45 Great Gifts for the Freshly Minted Graduate
45 Great Gifts for the Freshly Minted Graduate
Soon enough, the man in your life will be called on stage, move his tassel from right to left, throw his cap in the air, and embark on a new chapter of life. But as he makes his first step into bonafide adulthood, a pop-up card or star-studded graduation party won’t be enough to mark the occasion. A great graduation gift for him is needed. He deserves to open something unique and special come graduation day. More importantly, the gift’s got to be useful— 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 his milestone. Whether it’s a cool gadget that helps with the adulting to come or a stylish upgrade for imminent interviews and networking events, these gifts will let you bid a proper congratulation to the Class of 2022.
Satechi Trio Wireless Charger with Magnetic Pad
Satechi
amazon.com
$119.99
Smartphone, smartwatch, smart earbuds—his smart gadget collection will grow and grow, but his charger cable collection needn't with this handy pad.
SAMDI Wood Laptop Stand
SAMDI
amazon.com
$49.99
His screen-time is about to skyrocket from all the note-taking, job applying, and Excel sheet-ing. This laptop stand will help him do all of that where the screen is meant to meet the eye.
Rains Small Wash Bag
RAINS
huckberry.com
$34.00
His life is about to be on the move. Rains' dopp kit puts smart organization and low-profile style in one for all of his essentials. (Plus, it's waterproof.)
AllModern Bryant Whiskey Glass (Set of 6)
allmodern.com
$5.00
Whether he uses them as water cups or whiskey glasses, one thing's for sure: This sleek glassware is a stylish step up from the plastic tumblers that usually litter a dorm room.
TUMI International Carry-On
TUMI
saksfifthavenue.com
$695.00
Planning a post-grad trip? An elevated carry-on that'll last for many trips to come makes a thoughtful gift; Tumi's has all the bells and whistles he could ever need, from integrated TSA locks to anti-microbial zippers.
Onsen Hooded Waffle Robe
Onsen
huckberry.com
$195.00
Nothing says adult quite like a chic robe. This one has quick absorbency and a plush waffle weave texture that might just usurp the sweats as his go-to WFH uniform.
Egofine 5x7 Picture Frames (Set of 4)
Tom Ford Private Blend Oud Wood Eau de Parfum
Tom Ford
nordstrom.com
$310.25
It's the smoky, earthy scent of a grown man: rare oud wood, sandalwood, rosewood, Eastern pepper, and amber.
Loftie Smart Alarm Clock
Loftie
huckberry.com
$165.00
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.
Montblanc Meisterstuck Gold-Coated Classique Ballpoint Pen
Montblanc
saksfifthavenue.com
$440.00
Don't understate the keepsake value of a Montblanc pen. Using it says professionalism at work and good taste at lecture hall.
Beats Fit Pro True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds
Beats
amazon.com
$199.95
Better acoustics, better fit, better resistance, better NC, and better price. Just better!
Bevel Shaving Kit for Men
Bevel
amazon.com
$89.99
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.
Brooklinen Classic Hardcore Sheet Bundle
Brooklinen
brooklinen.com
$231.00
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.
Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2
Ember
amazon.com
$124.99
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.
YAGELI Personalized Graduation Print
YAGELI
amazon.com
$15.99
Add some badass quote like “Even a pandemic can’t stop me” to really boss it up.
Funny Mugs Graduation Mug
Moleskine Pen+ Smart Writing Set
Moleskine
amazon.com
$99.49
Taking notes on pen and paper: Tired.
Taking notes with a smart pen on smart paper: Wired.
Fear of God Boxer Briefs (Set of 2)
Fear of God
nordstrom.com
$150.00
On a serious note, he’s really not a kid anymore. And he need some grown-ass-man underwear. Fear of God offers simplicity, luxury, and comfort in one—sorry, two.
WACACO Portable Espresso Machine
WACACO
amazon.com
$54.90
For a new on-the-go lifestyle, he'll need an espresso maker that can keep up. This one comes in both ground coffee and pod models, and is a breeze to brew.
Madison Park Signature Turkish Cotton Towel Set
Madison Park Signature
wayfair.com
$50.90
The time has come to upgrade those raggedy old bath towels—actually, the time was probably a couple years ago, so this 100% Turkish cotton set is a necessary luxury.
Flint and Tinder Flannel-lined Waxed Trucker Jacket
Flint and Tinder
huckberry.com
$268.00
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.
BUTTAH SKIN Buttah Love from Head to Toe Care Set
BUTTAH SKIN
nordstrom.com
$69.99
He can’t smell like a teen spirit when he’s going on dates now. Get him a set that's understated enough that he'll use it daily.
LARQ Movement Self-Sanitizing Water Bottle
LARQ
saksfifthavenue.com
$83.30
In another entry of my long-running series of "A man and His Smart Tech", Larq's bottle with built-in UV light cleaning will get rid of 99.9999% of contaminants in the water or liquid he drinks.
Dyson TP01 Pure Cool Purifier
Dyson
wayfair.com
$299.99
First apartments are rarely glamorous, but Dyson's air purifier can at least make the air in his a little cleaner (and curb dust-related allergies in the process). It's also a fan, which will come in handy during warm months if his building doesn't come with AC.
Tineco Pure ONE S11 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Tineco
amazon.com
$399.99
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.
Hunter Refined Mock-Toe Chelsea Boots
Hunter
saksfifthavenue.com
$165.00
Rainproof Chelsea boots that don't look rubbery at all for all of his walks of life to come.
By Garrett Munce 'Self-Care for Men'
Adams Media
amazon.com
$10.00
No toxic masculinity here. Just ace advice on skincare, hair care, what to eat, what to apply, what to avoid—and being a well-rounded man overall.
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Set
Lodge
amazon.com
$109.35
He’ll need to cook for himself from now on. And he can start learning with Lodge’s cast iron cookware.
Duramont Ergonomic Office Chair
Duramont
amazon.com
$246.49
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.
Zafit Bedside Caddy
Zafit
amazon.com
$17.99
It'll slide nicely between his bed frame and mattress, all while keeping his essentials handy.
Rab Depot 25L Daypack
Rab
huckberry.com
$130.00
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 Rab will help. Made from recycled materials, it has room for a laptop, books, water bottles, and plenty more.
Apple AirPods Max
Apple
amazon.com
$479.00
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.
SEIKO SNK789 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch
SEIKO
amazon.com
$139.00
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.
Peter Millar Lava Wash Heathered Hoodie
Peter Millar
saksfifthavenue.com
$128.00
It's time for him to swap out the college or high school sweats for the actually-stylish stuff. Peter Millar's heathered hoodie is loungewear holy ground.
Rabbit Craft Cocktail Bar Tools Set
Rabbit
amazon.com
$78.20
He won't have a clue how to use this. Four years of Natty Light and Captain and Cokes ensured that. But he will learn, and happily.
Zegna Paisley Print Quindici Tie
ZEGNA
saksfifthavenue.com
$325.00
Make sure he looks professional—but not stuffy—for those upcoming job interviews. A great tie with the pop of paisley petal makes all the difference.
Leatherman Free T4 One-Handed Multitool
Leatherman
huckberry.com
$70.00
There are about a million and one situations where a pocket knife (and then some) like Leatherman's will prove itself useful. Supply him accordingly.
Apple Watch Series 7
Apple
amazon.com
$329.00
He's about to get a crash course in juggling life. A high-tech wearable ought to help.
Briggs & Riley Delve Treksafe Slim Laptop Sleeve
Briggs & Riley
saksfifthavenue.com
$99.00
A backpack still too casual? Here's a sleek briefcase that'll make his new classmates or colleagues respect not just his work ethic but his good taste as well.
Bellroy Flip Case
Bellroy
huckberry.com
$89.00
Pulling out an overstuffed wallet is never a good move. He's going to need a proper cardholder.
Cuisinart PerfecTemp 14-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
Cuisinart
amazon.com
$99.95
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.
Allen Edmonds Park Avenue Oxford
ALLEN EDMONDS
nordstrom.com
$395.00
He'll need a classic pair of shoes to go with that suit. Plus, these will last him for many years to come.
YETI 14oz Vacuum Insulated Rambler
YETI
amazon.com
$30.00
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.
House of Marley Stir It Up Turntable
House of Marley
amazon.com
$199.99
Not that millions of songs at your fingertips isn't cool, but now that he's a grown-up, he can start listening to music like a grown-up.
George Oliver Buhr Platform Bed
George Oliver
wayfair.com
$359.99
One-up the mattress on the floor—and the second-hand Ikea frame he dug up on Facebook Marketplace—with this mid-century bed frame. It's a good bed frame. A great bed frame. A bed frame he'll have for years to come.
Whether it's a cool useful gadget, keepsake, or style upgrade, here are 45 best graduation gifts for him now that he's entering the adult or working world.