Practical College Graduation Gifts Under $30

Practical college graduation gifts can help new college graduates save money in a tight job market. These are 10 gift ideas under $30 to support frugal living.

Practical College Graduation Gifts: Lunchopolis Lunch Box

College graduates can save money by taking their own lunch to work. This kit includes all the essentials with an insulated bag and multiple air-tight containers. ($27.16)

Practical College Graduation Gifts: General Cookbook

Learning lots of easy recipes will enable cheap meals at home. How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittman provides over 2,000 simple recipes, and gets 4 and half stars on Amazon. ($21.70)

Practical College Graduation Gifts: Rice Cooker and Food Steamer

Help make those cheap meals healthy with a rice cooker and steamer. This model from Aroma gets 4 and a half stars at Amazon. ($29.99)

Practical College Graduation Gifts: Rice and Beans Cookbook

Make the most of that rice cooker with a copy of 366 Delicious Ways to Cook Rice, Beans, and Grains. It includes nutritional details and variations for meat eaters, vegetarians, and vegans. ($11.70)

Practical College Graduation Gifts: Olive Oil

Almost everything will taste better with olive oil so help new college graduates stock up. This bottle of Ranieri extra virgin olive oil comes wrapped in metallic paper that protects it from light and makes it look good for gift giving. ($18.99)

Practical College Graduation Gifts: Pot Hooks

Add a little flair to the most basic kitchen with these monkey shaped pot hooks. They'll fit anywhere and increase the storage space in tiny kitchens. ($28)

Practical College Graduation Gifts: 6 Pack Rubber Coasters

Make it easy to remember to protect the furniture with these rubber coasters that pop in and out of a 6 pack shaped shell. They come in grey or black. ($18)

Practical College Graduation Gifts: Cleaning Cloths

Save money on paper towels without spreading germs. These colorful reusable paper cloths can help keep things neat. To sanitize them, they can be put in the microwave and machine washed. ($12 for 8)

Practical College Graduation Gifts: Shower Caddy

New college graduates will probably need cheap storage solutions. Start with a pretty bronze shower caddy. ($29.99)

Practical College Graduation Gifts: Periodic Table Shower Curtain

Reinforce the need for lifetime learning with a shower curtain that includes a chemistry lesson. It's perfect for science majors or college graduates who didn't get much science. ($30)

All these gifts under $30 will help new college graduates make a good start.