Around this time of year, a lot of people are looking for good graduation gifts. A book is an ideal gift for an educational milestone. If you want to be a little more generous, but you’re still looking for graduation gifts under $100 or under $50, you can give a book and add a $20 bill or two.

Maybe write a heartfelt note inside the book (practice on a separate piece of paper first, haha.) No matter what you do, it’ll be a thoughtful grad gift for him or her.

Even if you don’t know a grad, you might see something in this list that you want to give yourself!

1. Whitman Illuminated: Song of Myself. Walt Whitman; illustrated by Allen Crawford.

Walt Whitman is an incredibly inspiring poet. There’s a reason why he was quoted so prominently in the movie Dead Poets Society. This is a gorgeous rendition of Whitman’s most beloved poem, with full-color illustrations.

If you’re at a graduation party, people will pass this around and admire it, and it’ll class up a dorm room shelf or an Ikea coffee table in someone’s first apartment.

2. The Book of Dreams Come True: A Journal of Self-Discovery and Manifestation, Bryn Donovan.

This journal is a creative, interactive gift that helps people get in touch with who they are…and helps them dream big

3. You Are a Badass®: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life. Jen Sincero.

This is a nice gift if you’re the cool aunt or the cool uncle. Graduates can always use an extra boost of confidence!

4. The Artist’s Way. Julia Cameron.

This classic about living a inspired life is a great gift for an artist, writer, or any creative person.

5. G’Morning, G’Night: Little Pep Talks for Me and You. Lin-Manuel Miranda, illustrated by Jonny Sun.

This is such a darling little book of meditations. I received it as a gift from my best friend and I just loved it. (I would say this is another one that’s going to get passed around and enjoyed at a graduation party.)

6. How to Win Friends and Influence People In the Digital Age. Dale Carnegie and Associates.

Dale Carnegie’s classic book has been updated for the modern era, though its main lessons have always been timeless. It isn’t about manipulating people, but actually about focusing on others instead of yourself. I give this book credit for making me a good blogger.

7. Atlas Obscura: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders. Joshua Foer , Dylan Thuras , et al.

This is such a handsome and fascinating book about amazing places all over the globe. Mr. Donovan and I just gave it to one of his brothers as a birthday gift. Add a note in the front about how the world is lucky to have them in it…or how, wherever they are, they’re going to be amazing.

8. The Success Principles for Teens: How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be. Jack Canfield and Kent Healy.

I’ve written before about being very inspired by Canfield’s The Success Principles. If you’re interested in a similar book that’s based on Christian faith, I’d recommend Joel Osteen’s Your Best Life Now.

9. The Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big & Small. Kath Stathers.

I think this looks so inspiring!

10. An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth: What Going to Space Taught Me About Ingenuity, Determination, and Being Prepared for Anything. Col. Chris Hadfield.

Prepare for the worst—and enjoy every minute of it. An interesting book for a graduate starting his or her own great new voyage.

Do you have any books you’d recommend for high school or college graduates? What are some books that you find encouraging, motivating, or uplifting? Let us know in the comments! Thanks for reading!