflections on finding peace and joy, even when life is full of pain.
“Designing Your Life” by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans
The authors show how design thinking can be applied to life in general, helping a young person find joy and fulfillment in their career and otherwise. This book helps guide the reader to live a life designed to be well-lived and satisfying.
Renowned professor and author Brene Brown knows a thing or two about leadership and how to be courageous in both life and career at a time when it can be difficult to be brave. She advocates for empathy and connection in a quest to become a caring leader.
“Finance for the People” by Paco de Leon
Help a new grad get a handle on how they mentally approach money with this book that untangles beliefs and experiences about money to help readers understand personal finance and building wealth. It combines mindfulness techniques and practical advice.
“Atomic Habits” by James Clear
A life coach gives advice on forming great habits – and breaking bad ones – in a book new grads will appreciate. The author demonstrates how small shifts in daily behavior can translate to big and lasting changes.
Worth checking out
- The “Budgetnista” Tiffany Aliche shares her 10-step formula for financial peace in “Get Good with Money: Ten Simple Steps to Becoming Financially Whole”
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- Daniel H. Pink guides readers on the science of timing and how it can help you live a more fulfilling life in “When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing”
- “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg helps readers transform their lives by learning about how habits can help enhance careers, relationships and more.
- Got a grad with an edgy sense of humor? “Assume the Worst: The Graduation Speech You’ll Never Hear” by Carl Hiaasen is a great choice.
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