45 Great Gifts For the Freshly Minted Graduate

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Yep, he’s graduating. (Finally!) It could be a high school diploma, bachelor's, MBA, PhD, white coat, firefighter, whatever, it's a big moment. A pop-up card ain't gonna cut it. And while he would technically appreciate an envelope full of cash that'll go towards repaying all that debt, sometimes, a great graduation gift for him is needed to show how proud you are of him.

He could be your son, your (boy)friend, or just a distant relative—doesn’t matter. He deserves to open something cool, unique, and special come graduation day. More importantly, the gift's got to be useful and grownup—you can't send him out there into the working world on his own, unprepared. In this economy? No way.

To help you out, here are the 45 best graduation gifts for him to toast to this milestone. Whether it’s a cool gadget, a stylish upgrade, or a sentimental keepsake he’ll cherish forever, these gifts are all worthy of the occasion.

Smart Notebook & Pen

Taking notes on pen and paper: Tired.

Taking notes with a smart pen on smart paper: Wired. (And officially editor-approved, in case you were wondering.)

Magnetic Wireless Charger

Smartphone, smartwatch, smart earbuds—his smart gadget collection only grow over time, but the good news is his charger cable collection doesn't have to. This handy pad is foldable for travel, too.

Mirto di Panarea Eau de Toilette

It's fine to stink during boyhood, but during adulthood, smelling fresh is half the battle. Plus, showing him high-quality fragrances now ensures he won't be dazzled by something too overpowering later.

Apple AirTag

He'll lose his keys, his laptop, his luggage. With a pack of AirTags, at least he won't call you to complain about it.

DeskJet Inkjet Printer

Part of being an adult is having a printer. This one is compact enough for however small their first apartment is—plus, it connects with an HP app so they can print photos right off their phone.

The Carry-On

The best affordable carry on for whatever far flung graduation trip he has planned.

Silk Necktie

It doesn't matter how freaky or how casual he dresses day-to-day, at some point after graduating, he's going to need a tie. Start him out with the best (Charvet) and something easy (navy).

Always Pan

One Esquire Endorsed pan that does the job of eight other pieces of cookware. It's the perfect way to kickstart his apartment-living, roommate-having adult life.

Bijou Organizer

A beautiful pocket-sized organizer for when he gets that first big job. Plus, he can refill it every year, so he can hold onto it for the rest of his days.

Onyx Signet Ring

So much more stylish than a class ring, trust us. It also comes in silver.

Diamond Prosecco

Not sure what to get? A bottle of bubbly is the fail-safe choice. But a bottle of bubbly from the Coppola family operation? It's perfect for any young film-nerd.

Late Fees at the Library Candle

The name might bring up some bad memories, but the notes of paper and linen are as comforting as it gets.

Aluminum Wave Lighter

No need to clutch your pearls, he's probably going to smoke wherever he goes. There's a 1/3 chance he'll be somewhere Cannabis is legal, and the other stuff is legal literally everywhere.

The most timeless paraphernalia gift is a nice lighter. He'll have it for years and get a compliment on it every time he uses it.

Barware Set

Now that he's graduated, his drinks repertoire should evolve beyond Jack and Coke. This 14-piece set has everything he needs to get into mixology.

Middleton Speaker

A cool bluetooth speaker to remind him of when he didn't have that 9 to 5, and he could see five shows a week.

Wooden Tabletop Frames

For that graduation picture with a proud smile.

The Essential Capsule

Good olive oil is the foundation of most cooking and eating. This set has vinegars and olive oils he'll want to drink straight from the bottle.

Masterclass Annual Membership

He'll be well on his way.

Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum

An absolutely classic everyday scent. Not too bold, not too weak. Good for the office, good for a date. It's the perfect bottle to kickstart his collection.

Bambino Espresso Machine

A new coffee machine is the perfect mark of a new chapter. Not only will this Bambino machine help him save five bucks a day by making his coffee at home, but it's also small enough to fit in a dorm or tiny apartment.

Meisterstück Rose Gold-Coated Ballpoint Pen

Don't understate the keepsake value of a Montblanc pen. Using it says professionalism at work and good taste at lecture hall.

Smart Alarm Clock

Upgrade his wake up with the Loftie Alarm Clock that's packed with sleep tools. He'll never want to hear iPhone's alarm again.

Fit Pro True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds

Better acoustics, better fit, better resistance, better NC, and better price. Just better!

Shaving Kit for Men

For the endless networking events and interviews to come, the young man's got to learn how to present himself. This kit keeps razor burn at bay.

PiggyBack Rye Whiskey

Show him the good stuff so he doesn't try to impress his future partner's parents with bagged wine. This high-quality whiskey will never disappoint.

Temperature Control Smart Mug 2

Cold coffee is unacceptable—don't @ me—whether he's cramming it out at library or typing it out at the corporate office. This'll help.

Sauce Trio

Whether he's surviving on instant ramen or working on a new recipe every night in his free time, there is no meal that can't be improved by these magical flavors.

Gift Card

Honestly, it's easier this way. You're happy, he's happy. Plus, it comes in a cute lil box.

Flannel-lined Waxed Trucker Jacket

Varsity jackets won't do anymore—they've never done, frankly. Enter the waxed trucker jacket, a blend of Western pedigree and age-like-fine-wine quality. He'll end up looking like Ryan Gosling and Judd Nelson in no time.

Adult Electric Toothbrush

Once he hears how expensive dental insurance is, he'll be glad to own a high-quality toothbrush. Plus, he can easily get new heads whenever he needs them thanks to Quip's subscription service.

Pure ONE S11 Vacuum

One thing's for sure: the dorm or apartment he's about to share with roommates will be messy. And he won't bother to get the right stuff to clean it. This cordless smart stick vacuum is a clutch for power sweep, with a sensor tech that auto-adjusts suction, handheld convertibility, and so many types of brushes.

Twelve Recipes

This cookbook was written by a father to his children when they went off to college, offering the 12 most essential recipes they need to know as adults. You don't know how to cook until you've read this.

Ergonomic Office Chair

Do we even need to explain why this makes a great gift? You think he'll have the time or the mind to scout a good office chair on his own? He probably will just grab one from Ikea, but you know better.

Cordless Driver-Drill Kit

If there's one skill he'll be happy to have for the rest of his life, it's knowing how to operate a cordless drill. Whether he's the handy sort or just needs to quickly hang up some art, this is one of the best investments to make for him.

The ReNew Transit Backpack

No more Jansport backpacks for this kid—he's a working man now. Or hopefully he soon will be, and a professional-looking commuter pack from Everlane will help. Made from recycled materials, it has room for a laptop, books, water bottles, and plenty more.

AirPods Max

And when he's on the go (or just keeping the volume down), these will help. While the price is controversial, AirPods Max really does have the punches. Classically cool.

Watch Series 8

He's about to get a crash course in juggling life. A high-tech wearable ought to help.

Flip Case

Pulling out an overstuffed wallet is never a good move. He's going to need a proper cardholder.

PerfecTemp Programmable Coffeemaker

He'll need every one of those 14 cups with the entry-level grunt work or tedious 101 course he's about to be hit with. And this maker's got some seriously cool feats and design hits to set it apart from the pack.

Classic Hardcore Sheet Bundle

Those T-shirt sheets will not do for a grown man. Brooklinen's best is great for the dorm rooms, off-campus housing, as well as an adult's apartment.

SNK789 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch

A stylish watch, this one courtesy of a classic, entry-level design, is a minimalist accessory that will look good and go with anything. No need to break the $200-barrier for the kid's first automatic timepiece.

Dartflex Loafer

He'll need a classic pair of loafers for pretty much any occasion—this one comes with memory foam cushioning for extra comfort.

Stackable Mug

His extensive glassware and drinkware collection will come with time, but it starts with something that'll work for red, white, whiskey, and keep them cool.

Meal Kit Subscription

Save him from the gut-devastating monotony of take-out food with Home Chef's vast array of meal kit options. It'll teach him some kitchen skills, too. He'll need those.

The Bed Frame

One-up the mattress on the floor—and the second-hand IKEA frame he dug up on Facebook Marketplace—with the Floyd Bed Frame. It's a good bed frame. A great bed. A bed frame he'll have for years to come.

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