Gretchen Rubin's Recommendations: Book Gifts for New Grads | Gretchen Rubin [Skip to content](#content) [ ![](https://gretchenrubin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/gretchenrubin-logo-768x344.png) ](https://gretchenrubin.com) - May 7, 2025 - [Gifts](https://gretchenrubin.com/tag/gifts/) # Gretchen Rubin’s Recommendations: Book Gifts for New Grads ![](https://gretchenrubin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Books-to-Give-New-Grads-Blog-Header.jpg) It’s graduation season. Here are some of my favorite books for any of the graduates in your life–or for yourself. *This post includes products that I believe in and love myself. It also includes affiliate links, meaning I will receive a commission if you decide to make a purchase from these links. This never comes at any cost to you.* [ ![](https://images-us.bookshop.org/ingram/9780679805274.jpg?v=enc-v1) ](https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9780679805274) ## [Oh the Places You'll Go](https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9780679805274) ##### *by* Dr. Seuss The classic book to give a graduate–I love the whimsy and nostalgia. I can still remember when I first read this book. [ ![](https://images-us.bookshop.org/ingram/9781797231075.jpg?v=enc-v1) ](https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9781797231075) ## [How to Be a Grown Up](https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9781797231075) ##### *by* Raffi Grinberg Based on the wildly popular “Adulting 101” course at Boston College, this book will teach you everything you probably didn’t learn in your formal education. [ ![](https://images-us.bookshop.org/ingram/9780061340659.jpg?v=enc-v1) ](https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9780061340659) ## [What Now?](https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9780061340659) ##### *by* Ann Patchett “‘What now?’ represents our excitement and our future, the very vitality of life.” In this book from her Sarah Lawrence commencement speech, renowned novelist Ann Patchett highlights the possibilities of the unknown. [ ![](https://images-us.bookshop.org/ingram/9781538754238.jpg?v=enc-v1) ](https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9781538754238) ## [The Defining Decade](https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9781538754238) ##### *by* Meg Jay A listener suggested that I read this book about the 20-something decade, and I did–and I loved it. More significant: my 20-something daughter Eliza also loved it, and has given it to several friends. [ ![](https://images-us.bookshop.org/ingram/9781984861207.jpg?v=enc-v1) ](https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9781984861207) ## [What Color Is Your Parachute?](https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9781984861207) ##### *by* Richard N. Bolles This classic has been in print for decades. It gives you tools to discover the work, and life, most meaningful to you. [ ![](https://images-us.bookshop.org/ingram/9780063418608.jpg?v=enc-v1) ](https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9780063418608) ## [Becoming You](https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9780063418608) ##### *by* Suzy Welch This book helps you understand yourself–your values, your aptitudes, and your interests. Self-knowledge is essential if you want to build a meaningful life. [ ![](https://images-us.bookshop.org/ingram/9780593800737.jpg?v=enc-v1) ](https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9780593800737) ## [Secrets of Adulthood](https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9780593800737) ##### *by* Gretchen Rubin In this short book, I write the “secrets of adulthood” that I’ve learned, through time and experience, about dealing with the perplexities of life. [ ![](https://images-us.bookshop.org/ingram/9781594634932.jpg?v=enc-v1) ](https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9781594634932) ## [The Art of Gathering](https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9781594634932) ##### *by* Priya Parker Community and friendships are a key pillar to happiness. This book provides a guide to elevate every gathering. [ ![](https://images-us.bookshop.org/ingram/9780143118756.jpg?v=enc-v1) ](https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9780143118756) ## [Getting to Yes](https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9780143118756) ##### *by* Roger Fisher, William Ury, Bruce Patton Learning to work with other people is a critical part of life and it’ll be even easier with practical tips to prevent and resolve any conflicts that arise. [ ![](https://images-us.bookshop.org/ingram/9781594484803.jpg?v=enc-v1) ](https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9781594484803) ## [Drive](https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9781594484803) ##### *by* Dan Pink Understanding what motivates you is key to figuring out how to live a happy life. [ shop the list ](https://bookshop.org/lists/favorite-graduation-book-gifts) #### YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE ![Making_Organization_Simpler](https://gretchenrubin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Making_Organization_Simpler-768x512.webp) [Gretchen Rubin's Recommendations: Making Organizing Simpler](https://gretchenrubin.com/articles/gretchen-rubins-recommendations-make-organizing-simpler/) ![Making_Life_Easier](https://gretchenrubin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Making_Life_Easier-768x512.webp) [Gretchen Rubin's Recommendations: Making Life Easier](https://gretchenrubin.com/articles/gretchen-rubin-guide-make-life-easier/) ![Time_Management_Focus](https://gretchenrubin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Time_Management_Focus-768x512.webp) [Gretchen Rubin's Recommendations: Saving Time and Improving Focus](https://gretchenrubin.com/articles/gretchen-rubin-save-time-improve-focus/) #### DISCOVER MORE # Like what you see? 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