The 40 Best Gifts for Anyone Graduating This Year

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WE'RE APPROACHING both graduation season and summer, which means you’ll probably be invited to some kind of grad party this year, if you haven’t already—and you definitely can’t show up empty handed. Whether you know a guy graduating high school, college, getting their MBA, or completing nursing school—you’ve got to find a great graduation gift for him that fits the diploma.

But shopping for any type of graduation gift isn’t always easy. It’s more special than any old birthday or holiday, and unfortunately, it usually ends up in a gift card because the thought process is just too intimidating. While gift cards aren’t a terrible idea, we believe (with our help) you can be a little more creative, whether it's a keepsake gift or a useful graduation gift that'll prepare him for entering the working world.

We've rounded up the best 2023 gifts for him—from high school graduation gifts to college graduation gifts—to celebrate the big day and set him up nicely for this exciting new chapter in his life. From personalized, unique graduation gifts he'll cherish forever to the tech gadgets that make "adulting" more fun, the 40 gift ideas ahead will make his hard-earned achievement feel even more celebratory.

He’s embarking on an entire new chapter of his life, and he deserves something he will love to open, and actually use. Whether you go the practical, comical, or sentimental route, the unique graduation gift ideas ahead will make your life easier upon the RSVP.

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Percale Sheet Set

His new bunk bed shouldn’t feel like a prison. Riley's Portuguese-made cotton sheets offer a soft, lightweight texture that only get softer (read: comfier) with each wash. Another reason to get him to do his laundry.

OOO Hoodie

Every incoming college student needs that one hoodie he can live in. This one has a plush fabric with a goldilocks fit that will leave him looking cozy, but not sloppy.

Esentle Striped Backpack

Consider this an upgrade to the North Face backpack he used in college. It's thoughtfully designed with specific compartments for your laptop, sunglasses and more. Plus, it has a sturdy leather fabric for the "briefcase look."

Ergonomic Chair

Whether he’s hours deep into Elden Ring or cramming for midterms, this ergonomic computer chair will help prevent hunchbacks and Dead Ass Syndrome.

Kilburn II

Looks like a boom box, sounds like a top-of-the-line home theater system. Marshall’s marquee speakers are the loudest in its class, making it ideal for lounge days at the quad, or dorm room jamming sessions.

Advanced Clear Kit

Keep breakouts at bay with this dermatologist-approved skincare set that’s compact enough to fit in his shower caddy.

LinkBuds

The beauty of these ear buds is its clever open-ring, motion-sensor design that lets him listen to music while still being able to hear his surroundings. Great for students who trek to big city colleges.

HiRise for MacBook

Any guy who will be working (or browsing) from home after graduation could use this adjustable laptop stand from Twelve South solutions. It easily maneuvers to different heights and angles to stand or sit.

Everyday Backpack 2.0 23L

A do-it-all backpack that houses enough pockets and compartments to store his banged-up laptop, water bottle, and knick knacks without adding too much bulk. Its padded sleeves slip easily into a trolley for his trips back home.

Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker

Coffee comes especially clutch during finals. This one from Hamilton Beach is easy to use and doesn’t take much space, and serves a pretty strong brew given its small size.

Read more: Best Coffee Makers

Mess Graduation Wine Label

Help the graduating guy build out his bar cart before his first day in the working world. Wine is always a good idea.

Custom Graduation Frame

For a keepsake graduation gift idea for him, go for a custom-curated art sketch from Etsy. It symbolizes transition— going from cap and gown to suit and tie. Add an inspiring quote for motivation every time he looks at it.

Read more: Best Gifts for Men

Custom Graduation Bobblehead

There's no better desk trinket than a bobblehead. And to top that, it's the perfect personalized graduation gift he'll never expect. It's like a trophy for graduating, but much more fun.

Shop Phd Graduation Gift Mug

He'll laugh every morning with a coffee mug that reminds him of the years of hard work it took him to achieve one of the highest academic degrees.

Watch Series 8

An Apple Watch is the most sought-after graduation gift for anyone heading into the "real world." It makes any working man become much more efficient to take calls, track steps, and view calendar appointments, all from his wrist.

Cleanstation in None at Nordstrom

Simply place your phone in the chamber before you wash your hands and watch as it uses powerful UV-C light to sanitize any phone in 30 seconds. Pick up your phone and be on your way.

ZZ Plant

A plant is always a nice graduation gift idea. He can watch this ZZ plant grow as he embarks on a new chapter of life. It can represent a new beginning, bringing fresh air, and add some greenery to his home.

Read more: Best Indoor Plants

Sprocket Portable 2x3" Instant Photo Printer

Life is all about memories. Inspire him to go on more adventures as he journeys into adulthood. He'll want to capture them all and print them with the HP Sprocket to later frame or stick on the fridge.

148 Piece Tool Set

Every graduating guy needs a solid tool kit in their adult life. This one from Cartman covers the basics for under-$50.

Koda Pizza Oven

This pizza oven turns any patio into a 'za kitchen—the ultimate upgrade from his keg stand frat parties and the late night campus pizza order.

AirTag Wallet S

The lightweight wallet is slim and unobtrusive, making it perfect for stashing in a front pocket. In gunmetal or black, the look works with just about any personal style. Stick an AirTag in it, and he'll never have to worry about losing it.

Nate Quartz Stainless Steel Chronograph Watch

A cool watch is a solid graduation gift idea for any guy. This one from Fossil looks luxe with a relatively affordable price tag.

A Happier You in 5 Minutes a Day

This graduation gift might seem cheesy at first, but adding a five minute journal entry to his daily ritual will make him happier, motivated, and get him in touch with his feelings. It's science.

Custom House Portrait Art

For the sentimental graduation gift seekers, this Custom House Portrait from Minted will always remind him of his roots while doubling as creative decor for his new pad.

Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine

Every productive day (usually) starts with a good cup of Joe, and no one does single serve like Nespresso. It's the ultimate bachelor pad kitchen appliance, sure to impress any guest in his path.

Rambler 20 oz Tumbler

Morning commute calls for sipping on the go. The Yeti Rambler belongs in every dude's cabinet to keep his liquids piping hot all day long.

Custom Sports Book

Talk about a unique and thoughtful graduation gift! This custom sports book from Uncommon Goods turn his glory days as a high school or college athlete into a sentimental keepsake.

Spray Camo Clog

Kids these days love crocs, especially stylish ones. Yep, the shoes once reserved for kitchen workers are now the talk of campuses. Set your graduate off on the right foot with this spray paint-themed pair.

Weekend Wash Bag

A good Dopp kit will make his future travels far more enjoyable because he'll be organized and sleek. This one from Rains is made from a waterproof material for any checked baggage of toiletry explosions.

Roebling Blue Light Glasses

If he's moving onto an office job where he's sitting at a computer from 9-5, a solid pair of blue light glasses are a must. Felix Gray is a leader in the space, and the Roeblings are equally stylish as they are beneficial.

The Carry-On

He's got to look the part of an educated young professional, especially on business trips. The sleek design and wheel-ablity from Away's Carry-On keeps him polished, moving and organized always. A good set of luggage is always a great grad gift idea.

The Plane Balance Board

Office workers embarking on a new 9-to-5 know the pains of sitting at a desk all day. Whether he's working from home or in a high rise, this balance board will keep his brain power up and his core engaged all day long.

Hatch Restore

The graduating guy in your life is a professional now. That means it's extremely important for him to fall into his natural circadian rhythm, requiring appropriate light at the right hours and a solid sleeping routine. The Hatch restore sunrise alarm clock helps set the tone for a productive, energetic day, so he can crush it at work.

Wood & Charcoal Burning Fire Pit

It might not have much to do with his future career, but this BioLite Smart FirePit is always a crowd pleasing gift idea. It's portable, smokeless, and can be controlled directly through your smart phone. Any outdoor/tech enthusiast will love to show this off to his friends.

Stir It Up Turntable

He's no longer living in a frat house so he can finally have nice things. The House of Marley turntable brings old-school charm and retro flare to any home. He'll love to come home from work, pour a stiff and relax to the scratchy sound of vinyl.

Graduation Mug

Sometimes a silly (but true) graduation gift is all you need. And hey, you can never have enough mugs! This is one idea to pair with a gift card, making opening it a little more fun.

Herdsman Shawl Cardigan

File a wool cardigan under clothing items every adult male should own. It's soft, warm, and odor resistant—an all-season topper that will never go out of style.

New Job Candle

Make sure he landed the post-graduation gig before you get him this one. It's a great way to break in a new apartment as he begins his career.

Light Blue Suit

Suitshop makes affordable, great-looking suits, a cool way to dress in what we call "yo'pro". (Young professional guys, keep up.)

The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work

Self-help books are beneficial to anyone going through a life transition. The Happiness Advantage will help him stay positive and navigate obstacles through his career.

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