40 Useful Gifts College Grads Will Use in the Real World

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If there is one group of people that's actually easy to shop for, it's soon-to-be college graduates, so we rounded up a few (read: 40) college graduation gifts that they'll not only love but actually use in the proverbial real world. After all, graduating from college doesn't just mean swapping classes for a job and dorms for an apartment. It also means living with a touch more responsibility than they may have over the last four years, so all of our top picks are goodies both luxurious and affordable that will make the transition from student to adult that much easier.

From an Echo Dot that basically doubles as a personal assistant to a leather-bound monogrammed refillable notebook, there are a lot of solid options ahead. We even threw in some fun ones, including a six-bottle set of ready-to-drink margaritas and a set of acrylic (also known as unbreakable) margarita glasses, a Lichtenstein-inspired banana-shaped flower vase, and a digital picture frame with a high-capacity memory card.

So with graduation season underway, now is the best time to score a few meaningful gifts to celebrate a serious accomplishment. Just don't wait too long because not only is graduation around the corner, but other people celebrating their own grads may snap up your coveted gift first. For those who tend to go for last-minute gifts, rest assured that plenty of ours are from Amazon, so they'll arrive just in the nick of time.

Day & Night Variety Margarita Bundle

College kids may not understand the need for a good drink after a long day at work yet, but they will. This six-bottle set of pre-made margaritas will definitely make any stressful hours in-office a little lighter—both literally and figuratively. Plus, six bottles of vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and ready-to-drink cocktails for only $74? We'd call that a steal.

Organic Shaped Acrylic Margarita Glasses

Of course, you can't enjoy a margarita in anything other than a classic glass designed for the namesake cocktail. These ones, which look like old sea glass, are actually made of incredibly durable acrylic, so feel free to use them outside and toss them in the dishwasher.

Echo Dot

The Echo Dot may have come out a few years ago, but it's just as useful as ever—especially to any young adults about to start going to an office every morning. It's basically a speaker integrated with Alexa, which can do everything from set alarms to informing you about the weather. She's basically a personal assistant who can do just about anything.

Google Nest Cam

Another high-tech gift that anyone moving into their first home will appreciate is a Google Nest Cam, which may seem a bit extreme, but we'll be the first to tell you that first apartments are hardly as safe as college dorms, so opting for an elevated security system is never a bad idea. The camera, which you can buy individually or in a set of two, is weather-proof, so feel free to use them indoors and out. It features built-in AI that can tell the difference between a person, animal, and vehicle, and it will send alerts directly through the Google Home app.

Floral Greeting Doormat

A doormat makes any space feel a little homier, so give your college grad a charming welcome to their space. This one is colorful but not overpowering, making it an ideal option in our opinion.

Aishe Floating Document Picture Frame

Graduating from college is a big achievement that should be celebrated long after the big day. There's no better way to do that than displaying the diploma in a floating document frame. It does take about three weeks to ship, but the diploma often takes even longer to mail out, so there's hardly any rush.

The Grower's Choice Peony

You can't go wrong with a bouquet of fresh blooms—especially peonies, which are in season for only a few weeks out of the year. Luckily, those weeks tend to coincide with most graduations. You can get this arrangement with 10, 20, 0r 30 stems and celebrate in style. Just don't forget the vase. Luckily, UrbanStems has plenty of beautiful options.

Classic Refillable Journal

No matter what industry your college grad is about to enter, they'll need a notebook. Whether they use it to journal or write to-do lists, they'll be glad it's by their side. The best part? You can monogram it to make your gift feel extra personal.

Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

Is there anything more luxurious than a silk pillowcase? We think not. And because they're so extravagant, they're likely not something someone with an entry-level job would get for themselves. That's where you come in. These Brooklinen silk pillowcases come in two sizes and seven colors, so you're bound to find something they'll love.

Checkerboard Robe

Some people basically live in bathrobes, and for them, a cheaply made one that falls apart after a few washes just won't cut it. Go for this stylish retro-inspired find from Brooklinen. The sleeves are a bit cropped, which looks great and keeps them from getting soaked when you're washing your face.

Beachcomber Cotton Throw

If you're not quite sure what to get, you can't go wrong with a beautiful waffled cotton throw blanket. This one from Serena & Lily is so lightweight and elegant, making it a great gift for someone who needs to dress up their space without doing too much.

Loom & Leaf Mattress

A mattress may seem as odd as it is extravagant for a college graduation gift, but hear us out: This isn't something an aunt or neighbor would get. It's for parents who want to give their child an upgrade from dorm mattresses. This one is as big an upgrade as can be expected. It's made with ultra-premium five-pound memory foam and breathable gel-infused foam to keep them cool. You may even be tempted to snag one for yourself. After all, it is on sale!

Monogram Candle

Candles are like throw blankets: You don't necessarily need them, but once you have them, you realize what a big difference they make. This one, which is monogrammed and has a 71-hour burn time, smells like a mix of gardenia, salted guava, tonka, and musk.

REPLICA Beach Walk Eau de Toilette

A luxurious perfume is another great gift that will last a long time. This Margiela spritz is one of our favorites because it recalls soft sand beaches in Europe. Plus, it looks great on a nightstand.

Courtly Check Enamel Coasters, Set of 4

If we had to pick MacKenzie-Childs's most recognizable print, it would be the courtly check. This set of coasters adds a little touch of personality to any home, whether your college grad uses them for her chilled water bottle during work hours or for their guests' glasses on wine night.

Smart WiFi Digital Photo Frame

Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner is a big fan of these digital picture frames. "My siblings and I got one for our parents last year and they (and we) are obsessed with it. All you have to do is send your favorite pictures to the frame from your phone and they play on a slideshow," she says. There's room for thousands of images.

Hansa Vase

This sumptuously shaped vase, which comes in a milky beige and a soft black, is hand-made in India, where lots of small-batch goods from the Citizenry are crafted by expert artisans. Get one or both in a set for your college grad's first home.

Smiley Glitter Keychain

Everyone has keys, so why not make them easier to find (and a bit more stylish) with a designer keyring? Plus, if they tend to lose their keys, they can clip this smiley face patch right onto their bag.

Aviator Carry-on Plus

There are lots of luggage brands out there, but Paravel is the one we always come back to. Its pieces, including the carbon-neutral Aviator carry-on Plus, sustainably-sourced materials including recycled polycarbonate, recycled aluminum, and recycled vegan leather. There's nothing jet-setters love more than an environmentally friendly approach to travel, right?

Famille Rose Square Dipping Bowls, Set of 4

Technically, these are dipping bowls, but unless your college grad is planning on hosting elaborate multi-course dinner parties in their new apartment, we'd suggest giving this adorable mix-and-match set as catch-all trays for jewelry, keys, and anything else too small to hide in a drawer.

Snake Plant Laurentii

Another must-have for any new apartment is a plant. Not just any plant, though; a plant that's very easy to keep alive, like snake plants. They can thrive in bright and low-light conditions and need a drink of water every three or four weeks.

Champagne Flutes, Set of 6

If any event calls for Champagne, it's college graduation. Celebrate in style with a set of six colorful flutes from beloved Estelle Colored Glass. If the rainbow hues collection isn't your college grad's vibe, opt for a monochrome set.

Catch:3 Classics Wireless Charging Tray

Courant is always our go-to brand for chic tech essentials. This Italian pebble-grain leather tray, which comes in four colors, features a durable braided nylon cable and USB-C input with additional USB-A output. It can also charge through cases up to three millimeters thick.

Whistling Tea Kettle

A high-quality tea kettle is a kitchen essential they'll have for years to come. This one is available in a whopping nine colors, including the cream pictured here. It's also made sans non-toxic materials that will keep your boiled water clean.

Chambray Blue Mugs, Set of 4

They'll need equally chic mugs to enjoy their tea. This set from Le Creuset is an easy favorite. From the soft powdery blue shade to the thick porcelain body and easy-to-grip handle, you won't find a better set out there.

Mini Projector

If their first apartment is a bit too small for a television, get them this mini projector, which, in our opinion, is even better than a screen. It's portable, so they can bring it from the living room to the bedroom. They can even use it outdoors if they have a screen or wall to use.

"Beach Days in Positano" Framed Print

There's nothing like the Amalfi Coast to inspire a bit of wanderlust-induced wishful thinking. Get it in any of the three sizes with or without a mat. As for the frame, you have three options, but we're partial to the darker hues because it picks up the similar shades in the photo.

24K Gold One-Step Hair Dryer

"I use this at least twice a week," Cherner admits. "Some of these two-in-one tools flat-out don't work, but this one is amazing. If you section your hair in small enough pieces, you can absolutely get a salon-quality blow-out. I have thick, long hair, and this takes me about 10 minutes to use." Just don't use it on sopping wet hair. Instead, let it dry about 70% which will cut down on your dry time.

Luxury Laundry Essentials Bundle

"L'AVANT sent me this when it launched a few months ago, and I have to say, I will never go back to the drugstore stuff," Cherner notes. "First, it smells like a very light perfume, not laundry detergent. Second, it's so concentrated, so you really only need a tiny amount for a full load." We'd recommend going for the full bundle, which includes the beloved detergent, laundry oils, a canvas bag, and a set of all-natural wool dryer balls. Everything L'AVANT makes, including the soaps and room sprays, are plant-based, so there's no need to worry about bringing toxic chemicals into the home.

Travel Journal

This isn't just a journal for taking notes; it's a journal specifically designed for travelers. It includes an "about me" page, a travel wishlist and trip ideas, space for details about six journeys (which each include transport, accommodation, budgets, packing lists, itineraries, journaling space, and your highlights from the trip), a packing guide, travel games, a list of countries, and an illustrative map of the world to fill in as they travel the world.

1,000 Places to See Before You Die

For the less creative travelers, there's Patricia Schultz #1 New York Times bestseller 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. This, however, is a special edition bound in pebbled leather. It includes the same words as the original, though: From sacred ruins and grand hotels to wildlife preserves and hilltop villages, this tome will certainly inspire your college grad's next trip.

Make Your Own Churros Kit

Not exactly for Michelin-starred chefs, this make-your-own-churros kit is by the founder and CEO of Global Grub makes for a new way to spend a Friday night in with friends. Even if your grad is hardly a baker, they won't mess these up because the instructions are almost difficult to get wrong.

System Tote

A backpack may have worked in college when your soon-to-be college graduate was toting around a bevy of textbooks, but they'll need something a bit more professional and stylish when they start their first job, and this Cuyana tote is it. The System tote comes in seven colors and two sizes, both of which are big enough for cell phones, wallets, keys, and sunglass cases. The larger one will even fit their laptop!

Resurrection Duet

Aesop's famous Resurrection Duet, which includes the full-size Aromatique hand wash and Resurrection matching hand balm, is another luxurious gift that a college grad would love but probably wouldn't snag for themselves. "The duo cleanses, nourishes, and softens so well," Cherner adds.

Signature Starter Pack

Another gift that may be strange coming from anyone but parents or grandparents is a set of Weezie's signature towels. They're fluffy, plush, and extremely absorbent. Just as important, they're quite chic with colored piping along the edges. We love the pale blue that's pictured, but there's also black, navy, green, and red. You can also get the towels themselves in a variety of shades. If you want to go the extra mile, opt for a monogram.

French Kitchen Marble Wine Cooler

A wine cooler is a must when it comes to entertaining, and even though your college grad may not be hosting sophisticated soirées, but if they like having friends over for a movie night every now and then, chances are, there will be wine that should stay cold.

Ambra Reed Diffuser

We won't lie: We were pleasantly surprised to find such a luxurious reed diffuser on Amazon, but we aren't questioning it. This Dr. Vranjes find is made in Italy, so you know it's good. With a base of amber and patchouli with intense subtle hints of sandalwood and vanilla, this will make any new apartment feel like a palace.

Lala Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is key to getting through the workday, and this glass water bottle makes doing so a bit easier. It's also wrapped in a silicone sleeve, so even if you drop it, it won't crack or break. "I got it for myself in pink back in 2017 and still use it every day," Cherner says. "It's a bit too big to throw in my purse, but on days I work from home, this is by my side from dawn til dusk."

The Smart Garden LED Grow Set

If your college grad plans on cooking over takeout, they'll need an indoor herb garden. Every delicious recipe calls for herbs, and what's fresher than ones you grow in your own kitchen? This super-slender planter comes with LED lights and a built-in water tank so that their plants get just the right amount of water and light. Gardening is easy!

A-peeling Banana Vase

There's a time and a place for elegant, sophisticated vases, and college graduation is not it. This cheeky banana vase, which kind of looks like a three-dimensional Roy Lichtenstein artwork, is a fun addition to any home—especially a young person's.

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