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56 College Graduation Gift Ideas for the Class of 2023

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editors picks graduation gifts
Abby Hepworth

Graduating from college is no small feat, and it should be celebrated with a graduation gift that's just as special and exciting as their degree....which may feel like a lot of pressure. So, what do you get the grad? Well, think about what their interests are. If they’re an artist, treat them to an iPad Pro that they can do digital illustrations on. Or maybe you know they have a green thumb, in which case you can surprise them with a plant baby for their new apartment. And if you’re still stumped, try one of these 56 stellar gift ideas they’re sure to appreciate regardless of what life looks like in the coming months.

What Should You Give for a College Graduation Gift?

As with any gift, it depends on the person. But there are a couple rules of thumb you can follow, according to Hallmark. For one: Get them something they can return or exchange. While you might think the monogrammed bright pink hand towels you picked out are "so her," always keep in mind "what if they don't like this or want something else?" Whether that means providing a gift receipt or only buying from places with an easy return policy, returnable or exchangeable gifts are a must. Next, be practical. Whether the giftee has a job offer lined up 24 hours after they toss their cap in the air or they're moving back home with their parents, giving something with everyday or long-term utility (see: luggage) is a thoughtful way to guide a youngster through this often strange transition into the "real world." "I'm graduating nursing school in a few months, and I'm definitely someone who would want something gifted to me that would make my life easier as a new grad; something practical," says nursing school student Paige Kaufman. And finally, think about the grad. Are they aiming for a high-rise corporate career? Shoe polish kit it is! Getting their first apartment? Stock them up with a cute photo frames. They'll be able to customize the frames with their favorite photos from the past few years of friends and family to give them a little piece of home in their new place.

How We Chose the Best College Graduation Gifts

We put together this list by interviewing recent college grads from all walks of life. "Things like meal prep containers, a nice water bottle, a meal service subscription would be great. As a mom, I don't have much time for myself with school, so items like this would be amazing to help me cut down on time doing things to prepare for shifts," says Kaufman. We also included gifts that helped us get started after college life. And finally, we used our keen eye for high-quality items with great reviews. But remember: there's really no wrong way to give someone a gift—because it's the thought that counts, right?. And just in case you have some gifting anxiety, here are 56 potential gifts for grads we know they'll love.

The Top 5 Graduation Gifts At A Glance

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Best luggage sets: A two-piece set of rose gold Samsonite luggage
Samsonite

1. Samsonite Novaire 2-Piece Set

For the Grad Moving Far From Home

  • Why They'll Love It: great for travel, cute color
  • Shipping: free shipping on orders over $150
  • Return Policy: $14.99 return fee on travel items within 60 days of ship date

A new set of luggage will help them feel grown-up and ready as they jet off to their new apartment. And feel free to throw in a comment about how useful these will be for flying back home to visit too. This duo has a TSA lock and 360 degree spinner wheels for a smooth glide and pivot.

bose headphones cat
Best Buy

2. Bose 700 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

For the Audiophile

  • Why They'll Love It: noise canceling, comfortable cushioning
  • Shipping: free shipping
  • Return Policy: free returns within 15 days of receipt

Shopping for a music lover? Gift them with these noise-cancelling headphones that fit comfortably over your ears. Whether they're used to drown out younger siblings battling over the remote downstairs or chatty colleagues who sit a few desks over, they’ll definitely come in handy.

3. lululemon ABC Classic-Fit Pants

For the Guy in Need of a Wardrobe Refresh

  • Why They'll Love It: versatile, sleek fit
  • Shipping: free shipping
  • Return Policy: free returns
  • Size Range: 26 to 48

These best-selling men’s pants come in 16 waist sizes and five lengths and have more than 600 amazing reviews raving about how comfortable they are. The signature Warpstreme fabric is a Japanese-loomed polyester that stretches like yoga pants but looks like nice heavy cotton and Ulitech, a poly-cotton stretch blend. Talk about a winning combo.

team coasters college graduation gifts
Uncommon Goods

4. College Team Spirit Coasters

For the Grad Who Already Misses Tailgating

  • Why They'll Love It: personalized for their university, set of four
  • Shipping: varies, ships within 24 hours of order
  • Return Policy: no time limit, free return label provided

Now they can host Saturday football hangs in style (and without ruining their new coffee table) to cheer on their alma mater, thanks to this set of coasters that show off their school pride. They come in a set of four and the holder has little slots to keep the coasters sitting upright when they aren't in use.

5. Larq Self-cleaning Water Bottle

For the Grad Who Always Remembers to Hydrate

  • Why They'll Love It: sleek design, self-cleaning
  • Shipping: free standard shipping
  • Return Policy: no returns, final sale item

This color-blocked, 17 oz. water bottle is made with stainless steel, which doesn’t allow bacteria to grow, unlike their old plastic water bottles. But as an added bonus, there is a UV-C LED light on the inside that helps eliminate up to 99.99 percent of bio-contaminants and turns on automatically every two hours, so your new grad doesn’t even have to remember to do it themselves.

Screen Shot 2023 04 25 at 5.30.16 PM
Uncommon Goods

6. Homesick Candle

For the Grad Who Gets Homesick

  • Why They'll Love It: state specific, minimalist look
  • Shipping: varies
  • Return Policy: no time limit, free return label provided

If your new grad is heading out of the state, get them a gift that will give them a little piece of home. These are hand-poured soy wax candles with scents that are designed to align with aspects of a home (or favorite) state. Each one has a 60+ hour burn-time so you can be sure it will last them quite a while.

pvolve app college graduation gifts
P.volve

7. P.volve Membership

For the Fitness Fanatic

  • Why They'll Love It: thousands of workouts, on-demand and live options
  • Shipping: none
  • Return Policy: none

So long, free campus gym. If you’ve got a fitness lover on your hands, sign them up for P.volve’s workout streaming service (it’s Olivia Culpo’s favorite). It’s guaranteed to give them a real challenge with videos and classes they’ll love and can access from their phone, laptop or tablet. There are live class options and on-demand picks for whatever time of the day you like to workout.

la colombe coffee college graduation gifts
La Colombe

8. La Colombe Coffee Subscription Service

For the Grad Who Never Took Morning Classes

  • Why They'll Love It: many coffee options, full beans and ground bags
  • Shipping: free shipping with a subscription
  • Return Policy: returns within 30 days

The odds of them finding a job that lets them sleep until noon just like their highly perfected class schedule are slim, which means they might need a little extra pick-me-up in the mornings to get them started. This coffee subscription can be customized to send either a specific bean or a selection of dark/medium/light roasts, and you can choose the grind as well (there’s always the option to send whole beans if you’re not sure what kind of coffee maker they use).

senreve crossbody college graduation gifts
Senreve

9. Senreve Cadence Crossbody

For the Social Butterfly

  • Why They'll Love It: gold hardware, adjustable strap
  • Shipping: free shipping on orders over $300
  • Return Policy: free returns within 30 days upon receipt

This gorgeous crossbody can take her from work to drinks with friends or brunch to weekend errands much better than her college era going out bag. It may be a splurge, but the leather will only get better with age, and the silhouette is utterly timeless.

10. Parachute Percale Venice Set

For the Grad Moving Into a New Apartment

  • Why They'll Love It: made of 100 percent Egyptian cotton, button duvet cover
  • Shipping: free shipping
  • Return Policy: free returns within 60 days

Goodbye, twin XL mattress! It’s time for a major bedding upgrade and this luxe cotton set is an excellent place to start. It contains a fitted sheet, a pillowcase set and a duvet cover, all of which are so soft, they’ll make your grad feel like they’re staying in a luxe hotel...not their tiny apartment.

11. Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Earrings

For a Super-Chic Commemoration

  • Why They'll Love It: sophisticated, 18K white gold hardware
  • Shipping: free shipping
  • Return Policy: case by case basis

Gorgeous pearl earrings are a sophisticated and regal option for your graduate to wear on her first day of work. They’re always en vogue, they’ll always fit and they’ll reminder her both of you and her great accomplishment. These small studs are made of Akoya pearls and the hardware is 18K white gold.

best graduation gifts anthropologie
Anthropologie

12. Terrain Earth Fired Clay Pots and Saucers

For the Plant Parent

  • Why They'll Love It: hand-crafted, set of two
  • Shipping: overnight, $10
  • Return Policy: eligible for unused purchases within 30 days for full refund

Help her transfer her beloved ferns, herbs and flowers to her new digs in style with this gorgeous new planter set. This four-piece set comes with two saucers and two pots, one small and one medium. Each one is hand-crafted for a unique and beautiful natural look.

our place always pan college graduation gifts
Our Place

13. Our Place Always Pan

For the Grad Who Doesn’t Own Cookware Yet

  • Why They'll Love It: ceramic coating, 10-in-1 tool
  • Shipping: free
  • Return Policy: free within 100 days

Sure, all they know how to cook is scrambled eggs, but at least now those eggs will slide right off the pan and can be cleaned without any scrubbing. (Just be sure to warn them never to put a non-stick pan in the dishwasher and to wait until it’s cool to wash!)

mejuri ring cat
Mejuri

14. Mejuri Diamonds Open Ring

For the Wardrobe Minimalist

  • Why They'll Love It: two .03 diamonds, 14K gold band
  • Shipping: free on orders more than $75
  • Return Policy: free within 30 days

Maybe she likes to wear the same jewelry on the daily (a woman after our own heart). In that case, get her this dainty 14-karat gold diamond ring. It won’t oxidize or get discolored, so she can keep it on even while she’s taking a shower or working out. "I bought it for myself as a reward after giving birth to my second kid and I love it so much. It doesn’t bend and so far I had no problem with it getting stuck in my hair or my clothes," says shopper Marion Z.

hulu
Hulu

15. Hulu Subscription

For the TV Binger

  • Why They'll Love It: live TV shows day after airing, affordable subscription
  • Shipping: none
  • Return Policy: none

She’s been using her roommate’s Hulu login to catch up on The Bachelor for the past four years, but now it’s time for her to get her own account. Help her out by covering the first year of her subscription and she’ll be totally psyched. FYI: Plans start at $10/month, so a whole year will cost you $120.

college graduation brooklinen
Brooklinen

16. Brooklinen Super-Plush Towel Move-in Bundle

For the Grad With Good Taste

  • Why They'll Love It: Turkish cotton, 13-pieces
  • Shipping: free shipping on orders more than $100
  • Return Policy: one year, $10 return fee

If she’s been using the same scratchy bath towels since her freshman year, surprise her with an upgrade to this set made from one hundred percent Turkish cotton. After all, there’s nothing like premium bath linens to make you feel like a true adult (even if you’re still crashing with the rents for the time being).

17. Apple 11-inch iPad Pro

For the Artist

  • Why They'll Love It: up to 1 terabyte of storage, large screen
  • Shipping: free shipping, except Alaska
  • Return Policy: returnable within 90 days

The most advanced iPad models aren’t cheap, which is likely the reason why your favorite budding artist doesn’t already own one. Once he unwraps it and downloads the Procreate digital illustration app, you probably won’t see him for hours. Just make sure to get him an Apple Pencil to go with it too, otherwise he’ll be stuck drawing with his fingers. This model can be connected to Wi-Fi and is very slim and easy to travel with.

18. Winc Wine Subscription

For the Wine-Obsessed

  • Why They'll Love It: customizable, monthly deliveries
  • Shipping: free
  • Return Policy: none

Now that she’s graduating college, it’s probably time that she graduates from boxed wine, too. Get her started by gifting her a Winc wine subscription. After taking a quick palate quiz, the brand will recommend bottles that appeal to her taste preferences. From there, she can select exactly which ones she wants to receive for the month.

19. LG Home Theater Projector

For the Movie Buff

  • Why They'll Love It: bluetooth compatible, portable
  • Shipping: free
  • Return Policy: 30 days of delivery for full refund

A projector is an awesome grad gift because it’s something they probably want, but would never buy for themselves. This model from LG is designed to create a move theater-like experience at home, and offers two-and-a-half hours of battery life per charge so they can even set it up outside for a summer movie night if they want.

20. Sevsil Lustrations Custom Portrait

For the Grad Who Already Misses Her Friends

  • Why They'll Love It: customized, sentimental
  • Shipping: varies
  • Return Policy: varies

These digital portraits are all over TikTok, so chances are she’s already thought about ordering one of her and her besties. Pull a photo from her Instagram feed, send it to this artist and she’ll produce a pretty digital illustration of the group. Frame it and you have the graduation gift she didn’t know she wanted, but will immediately show off on her Instagram Story.

21. Ring Video Doorbell

For the Grad Who’ll Be Living Alone

  • Why They'll Love It: compatible with app, video saving options
  • Shipping: free
  • Return Policy: free within 30 days

Want to make sure your graduate feels secure in their new living arrangement? Set them up with this Ring Video Doorbell. It features motion detection and connects to an app on their phone, so they can see who’s at the door at all times. For extra peace of mind, you can connect it to your phone too so you know they’re safe. They'll be able to adjust the perimeter of camera view that notifies you to people who walk within view, which is great if they live in a high foot traffic area.

22. Gravity Cooling Weighted Blanket

For the Insomniac

  • Why They'll Love It: cooling, moisture-wicking
  • Shipping: two to eight business days, $5 to $10 based on weight of item
  • Return Policy: returnable within 30 days

Thanks to their soothing pressure, weighted blankets are ideal for lulling insomniacs to sleep. So while it may feel like a strange graduation gift at first, they’ll surely thank you after seeing how their sleep quality improves. This one from Gravity comes in three different weights: 15, 20 or 35 pounds—although we suggest starting with the lowest one if they’re not already used to sleeping with a weighted blanket, unless you're wanting it to be the width of your bed in which case, shop based on size. "I naturally am a great sleeper—but this gravity blanket makes me sleep even deeper. I feel so much more refreshed in the morning," reports one shopper.

23. Tory Burch Perry Leather Tote

For the Grad Who Needs a Work Bag

  • Why They'll Love It: fits a 13-inch laptop, long straps
  • Shipping: free standard, $20 next-day
  • Return Policy: free within 30 days

A color-block backpack may have been sufficient for hopping across campus from class to class, but a sleek leather tote is much more appropriate for the working world. This one from Tory Burch comes in eight pretty colorways, and features three interior compartments to keep belongings organized. Plus, it’s big enough to hold a 13-inch laptop.

24. Samsung Galaxy Chromebook

For the Grad Who Needs a New Laptop

  • Why They'll Love It: two color options, built-in pen
  • Shipping: free
  • Return Policy: free, varying times

If they got their current laptop as a high school graduation present, chances are it’s pretty slow these days. Help them upgrade to this Samsung Chromebook, which doubles as a tablet. According to one PureWow VP, editorial Candace Davison, it works so well that it convinced her to ditch her MacBook Air. " Given that its retail price is comparable to the Air, I'll be totally honest: It better. The Chromebook boots up in seconds, it weighs half a pound less (2.29 pounds vs. the Mac’s 2.8)," she mentions

25. Serene House Astro Electric Aromatherapy Diffuser

For the Grad in Need of a Little Relaxation

  • Why They'll Love It: sophisticated design, auto shutoff
  • Shipping: free
  • Return Policy: case by case basis

The transition from leading an independent life on campus to living under mom and dad’s roof (and therefore abiding by their house rules) is not an easy one. An essential oil diffuser (that doubles as a mini humidifier and nightlight) can help make their room feel like a mini oasis, that’s still entirely their own. Pair this gift with some calming essential oils to really hit it out of the park.

26. Amazon Gift Card

For the Grad Who Doesn’t Have Amazon Prime Yet

  • Why They'll Love It: they can buy a Prime membership, no expiration date
  • Shipping: varies
  • Return Policy: none

You can no longer gift an Amazon Prime membership, however, you can give your grad an Amazon gift card so they can open one themselves. Amazon does offer free Prime accounts for college students, but once that university email account closes, so too does their access to free two-day shipping. The annual cost of a membership is $139 per year, which breaks down to about $15 a month, so make sure your gift card has at least that much on it.

27. Slip Silk Pillowcase

For the Grad With Great Hair

  • Why They'll Love It: great for hair health, nine color options
  • Shipping: free standard shipping
  • Return Policy: new or gently used products within 30 days

A dreamy silk pillowcase is the perfect gift for any graduate who takes a serious approach to haircare. The 100-percent mulberry silk is gentle on skin and hair, meaning it won’t cause breakage and split ends over time like a cotton pillowcase might. (If you’re really feeling generous, pick up a matching silk sleep mask, as well.)

28. Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering The Elements Of Good Cooking by Samin Nosrat

For the Cooking Novice

  • Why They'll Love It: explains cooking steps, great recipes
  • Shipping: free
  • Return Policy: free returns within 30 days

This popular cookbook won’t just show them the necessary steps to bake a loaf of bread, it also explains why those steps are necessary and what exactly they’re meant to do. This way they can learn to become not just a good home cook, but a smart one, too. We realize recipes can be easily searched online within seconds, but sometimes there's nothing better than getting tips from the pages of a book of a bestseller.

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Milk Bar

29. Milk Bar The Sweetie

For the Grad With a Sweet Tooth

  • Why They'll Love It: cookies and truffles, cute tin
  • Shipping: varies based on location
  • Return Policy: none

The most delicious way to celebrate your favorite grad from afar? Send him this assortment of Milk Bar’s popular birthday cake truffles and cookies, which comes with six assorted cookies and a dozen delicious birthday cake truffles. Trust us, they’re way better than anything you could whip up from a box and mail yourself.

30. David Donahue Stripe Silk Tie

For the Job Hunter

  • Why They'll Love It: Italian silk, subtle texture
  • Shipping: free shipping
  • Return Policy: case by case basis

Odds are he owns exactly two ties: one splashed with his fraternity logo and the other featuring a naughty Christmas theme. Neither one is likely to impress a potential employer, but this classic blue-patterned one definitely stands a chance. It's made of 100 percent Italian silk and the pinstripes are slightly elevated to add a bit of texture to the surface. Just make sure he knows this tie needs to be dry cleaned only when washed, so he either needs to be very careful when he wears it, or just avoids food altogether when it's around his neck.

31. HelloFresh Subscription

For the Grad Who Was at the Dining Hall 24/7

  • Why They'll Love It: customizable to their preferences
  • Shipping: free shipping on 16 meals
  • Return Policy: not available

If he relied on the dining hall for all of his meals, living on his own is going to be a rude awakening. Soften the blow by signing him up for a HelloFresh subscription. This way, he’ll get pre-proportioned ingredients and clear recipe instructions delivered to him each week to make cooking for himself feel a bit less intimidating. Plus, then you can rest assured knowing he’s not eating ramen for every meal.

32. Therabox Self-care Subscription Box

For the Grad Who’s Stressed About Graduating

  • Why They'll Love It: eight full-sized products, relaxing
  • Shipping: $6 standard shipping, ships once a month
  • Return Policy: must contact seller

If she’s graduating without a job offer, she’s probably feeling the pressure to get something lined up ASAP. Remind her to take some time to relax by signing her up for this self-care subscription box. Each month, she’ll get tools for a therapeutic stress-relieving activity, plus seven self-care items delivered straight to her door. You can pick from a single box, three month subscription, six month subscription or 12 month subscription.

33. Ray-Ban Erika Classic 54mm Sunglasses

For the Trendsetter

  • Why They'll Love It: keyhole bridge, metal temples
  • Shipping: free standard shipping
  • Return Policy: case by case basis

Give your favorite fashion lover these sophisticated sunnies just in time for summer, and you’re sure to earn some brownie points. Also, you’re required to write that these shades are “for a future so bright” in the card. Sorry, we don’t make the rules. Plus, they have UV protection, so they'll actually block out the sun instead of just looking nice.

34. Philips Smartsleep Sleep And Wake Up Light Therapy Lamp

For the Early Riser

  • Why They'll Love It: phone charging dock, gently wakes them up with sunrise light
  • Shipping: free shipping
  • Return Policy: free returns within 3o days

Waking up to start their day is much easier and also much more pleasant with this alarm clock that mimics sunrise. The light gradually intensifies to gently rouse them from sleep rather than jolting them out of REM with loud beeping. They can also add a sound to gently wake them up as well for a relaxing, calming experience as she's awaking. The brand also mentions it's recommended by physicians and pharmacists for a healthy night's sleep.

35. Things They Don’t Teach You In School Game

For the Life-Long Learner

  • Why They'll Love It: can play with two or more friends, funny
  • Shipping: free shipping
  • Return Policy: free returns within 30 days

The international economics major might know all the ins and outs of how the stock market works, but do they know why the Mona Lisa doesn’t have eyebrows? This hilarious card game is chock full of facts so random, everyone who plays is bound to learn something new. They can play with two or more friends, and we recommend maybe even adding wine so they can entertain with a nice bottle, too.

36. Cravings: All Together: Recipes To Love by Chrissy Teigen

For the Grad Who Loves Dinner Parties

  • Why They'll Love It: more than 200 pages of recipes, colorful vibe
  • Shipping: free standard shipping
  • Return Policy: free returns within 30 days

Cooking for yourself is way more fun if you’ve got a celeb chef (and her recipes) in your corner. Plus, Teigen has been known to regularly comment on fan food pics, meaning they might just get a shout out from the queen of Twitter herself. "I've used this book many times for cooking, and it's a fun way to feel like you're Martha Stewart (ahem, I mean Chrissy Teigen)," jokes commerce editor Olivia Dubyak.

37. Cavepop 5-piece Picture Frame Set

For the Sentimental Grad

  • Why They'll Love It: comes with five, 5x7 size
  • Shipping: free shipping
  • Return Policy: $4.99 return fee for orders under $35, must be returned within 30 days of delivery

They’ve made tons of great memories (and taken thousands of pictures) during their college years. So why not give them this set of five frames as a reminder to print some of those photos out and display them? If you want to take it one step further, you can even pull some photos straight from their Instagram and frame them yourself. Then, all they’ll have to worry about is hanging them up.

38. Oak & Luna Personalized Necklace

For the Grad With the Ever-Growing Jewelry Collection

  • Why They'll Love It: customizable, sleek
  • Shipping: varies
  • Return Policy: varies

Design a piece embossed with her initials, birthday or graduation date. Or opt for a sweet message that will make her smile every time she wears it. No matter how many necklaces she already has, this minimalist one is sure to become a staple in her wardrobe. The box chain is very sleek and upscale looking and looks stunning with the rectangular pendent, so she will feel proud flaunting this necklace on a daily basis.

39. Apple Watch Series 8

For the Techie

  • Why They'll Love It: upgraded safety features, new health tracking functions
  • Shipping: free shipping
  • Return Policy: free returns within 30 days

It used to be that a quality watch was the go-to graduation gift. Now, a smartwatch is the way to go. The Apple Watch Series 8 is the newest model, so your grad is sure to geek out over it and show it off to all their friends. To be fair, it’s pretty similar to previous versions, but has a new blood oxygen levels sensor and offers insight on ovulation patterns. "I was in a bad car accident in December and my watch detected my crash and alerted my emergency contacts and first responders immediately, which was a life saver since my cell phone was ejected from the vehicle," says commerce editor Olivia Dubyak.

40. Courant Catch Wireless Charger

For the Grad Who’s Constantly Glued to Their Phone

  • Why They'll Love It: minimalist design, compatible with most smart devices
  • Shipping: free shipping
  • Return Policy: free returns within 30 days

A constantly dead phone battery wasn’t fun to deal with in college, but it’s a major no-no once they enter the real world and need to let their boss (or their mama) know if they’re running late. This sleek wireless charger won't impede on their sleek home decor since it's such a minimal design. It's compatible for many Apple and Android designs as well as smart watches and bluetooth earbuds. Plus, it comes in eight colors. It also has a charger so it can be recharged and then placed wherever they desire.

41. Drunk Elephant The Littles Kit

For the Skincare Fanatic

  • Why They'll Love It: comes with carrier, six travel-size products
  • Shipping: standard shipping $6.95
  • Return Policy: you cover shipping, can return in-store or via mail

She knows Drunk Elephant skincare is the best of the best, but it hasn’t exactly been within her budget over the past four years. Treat her to this set, so she can sample six travel sizes of the brand’s most popular products and decide what’s actually worth splurging on when she gets her first adult paycheck.

42. Modern Picnic The Luncher

For the Grad Who’ll Be Going Into the Office

  • Why They'll Love It: sleek design, insulated
  • Shipping: free ground shipping
  • Return Policy: $10 restocking fee, within 30 days

The last time they carried a lunch box it had Thomas the Tank Engine on the front. We’d say it’s time for an office-appropriate upgrade. This lunch box doubles as a chic purse, so they can impress their coworkers from day one. It's insulated and has plenty of room for your lunch and maybe an extra snack.

43. Rent The Runway Subscription

For the Grad in Need of a New Wardrobe

  • Why They'll Love It: can rent three times a month, versatile styles
  • Shipping: free
  • Return Policy: free

They’re entering into a whole new phase of life, one where the sorority semi-formal dress collection may no longer be appropriate. On the other hand, they’re unlikely to have a ton of spare cash for new suits and impressive workwear. Enter Rent the Runway. It’s eco-friendly, easy to use and gives them the tools to always look the part.

44. Target Gift Card

For the Grad Who Orders Everything Online

  • Why They'll Love It: can buy what they want, cute designs
  • Shipping: free shipping over $35
  • Return Policy: not returnable

They will most definitely use this gift card, whether it’s to stock up on new novels, basic home goods or some office-appropriate shoes. If you can’t attend graduation IRL, just select the gift card amount and have it shipped straight to their doorstep. Choose from $10+ amounts for the gift card for them to shop whatever they're interested in buying for themselves.

archer and olive cat1
Archer and Olive

45. Archer And Olive Subscription Box

For the Grad With a Scary Daily To-Do List

  • Why They'll Love It: new items each quarter, fun things to look forward to
  • Shipping: starting at $8, free for orders over $150
  • Return Policy: cannot return once a box has been billed and shipped

We wish we knew about the Archer and Olive subscription box when we graduated. Each month, your recent grad can look forward to sleek new notebooks, fancy gel pens and more thoughtfully selected items that will help them de-stress from their day.

46. The Solo Travel Handbook by Lonely Planet

For the Adventurer

  • Why They'll Love It: tips for traveling alone, gives a planning timeline
  • Shipping: free delivery
  • Return Policy: free within 30 days

We’re willing to bet your recent grad is itching to go traveling right about now. Even if their next trip isn't for a while, this book will be super useful. It’s an excellent guide to making the most out of both the planning process and the trip itself.

47. Ramona & Ruth Daily Overview Notepad

For the Planner

  • Why They'll Love It: includes 50 pages, easy to track tasks
  • Shipping: varies based on location
  • Return Policy: returned within 15 days of delivery

Whether their days ahead will consist of working in an office, bouncing between odd jobs or crafting cover letters, this notepad is just what they need to ensure that all their daily to-dos actually get done. “This notepad is EVERYTHING! I love to write down everything I have going on throughout the day but never find that planners have enough space,” writes one reviewer.

48. A Bouquet Of Flowers

For the Hard-to-Shop-For Grad

  • Why They'll Love It: can be planted, arranged with succulents
  • Shipping: varies based on location
  • Return Policy: none

When in doubt, go with a gorgeous vase of blooms. This particular bouquet features alstroemeria, solidago and aster, plus a succulent that she can plant once the flowers have seen better days.

49. Professional Troublemaker: The Fear-fighter Manual by Luvvie Ajayi Jones

For the Avid Reader

  • Why They'll Love It: funny, self help
  • Shipping: $4 for standard shipping
  • Return Policy: returnable within 14 days

This New York Times best-seller is a funny and poignant series of essays all about conquering your fears. No matter what they have planned for the months following graduation, Jones’s words will give them some much-needed guidance on how to start building a life they’re excited about.

50. Audio-Technica Stereo Turntable

For the Old-School Music Lover

  • Why They'll Love It: can connect to a stereo for louder play, plastic protecting cover
  • Shipping: free shipping
  • Return Policy: free returns within 15 days of receipt

Give his vintage vinyl collection a modern upgrade with this impressive stereo system that sounds every bit as good as it looks. Nearly 800 five-star reviewers say it’s easy to set up, high quality and sounds amazing.

51. Bloomscape Monstera

For the Grad With a Green Thumb

  • Why They'll Love It: easy care, sleek pot
  • Shipping: free shipping on orders more than $150
  • Return Policy: not available

Whether they’re moving into their own place or camping out in their childhood bedroom for a few months while they figure out their next move, any plant lover will appreciate a new addition to their collection. We recommend this Monstera, since it can thrive in a variety of different settings.

52. The New Wine Rules: A Genuinely Helpful Guide To Everything You Need To Know by Jon Bonne

For the Aspiring Sommelier

  • Why They'll Love It: tips on picking wine, tips on drinking wine
  • Shipping: free shipping
  • Return Policy: free returns within 30 days

It’s time they learn a little something more about wining and dining. You know, beyond just, “If it’s pink, I’m in.” This guide contains simple advice on how to choose a quality wine—hint: It’s not all about the price.

53. Amy Heitman Thank You Boxed Card Set

For the Grad With Good Manners

  • Why They'll Love It: gold foil accents, includes envelopes
  • Shipping: standard $6.95 to $15.95
  • Return Policy: free returns within 30 days

Job number one after graduation: writing thank-you notes to everyone who has sent a gift. So you can expect to see one of these cute cards again in the near future. You'll want to grab her a few sets of these cards since they only come with eight (envelopes included). (Psst, if you’re feeling very generous you can also add a book of stamps.)

54. Modernchamp Adjustable Standing Desk

For the WFH Newbie

  • Why They'll Love It: adjustable height, compatible with under desk treadmill
  • Shipping: free shipping
  • Return Policy: $4.99 return fee for orders under $35, must be returned within 30 days of delivery

Many jobs are still onboarding their employees remotely, which means there’s a pretty good chance your grad will be starting from their home...at least for a few months. Gift them this adjustable standing desk so they’re set up for success. It functions as a traditional desk, but can be raised later in the day if their back is starting to hurt from all that sitting.

55. Fossil Leather Wallet

For the Grad Who Needs a New Wallet

  • Why They'll Love It: leather, eight card slots
  • Shipping: free shipping
  • Return Policy: free returns

Don't allow him to go off into the adult world with a wallet made of duct tape. Made from leather and featuring plenty of card slots (because who carries cash anymore?), this design will last him years to come. It has a sleek silhouette and won't bulge out of his pocket or wear out instantly.

56. Jason Markk ‘Essential’ Shoe Cleaning Kit

For the Sneakerhead

  • Why They'll Love It: compact, comes with a case
  • Shipping: free shipping
  • Return Policy: case by case basis

They don’t necessarily need a new pair of kicks, but their favorite white sneakers could use a touch-up. This easy-to-use cleaning kit is like a gift that keeps on giving. From the soft brush to the quick wipes, the kit has everything you need to get rid of any dirt or lack-luster looking material in seconds.

18 AAPI-Owned Fashion Brands to Shop for the Coolest Clothes, Bags and Shoes


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Why You Should Trust UsWhy You Should Trust Us

PureWow is the best friend you never had when it comes to finding the best, most useful lifestyle products online. Founded in 2010, our company’s editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which ones are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series, which sees each and every item we test being ranked on a 100-point scale of awesomeness, to the painstakingly curated lists our fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family editors create as vertical experts, you can trust that our recommendations include some of the greatest items you’ll find on the internet. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.


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Editor

Abby Hepworth is an RRCA-certified running coach who has worked in fashion for over 10 years. Want to know what shoes are in this season? She's got you. Need recommendations on...

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Commerce Editor

Olivia Dubyak is PureWow's Commerce Editor and textbook Capricorn. She studied journalism at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but has gone from New York City to...