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32+ Fun Things To Do After Graduation That Are Way More Exciting Than a Cake and a Card

May 12nd 2025 • 7 min read
group of graduates throwing hat in air

Congrats, grad. Whether you just walked the stage with a high school diploma, a bachelor’s degree, or a graduate school robe that weighs as much as a winter coat, this is a big moment. You’ve earned a little break—and a little fun.

Not everyone is ready to start a full-time job the second after graduation. Some people take a gap year, explore the world, or find seasonal work while figuring things out. Others just want a few weeks of no deadlines, no lectures, and no group projects with people who never answer the group chat.

Wherever you land, this list of experience gifts from Giftory’s graduation collection is full of things that actually feel like a celebration. Here are 32+ ways to make your post-grad life a lot more interesting.

Adrenaline, Action & “I Can’t Believe I Just Did That” Energy

1. Indoor Skydiving That Feels Like Freedom

You’re free now—why not literally fly? Indoor skydiving experiences give you that weightless, wind-in-your-hair feeling without jumping out of a plane (because, let’s be real, you just survived finals).

2. Drive a Supercar Like You Own It

Slide into the driver’s seat of a Ferrari or Lamborghini and tear up the track. Giftory’s driving experiences are the perfect way to go from diploma to dopamine in under 60 seconds.

3. Ziplining at Go Ape Because Ground-Level Is Boring Now

Soar through treetops, swing from ropes, and pretend you're in an action movie. A Go Ape zipline adventure is a great way to start your post-grad life on a literal high note.

4. Hot Air Balloon Rides That’ll Make You Forget Career Anxiety Exists

Float peacefully above the chaos and soak in the sunrise. Hot air ballooning is a dreamy escape, perfect for reflecting on what’s next (or ignoring it for now).

hot air balloon during take off

5. Horseback Riding Through Somewhere That’s Not a Campus

A scenic horseback riding experience is nature therapy, graduation edition. Great for grads who want to take some time away from screens and reconnect with something real.

6. Whitewater Rafting Because Your Email Inbox Can Wait

Grab your paddle and your people—this one’s a full-body rush. Whitewater rafting is the ultimate group gift for grads who thrive in chaos (but the fun kind).

7. ATV Off-Roading Because Dirt > Desks

Get muddy, go fast, and leave the to-do list in the dust. Off-roading is a great way to blow off steam and take advantage of your newfound freedom.

Food Experiences You’ll Actually Remember

8. Eat Your Way Through a City With a Local Food Tour

Graduation tastes better when it includes tacos, dumplings, and handmade pasta. Food tours are a delicious way to explore new neighborhoods—or rediscover your hometown before you leave it.

9. Learn to Cook (Because Ramen Only Gets You So Far)

Whether you’re living alone for the first time or just re-interested in real meals, cooking classes are both useful and fun. You’ll walk away with new skills—and possibly a signature dish.

cooking class

10. Take a Grilling Masterclass and Dominate Every Future BBQ

Step aside, grill dad. This is your era. These classes are the perfect way to go from backyard rookie to burger boss.

11. Mixology Class That Pairs Well With “I’m Done With School” Energy

Learn how to shake, stir, and garnish like a pro. Great for anyone who just turned 21—or anyone who wants to impress their friends at the next get-together.

12. Book a Private Chef and Don’t Lift a Finger

You deserve luxury. And with a private chef cooking a personalized menu in your kitchen, you can start this chapter like the main character you are.

Get Creative, Get Messy, Get Inspired

13. Glassblowing Class That’s as Cool as It Is Hot

This isn’t your average art class. Glassblowing workshops let you melt, twist, and shape glowing glass into something beautiful (or chaotic—you decide).

glassblowing techniques

14. Pottery Class That Feels Like Therapy

Spin some clay, clear your mind, and make something with your hands in a pottery class. Ideal for grads who want to slow down and tap into something creative.

15. Painting Class for Your New Apartment Walls

Your first apartment deserves more than a tapestry and a thumbtacked poster. Try an art class and create your own statement piece.

16. Calligraphy Workshop for the Soft Aesthetic Era

Slow, soothing, and strangely satisfying. Calligraphy is the kind of unexpected skill that makes a gap year feel productive and peaceful.

Glowy Skin, Relaxed Muscles, and Main Character Energy

17. Glow Up With a Post-Grad Facial

Your skin’s been through it—finals, stress, caffeine, repeat. Beauty treatments are a great way to reset before interviews or just because you deserve it.

18. Massage Away the Group Project Trauma

Yes, you can book a massage instead of unpacking that U-Haul. This is about recovery.

stone massage

19. Yoga or Sound Bath to Quiet the “Now What?” Loop

Stretch. Breathe. Regroup. Whether you’re about to travel, take a gap, or get a job, this kind of reset can help.

Explore Your City (or Someone Else’s)

20. Museum Pass Because Learning Is Better Without Exams

Visit new exhibits, wander with a coffee in hand, and enjoy knowledge on your terms. Attractions are perfect for grads who still crave inspiration.

21. Historic Walking Tour That’s Way More Fun Than a Lecture

You’ll learn cool stuff and get your steps in during a historical walking tour. No term paper required.

22. Ghost Tour for the Brave (and the Dramatic)

A little spooky, a lot hilarious. Grab your friends, take a ghost tour, and find out if your post-grad plans are haunted.

23. Sunset Boat Ride for the “Soft Launch” of Adulthood

It’s low-key, beautiful, and doesn’t involve any big decisions. Just vibes.

Ideas That Actually Prep You for What’s Next

24. Career Coaching, But Make It Cool

Feeling “meh” about what’s next? A coaching session can help you figure out what you actually want—and how to get it.

25. Learn a Freelance Skill That Pays

Take a course in web design, photography, or copywriting and monetize your niche. Bonus: you can do it from anywhere if you decide to explore the world.

26. Startup Workshop for the Future Founder

Got a business idea? A workshop is a great way to take that spark and turn it into something real.

For the Gap Year Crowd and the Wanderlust Set

27. Take an Adventure and Don’t Look Back

If you’re planning to take a gap year, you might as well make it thrilling. These adventure experiences will have you ziplining, surfing, or hiking somewhere stunning.

28. Find Seasonal Work in a Cool Place and Explore on Weekends

Think ski towns, surf towns, or anywhere with a killer coffee shop. Pair work with play and make your gap year actually fun.

29. Travel + Cooking Class = Iconic Combo

Sign up for a local cooking class in whatever country (or city) you land in. You’ll eat well and make a great memory.

30. National Park Day Trip to Clear Your Head

Fresh air solves almost everything. Hike, journal, take a breath—this one’s about the reset.

Group Gifts You’ll Talk About for Years

31. Escape Room for the “Let’s Do Something” Group Chat

The only kind of panic you want to feel after graduation is in an escape room. Team up, yell at each other, and maybe even win.

32. Paint & Sip That’s Equal Parts Chaos and Calm

You’ll laugh, you’ll paint, you’ll spill a little wine. It’s fine.

women saying cheers while painting

33. Trivia Night to Remind Everyone You’re Still the Smart One

Who needs a GPA when you’ve got weirdly specific knowledge and a winning team name?

Ready to Celebrate?

These graduation experience gifts are more than just fun things to do after graduation—they’re a chance to start strong, rest well, and make real memories. Whether you’re ready to get a job, take a gap, or just float for a bit, you’ve earned this.

So pick something that makes you excited. Or nervous. Or proud. You’re in charge now.