31 Gifts Every College Grad Will Appreciate (2024)

Come May or June, the cap and gown come off and the challenge of entering adulthood creeps in. What do you gift someone who’s going through one of the biggest transitions in their life? Your best option is to find something meaningful yet useful.

We turned to experts, from psychologists to interior designers and career counselors (many with college-age kids) for their recommendations. Whether it’s décor for their new space, a book of advice on navigating their 20s, relaxing self-care products or even stocks, these are the things they’ll be thrilled to open come graduation day.

Super speaker

New York City- and Los Angeles-based Designer Cortney Novogratz has six kids and is known around the world for creating beautiful spaces. One of her favorite essentials is a portable, waterproof Bluetooth speaker. “It’s a perfect piece for traveling and that new first apartment too,” she says. This “Bose speaker has amazing sound, a timeless design and will definitely be one of the most appreciated gifts any graduate can get.”

Do-it-all chef’s knife

A good chef’s knife is a necessity in any kitchen, especially for someone who might be regularly cooking for themselves for the first time. This Victorinox pick made our list of the best chef’s knives; it stands out for its tall blade, lightweight feel and reasonable price point. (You might also point your giftee in the direction of this chef-approved knife sharpener).

Classic fine jewelry

If a class ring isn’t their thing, go for a pair of classic hoop earrings that will never go out of style. These ones from Blue Nile come in 14-karat yellow gold and rose gold, and they’re half-off through May 12, marking them down to $355. Match the earrings with a mini diamond accented disc bracelet available in 14-karat white gold and yellow gold.

Career carryall

Recent grads embarking upon a first job or internship will appreciate a quality work bag that they may not have the budget to invest in themselves. A work bag “that’s classic gives you a more polished look and reads as prepared and professional,” says Alyssa Dineen, New York City-based personal stylist and founder of Stylemyprofilenyc.com. She notes that like many Shinola bags, the Canfield Traveler Brief “is classic but with a modern twist” thanks to its striped strap.

First apartment-friendly power drill

One Buy Side writer recommends this Milwaukee cordless drill/driver set, which he praises for its lightweight build and clever assortment of swappable heads. All packaged in a convenient storage case, this is a practical gift that will help users get through nearly any DIY project, whether they’re hanging a new TV or creating their first gallery wall.

School spirit pouches

Just because they’re graduating, doesn’t mean they’ll stop having school spirit. Give them one of these woven carryall pouches that will remind them of their alma mater—it’s also a practical place to store keys, cash, cosmetics and more wherever they go. Choose from 32 American universities, including the University of Alabama, Penn State and the University of Michigan.

Versatile cookware

Several Buy Side editors own the original Our Place Always pan, and we tested out the updated version last year. We were impressed by the pan’s versatility (great for small, shared post-grad kitchens) and how easy it is to clean (also great for recent grads who’d like to cut down on dish-washing time). Choose from three sizes and eight colors to find the perfect fit for your giftee’s kitchen.

Job interview-ready watch

A quality watch is a thoughtful gift for new grads entering the workforce—it’s something they’ll treasure for years as a marker of their entry into the “real world.” This Tissot watch, shown in two sizes—40mm and 34mm—offers a classic look they can wear for job interviews and everyday. For more timepiece shopping guidance, see our list of the best watches that look more expensive than they are.

Bedding upgrade

Help your college grad feel extra cozy in their first apartment with these smooth sateen sheets from The Company Store. These sheets will be a welcome bedding upgrade, especially as they’re upgrading from a Twin XL. We included them on our list of the best cotton sheets, thanks to their soft and silky texture, high thread count and durability. One Buy Side editor bought these sheets and was instantly impressed with their buttery soft feel. If they’re moving to a warmer climate and want something extra lightweight, try the brand’s Supima cotton percale sheets.

Personalized passport holder

Whether they’re planning a post-grad trip or starting a job where they’ll be traveling frequently, a personalized passport holder is a thoughtful gift. These vegan leather passports from Mark & Graham come in more than a dozen fun colors and patterns, and you can add a printed or foil debossed monogram for a special touch. Check out our list of the best passport cases according to travel pros for more options.

Small, quality coffee maker

If your giftee is moving into a new place, start them out on the right foot with a quality coffee maker. This 8-cup model from Oxo is our favorite small drip coffee maker in our Buy Side Rated guide, thanks to its compact size and the ability to brew a single cup at a time. Whether they live alone or with roommates, it’ll be a much-appreciated addition to their kitchen for years to come. Consider our guide to gifts for coffee lovers for more ideas.

Handy, packable bag for travel

A lightweight duffel bag is a smart choice for those planning trips after graduation and weekend travels to visit friends who’ve moved to different cities. One Buy Side writer raves about this packable Paravel bag—she’s even given it as a graduation gift—that’s made from recycled nylon and folds into itself for easy storage. Plus, it can be monogrammed with up to three embroidered letters.

Wireless printer

If their first job is remote or hybrid, help them complete their home office with this Tango Smart Wireless Printer. We included it in our home office shopping guide, since it’s small, versatile and high quality—it prints in color and connects via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or USB.

Luggage goals

Their duffel bags are likely pretty shot from all of the schlepping back and forth to campus. Launching into full-time adulthood requires sleek luggage for all of the exciting next steps (moving, vacationing, coming back home). Novogratz recommends hardside rolling luggage similar to this one from Béis, which comes in three sizes. She notes that the simple design “will never go out of style” and recommends the “fashion-forward Navy” color.

Pretty planner

The killer organizational skills they learned (or perhaps didn’t learn) in college will be even more important in their next act, and this sophisticated leather planner is as functional as it is stylish. Novogratz’s go-to is The Moderne. “This one is classic, [comes] in a selection of elegant colors and will really help with organizing their next life stage,” she says. You can customize this one by having their monogram pressed on in gold, silver or copper foil.

Clever cookbook

There are few things more universally giftable than a cookbook, and Jamie Oliver’s “5 Ingredients” is quick and easy—perfect for a recent grad. Charlottesville, Va.-based clinical psychologist Meg Jay (author of one of the recommended books on this list) chose this one specifically because of its simplicity. Every recipe has five main ingredients, plus typical kitchen basics like olive oil and salt. “When 20-somethings can cook, even a little, we see more people connecting over meals, we see more healthy eating and we see more gender equality in the kitchen,” she says.

Book of knowledge

“If I were on a deserted island and could have only one book, the ‘Tao Te Ching’ would be the one,” Jay says. She read this book, by Stephen Mitchell, hundreds of times in her 20s and now assigns it to students in the college classes she teaches, calling it “an ancient sort of instruction manual for life” that features “timeless wisdom.” One of the book’s most memorable quotes: “When you are content to be yourself and don’t compare or compete, everyone will respect you.”

The balm

Self care products are always a hit—and they’re a great gift no matter what stage of life your recipient is in. Joann Zehenni, the Los Angeles-based 18-year old founder of Gemini Beauty, recommends Merit Flush Balms for a “minimalist look.” She notes: “It’s a great gift idea because it’s a quick and easy way to add a pop of color before work.” Bonus? It comes in nine shades and won’t clog pores.

Eco-minded bag

Dineen likes this bag “for a grad who has sustainability top of mind.” Cuyana notes that its sling bag is knitted from 100% Global Recycle Standard-certified landfill plastic and is even machine washable, meaning they’ll get years of use from it. “This could also double as a travel bag,” notes Dineen, “and Olive goes well with neutral-color workwear as well as bright colors.”

Hair care

After Zehenni received this Oi All in One Milk, it quickly became one of her go-tos. “It’s super moisturizing, helps frizzy hair and doubles as a heat protector,” she says of the hydrating leave-in spray treatment. It’s made with roucou oil with antioxidants to strengthen locks and make them shiny. “It’s a game changer for taking care of your hair postgrad.”

Work of art

Whether they’re moving back into their childhood bedroom and need to ditch the BTS posters or settling into a brand new space, any grad is likely in need of décor. While art can be subjective, Los Angeles-based jewelry designer Maya Brenner likes to gift Max Wanger’s beachy prints. They offer a pop of color and a moment of relaxing escapism. “Photos are a great entry into collecting and these prints are easy to love,” she says.

Motivating read

We all know that books can change lives, and this tried-and-true read, “The Defining Decade” by Meg Jay has helped generations of 20-somethings reach their full potential. “It provides a lot of great advice and stories about life in your 20s and the new journey you’re about to embark on,” says Jade Walters, the greater Chicago area-based founding editor of career resources blog “The Ninth Semester.”

Classic travel bottle

Sure, they probably already have a water bottle, but, notes Brenner, “it’s important to stay hydrated and you can never have too many water bottles.” Stanley, the beloved thermos band, this will likely be their new go-to bottle. The 32-ounce stainless steel bottle has a leakproof top, insulated cap, is BPA-free and dishwasher safe.

Career helper

One of the biggest stressors for grads is, of course, finding a job. It can’t be wrapped up in a bow, but Walters recommends giving a subscription to LinkedIn Premium. “It’ll be a great resource for them as they go on the job hunt and unlock features on the website,” she says, and it could even connect them to their dream job. And now that their required coursework has ended, a subscription to Masterclass lets them have fun learning something new, whether it’s Martin Scorsese teaching film or Kris Jenner on the power of personal branding.

Cool writing tool

A pen may not seem like a thrilling gift, but Long Beach, Calif.-based author Marjie Hadad insists it’s a very thoughtful present. Hadad, an international relations consultant and author of “The Power of PR Parenting,” looks at college graduation as a celebration of scholarship. “What better gift to go along with a diploma than a pretty pen?” she asks. “It’s special, appropriate for the occasion and practical.” She recommends this Waterman Paris Black Rollerball Pen that writes like a dream and comes in a chic case.

Fancy koozie

If you’re looking for a lighter, fun gift, Jill Smokler, the Baltimore-based founding editor of the Scary Mommy blog, recommends the Stay Chill Slim Can Parka. Most graduates will have a pretty fleshed-out collection of koozies, but very few will have a mini coat to go around their favorite beverages. Smokler adds a pin from the graduates’ college to this cute knickknack before passing it on to make it funny and personal.

Photo book

Heather Hagen, a Los Angeles area-based therapist and executive clinical director of Outpatient Services at Newport Healthcare, finds chic photo albums like this Layflat Album the ultimate sentimental present. “It’s a great gift to remind someone that they are loved,” she says. “Such gifts are straight from the heart and can be tokens of encouragement and support in times of stress or sadness.” Fill their album with photos from their college years and more. It comes in a variety of sizes and fabric colors, so you can tailor your book to your grad’s taste.

Luxe journal

This leather journal is filled with simple, lined pages, so it can be used for any purpose, though Hagen notes that jotting down your thoughts is beneficial. “Journaling is extremely helpful for mental health because it is an outlet to express the emotions we are feeling,” she says. “Not only will writing in a journal help to get things off our chest, but it also helps in recognizing possible triggers or coping mechanisms that helped the last time we felt a certain way.” It’s a great tool to help grads navigate this time of major growth.

Financial foundation

Entering the workforce means learning to manage money—and to save for the long run. And while you could give cash, a savings account seeded with a few hundred dollars (or any amount that feels right) can set them on their way. Buy Side’s money editors note that Capital One 360 Performance Savings, which topped our ranking of best savings accounts, comes with app-based tools to help you set and track savings goals and pays 3.5% interest. Want your grad to learn about investing? A few shares of a blue-chip stock (perhaps a favorite brand like Apple or Disney) is a classic gift. While stately-looking stock certificates are a thing of the past, digital innovations like fractional shares offered by most top brokerages make it easy to give as much or little as you want.

—Additional reporting by Leslie Yazel and Ian Salisbury