Graduating from University is a huge moment in a student's life and one that family and friends love to commemorate with various gifts. These gifts differ greatly in countries around the world. Here are the top 5 Graduation Gift traditions that I have discovered.

Finland - In Finland a PHD graduate can collect their doctoral degree certificate at graduation ceremonies similar to those in the UK. However, the candidate isn't considered to be a proper Dr until they have been through the Ceremony of Conferment. Here they will receive a doctoral hat, which looks a bit like a top hat, and a PHD sword! These symbolise the freedom of research and the fight for what is right and true.

Hawaii - In Hawaii graduates are gifted Lei (flower garlands) featuring native flowers. Friends and family gift these to show they support and respect the graduate. Often so many are gifted and stacked around the graduate's neck that the their face cannot be seen!

Sweden - In Sweden it is traditional to gift a trinket, a trophy or a teddy bear to the graduate - something to keep for the rest of their life.

Japan - In Japan parents and family members traditionally give gifts to commemorate the graduation. These could be a number of things like stationery, flowers, teacups, handkerchiefs and money.

UK - In the UK graduates are traditionally taken for a celebratory meal. They may also be gifted a scroll holder to keep the graduation certificate in, a picture frame to hold the graduation photo, or jewellery. The jewellery can be personalised with elements of the graduates degree study and/ or date of graduation. A wonderful piece I made was for a PHD graduate, featuring a leaping hare and fossils to symbolise her area of study. I also incorporated salt & pepper diamonds as a nod to her background in a mining community. See more here Etched Silver Leaping Hare and Fossil PHD Graduation Gift Ring | Claire Troughton

Did you receive something from this top 5 of Graduation Gifts or do you know any other interesting graduation traditions? However, you celebrate I hope it is a special day to remember for the rest of your life. You've worked hard now enjoy it!