25 Unique Gifts for College Grads
A Class Apart
Every class of college graduates faces their own challenges, but it's safe to say that graduation celebrations for the Class of 2020 will be like none other because of the coronavirus pandemic. You may not be able to watch your favorite grad cross the stage or celebrate with them in person, but you can still send a meaningful gift that will help them take that first step into the real world.
Related: 25 Gifts to Send to High School Grads
Fujifilm Instax Mini 9
For Pictures Worth 1,000 Words
Price: $70 from Amazon
Buy It
In this digital world of ours, there's still something to be said for an instant photo you can hold in your hand. This Fuji Instax camera comes with two 10-exposure film packs for creating mementos of this crazy time.
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1
For Mealtime Without Tears
Price: $79 from Amazon
Buy It
Why are Instant Pots so popular? Maybe because you can use them to prepare a day's worth of meals without dirtying every pot and pan in the kitchen. They also take the guesswork out of cooking, making the Instant Pot a great gift for a recent grad who's still mastering the basics of daily meal prep.
Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Therapy Lamp
For a Gentle Good Morning
Price: $180 from Amazon
Buy It
It's one thing to sleep in and miss class. It's quite another to oversleep and be late for work. This Philips therapy lamp starts with a gentle glow that slowly builds in intensity, just like the sunshine, for a gentle good morning that no cheap, buzzy alarm clock can offer.
Boombox
For Messages From Afar
Price: $288 and up
Buy It
Friends and family from across the miles can all contribute to a Boombox. Choose the box design, then invite people to contribute photos and best wishes. Your grad will receive a professionally designed gift box full of memories — up to 150 typeset cards — from loved ones who may not be able to wish them a happy graduation in person.
Microsoft Surface Pro 6
For a Reliable Laptop
Price: $799 from Amazon
Buy It
That sticker-covered laptop they've been lugging around since freshman year still may be functional, but odds are it's seen better days. This Surface Pro laptop has a speedy eighth-generation Intel Core processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a 128 GB hard drive. Also, it's got a touch screen and can be converted into a tablet by removing the keyboard.
HelloFresh Meal Kit Subscription
For a Delicious Dinner (or Three)
Price: $8.99 per serving
Buy It
Worried that they aren't eating well on their own? A subscription to the meal-kit service HelloFresh means your favorite grad will never go hungry — and may just learn how to cook for themselves. A basic subscription provides three meals per week, each of which serves two, including step-by-step instructions and all the ingredients you need.
Black & Decker 12V Max Cordless Drill
For a Quick Fix
Price: $57 from Walmart
Buy It
Hang a picture, tighten a loose screw, install a light fixture. No matter what the task at hand, a tool kit like this one contains all the basics a new homeowner or apartment dweller could possibly need to keep things in shape.
Golden State Art Diploma Tassel Shadow Box
For a Place of Pride
Price: $38 from Amazon
Buy It
They can display that hard-earned diploma at home or at the office with this shadow box frame, which also has a space for their tassel.
Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-Piece Knife Set
For Knives That Will Last
Price: $139 from Amazon
Buy It
You don't need to be a master chef to appreciate the utility of a good knife set. This Mercer high-carbon steel knife set contains all the essentials — paring, chef's, bread, and utility blades among them — without useless extras like a set of cheap steak knives no one will ever use.
Caffeine Beaker Mug
For a Splash of Geek Chic
Price: $11 from Amazon
Buy It
This clever glass mug will appeal to any coffee drinker, but especially science nerds. They can pour a precise amount of their favorite brew and contemplate the chemical composition of the caffeine molecule.
T-fal Titanium Advanced Nonstick Cookware Set
For a Fully Equipped Kitchen
Price: $106 from Amazon
Buy It
This cookware set gets the thumbs-up from Good Housekeeping, whose testers know a bargain when they see one. Reviewed.com's editors are also keen on this nonstick T-fal cookware, which is oven-safe up to 350 degrees and dishwasher-ready for easy cleaning.
Alera Neratoli Mid-Back Swivel/Tilt Chair
For a Comfy Place to Sit
Price: $185 from Amazon
Buy It
Cheapism readers and Amazon shoppers alike love this office chair. Many owners say it's easy to assemble and comfortable enough for hours of desk work, and the faux-leather upholstery (available in three colors) is easy to clean.
Related: 15 Stylish Office Chairs That Won't Break the Bank (or Your Back)
Stitch Fix Subscription
For a New Wardrobe
Price: $25 and up
Buy It
College student attire probably won't cut it at most workplaces (except all those hoodie-wearing tech firms), but building a wardrobe of work-ready clothing takes time and money — two things a hard-working recent grad may not have. Give 'em a head start in the fashion department with a subscription to this clothing-delivery service.
Related: Pajamas, Sweats, and Leisure Wear Perfect for Working at Home
Apple Watch Series 5
For the Gift of Time
Price: $378 from Amazon
Buy It
A fancy wristwatch is a time-honored graduation gift (pun intended). Continue that tradition with the gift of a decidedly 21st-century version that can also be used for listening to music, chatting with friends, monitoring fitness levels ... even telling the time.
Cuisinart Coffeemaker
For Coffee With Class
Price: $80 from Amazon
Buy It
Make sure they pour themselves the best cup of ambition they can brew with this Cuisinart 14-cup coffee maker. It's been a favorite of professional reviewers and consumers alike for years.
TruMiracle White Gold Twist Stud Earrings
For Something That Sparkles
Price: $200 from JCPenney
Buy It
Give a gift that she can wear for years. These stud earrings feature half-carat round-cut diamonds set in 10-karat white gold. Right now these earrings are marked down more than 50% off the retail price, plus extra savings with a promo code, making them an even better bargain.
Linoto Linen Sheets
For Luxurious Bed Linens
Price: $406 and up from Amazon
Buy It
Lumpy twin beds and futons were fine for college life, but it's time to graduate to grown-up sheets. Nothing feels quite as luxurious as linen, which keeps the bed feeling cool and comfy. This American-made sheet set is available in sizes from full to California king and comes in 10 color choices.
Related: 76 Gifts That Are Made in America
'Oh, the Places You'll Go!'
For a Bright Future
Price: $11 from Amazon
Buy It
Dr. Seuss' words of wisdom ring true for people of any age, but this book — the last to be published in his lifetime — is particularly meaningful for a young person who is getting ready to begin the next chapter of their lives. ("And will you succeed? Yes, you will indeed!")
AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner Suitcase
For Their Next Trip (Whenever It May Be)
Price: $55 from Amazon
Buy It
Sooner or later, they're going to need to travel for a job interview or a work trip or even a vacation. This 21-inch spinner suitcase meets federal carry-on size requirements and comes in a choice of four colors. Larger sizes are also for sale.
Related: The Best Cheap Luggage
Eufy RoboVac 11S
For a Clean Sweep
Price: $220 from Amazon
Buy It
A vacuum may not seem like a very exciting graduation gift, but it is one of the few appliances that darn near everyone needs and uses. This robotic vacuum can run for up to 100 minutes on a full charge and is suitable for tile, hardwood and laminate flooring, and low-pile carpeting and area rugs.
Personalized Insulated Tumbler
For a Hot (and Cool) Cup
Price: $44 and up from Etsy
Buy It
This insulated 20-ounce tumbler comes with a travel lid to keep their favorite hot or cold beverage at just the right temperature. Choose from Yeti and Polar Camel brands in a variety of colors, then have your grad's name laser-engraved.
College Dish Towel
For a Memento of Their Alma Mater
Price: $21 from Uncommon Goods
Buy It
Wanna give 'em something to remember their college days by? Toss one of these silk-screened and embroidered dish towels their way. They're available for dozens of colleges and universities from Auburn to Yale.
'The Real Simple Guide to Real Life'
For Some Good Advice
Price: $23 from Amazon
Buy It
With a name like Real Simple, you know the editors of this magazine know what they're talking about when it comes to life hacks. Adulting 101 begins now. Available in paperback or Kindle ebook format.
State Necklace
For a Reminder of Where They Come From
Price: $60 and up from Maya Brenner
Buy It
Best graduation advice ever: Don't forget where you come from. With this necklace (also available as a charm), they can wear their home state pride for all to see. Available in sterling silver or 14-karat yellow gold.
Fabric Cube Storage Bin
For a Place to Put All Their Stuff
Price: $5 from Target
Buy It
Sooner or later, everyone needs a place to stash odds and ends. A fabric cube bin like this one adds a pop of color to any room where they need more places for all their stuff.
