Best Graduation Gifts for Him
Celebrate His Big Day with These Great Gifts for Grads
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Graduation is an emotional time. He’s just finished what are slated to be some of the best years of his life, and it’s time for him to bid adieu to his days of frat parties, library all-nighters, dorm room living, and all things collegiate.
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As a result of the pandemic, the graduation day experience might be different from the norm for the Class of 2022, but that is all the more reason to find a way to make this occasion feel special, and celebrate all your graduate has accomplished with a thoughtful college graduation gift.
If you think about it, new grads are debatably some of the easiest people to shop for. They’ve spent the last four years working their butts off to get their degree, so the way we see it, you can either treat them to something that will help them commemorate the time or gift them an item that will help them prepare for the #adulting that lies ahead.
Because the under-eye bags and an all-ramen, all-the-time diet just aren’t as endearing if you don’t have finals to blame for it, we’ve curated the ultimate graduation gift guide that will help ease the transition into adulthood. From travel accessories to style subscriptions and kitchen tools, these graduation gift ideas for men will help prepare him for this new chapter in his life.
Without further fanfare, here’s how to spoil the heck out of the graduating guy in your life.
Top Graduation Gift Ideas for Men
BOSS Brushed Stainless-Steel Watch
BOSS
If you’re looking for a great gift for the college grad that he will treasure for years to come, consider a timeless watch. This watch from BOSS, featuring a top-stitched leather strap and mineral crystal face, has just the right mix of sleek details and simple design to carry him from the boardroom to beers with the boys.
$140 at HugoBoss.com
YETI Personalized Tumbler
Durable and designed to maintain a drink’s temp for hours on end, this YETI Tumbler is the kind of item your recent grad will reach for daily. And to make it a personalized gift, you can add his graduation year or alma mater logo to the outside.
$38 at Yeti.com
Breville Precision Brewer Coffee Maker
Even though he’s closing the book on academia, there’s one thing he won’t leave behind from his college days: coffee. In the working world, mornings are going to feel just as early as those 8 a.m. classes did so a decent coffee maker is essential. This model from Breville comes packed with a number of settings so he can prepare everything from a classic cup of Joe to a cold brew.
$329.95 at Amazon.com
Audible Subscription
No matter if he plans to walk, ride the subway or drive to his new gig, make his commute a little more engaging with an Audible membership. Whether it’s celebrity-narrated fiction or a read-by-the-author memoir, tuning into an audiobook will serve as the perfect way to kick and cap off his day.
$14.95/month (After 30-day free trial) at Audible.com
Bellroy Hide & Seek Leather Wallet
One of the signs of a true gentleman? A really suave wallet. The slim fit of Bellroy’s leather wallet will fit smoothly into the pocket of any jean, pant, or sportcoat without leaving an unsightly bulge. And for extra peace of mind, the lining is RFID enabled to protect his personal information.
$69 at Amazon.com
The New York Times Cooking No-Recipe Recipes
Featuring recipes for pasta and rice dishes to tacos and s’mores, this cookbook serves as a convenient tool for the novice chef to get a little meal inspiration. All 100 recipes keep things simple and break down the steps in a clear way so the whole cooking or baking process doesn’t feel intimidating.
$14.99 at Amazon.com
Brooklinen Sheets
Sure, this might not seem like the most exciting graduation gift, but trust us, after just one night’s rest with these bad boys he’ll be wondering why he didn’t request them sooner. Brooklinen’s lightweight sheets are composed of 100 percent long-staple cotton and designed to stay cool and fresh throughout the night.
From $139 at Brooklinen.com
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Reserve Bar Engraved Liquor Gift
Since he likely purchased whatever liquor was the cheapest in his college days, now’s the time to upgrade his bar cart with high-quality spirits. Whether he’s into rum, whiskey, tequila, or a little bit of everything, Reserve Bar has a wide selection of boozy gifts for grads that can be custom engraved for an extra special touch.
From $37 at ReserveBar.com
Philips Air Fryer
Is your favorite grad’s new pad lacking when it comes to kitchen appliances? Philips’ Air Fryer is ready to solve that. Not only does this gadget allow you to prepare traditionally fried foods with up to 90% less fat, but it can bake, roast, and grill as well.
$349.95 at Philips.com
iPad Air 2022
Apple
Unless his work requires him to have a computer or laptop, he might not really need one now. With an iPad, he can do everything from surfing the net and scrolling through social media to streaming his favorite TV series and reading e-books.
From $599 at Apple.com
Shutterfly Photo Book
A photo book serves as a great way to bring digital images to life and commemorate a momentous occasion. While you might not have access to the crazy college pics in his iCloud library, you can always reach out to his buddies for some image input. Shutterfly gives you the option to create a photo book yourself or you can submit all your photos and it will take care of the rest.
Find out more at Shutterfly.com
MeUndies
High-class comfort without the pretentiousness of most luxury brands, MeUndies offers a unique package. Made from micro modal, which is twice as soft as cotton, MeUndies underwear (available in briefs, boxer briefs, and trunks) is breathable, comfortable, and even scores some solid style points.
From $16 at MeUndies.com
Roku Streambar
Now that he might have an actual TV and he isn’t watching all of his shows on his laptop, this Roku Streambar makes for a perfect gift. In addition to providing a platform that gives him access to all his favorite streaming apps, the Streambar offers a clear, full sound, so he doesn’t have to worry about purchasing a pricey entertainment speaker system.
$99 at Amazon.com
Airbnb Gift Card
His post-graduation travel plans might be put on hold as a result of the current pandemic but he can still plan ahead for future globetrotting adventures. The great graduation gift of an Airbnb gift card will serve him well when he does venture off. He can put the funds towards a place to stay or an Airbnb experience.
Find out more at Airbnb.com
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Apple Watch Series 7
Apple
Between finding a “grown-up” place to live and searching for a “real” job, the months following graduation can be hectic. To ensure he stays organized and on top of it all, you’ll want to give him a gadget that can keep up with his fast-paced lifestyle. The Apple Watch is just the ticket. Not only can he effortlessly text and answer calls straight from his watch, but he can also stream music and track his health and fitness.
From $399 at Apple.com
Grounds & Hounds Coffee Subscription
He’s got the coffee machine, now he needs the beans. With a Grounds and Hounds subscription, you can ensure the new grad always has fresh coffee (100 percent Arabica, specialty grade coffee specifically) on hand and give back to shelter dogs in the process.
From $14.99 at GroundsAndHoundsCoffee.com
Sonos Roam
While he may have relied on his smartphone speaker for all his listening needs over the past four years, it’s time he upgraded to the real deal. The Sonos Roam speaker provides a rich, high-quality sound and it’s incredibly durable with an ip67 waterproof rating so he doesn’t have to worry about being too careful with it.
$179 at Sonos.com
Lululemon ABC Joggers
He might be noticing the holes in his everyday closet as he transitions from wearing the same sweatshirt for a week to interview-appropriate shirts, but his workout wardrobe is likely due for an upgrade, too. These ABC (anti-ball crushing) Joggers from lululemon live up to their name. Whether running on a track or running errands, their four-way stretch will allow him to move effortlessly.
$128 at Lululemon.com
HeadSpace App Membership
No matter if he’s applying to grad school or job hunting, embarking on his next adventure is sure to get stressful sometimes. Give him some tools that will serve him well in the long run with the unique gift of Headspace app membership. Featuring guided meditations, sleep assistance, calming workouts, and more, this app is sure to be put to great use in the coming months.
From $12.99/month at Headspace.com
Mark & Graham Harvey Leather Briefcase
His school bag or backpack will still come in handy in his day-to-day life, but when he’s going for a more professional vibe this timeless leather briefcase is the way to go. It is equipped with all the essential features: several compartments, padded laptop sleeve, adjustable straps, and you can also add a subtle foil monogram to it for a personalized touch.
From $299 at MarkandGraham.com
Leatherman OHT Multi-Tool
It never hurts to be prepared. It also never hurts to have a multitool on hand. From tackling loose screws to cutting plastic packaging, this grad gift will be put to great use at home, in the car, or on outdoor adventures.
$89.95 at Amazon.com
NCAA Coaster Set
Not only will these stainless steel NCAA coasters bring a touch of his Alma mater team spirit to his place, they’ll help prevent him from developing water rings on his ‘grown-up’ furniture.
$16.03 at Amazon.com
Harry’s Shaving Subscription
He may have been able to pull off a wild beard in his college days, when he could blame long days in the library on his lack of grooming, but now it’s time to tame it a little. With Harry’s shaving subscription he will receive a regular supply of high-quality razors and shaving cream or gel to keep his facial hair trim and tidy.
Find out more at Harrys.com
Casper Light
His sleep habits have probably been lacking for the past few years. Help your grad make up for lost time with the Casper Glow Light. This portable light is designed to lull him to sleep in the p.m. and gently wake him up in the a.m., by gradually dimming and brightening respectively.
Starting at $129 at Casper.com
DEKOPRO 100 Piece Home Repair Tool Set
No matter where he lives, it never hurts to have a toolset packed with the essentials. Featuring hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, and more, this 100-piece set will help with the big and small projects and problems around his place.
$37.49 at Amazon.com
Hill Flint College Sweatshirt
Souvenir clothing gifts are great for sentimental value, but all too often they end up sitting in the back of the closet unworn. HillFlint seeks to change that. Its options provide a more stylish take on the traditional college sweater. Styles range from cashmere hoodies to retro stripe cotton knits, so you can easily find one that reflects his personality and taste.
From $50 at HillFlint.com
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Hello Fresh
Designed to take the stress out of shopping and cooking a healthy, balanced meal, Hello Fresh’s weekly box delivers two-person portions of all the ingredients needed for three meals. Regardless of whether his cooking skills stop at making toast or if he’s well on his way to making a mouth-watering meal, one of the perks of Hello Fresh is that it teaches a variety of basic (and more advanced) foundational cooking skills.
Find out more at HelloFresh.com
Samsung Galaxy Buds+
Those flimsy, wired headphones just aren’t going to cut it anymore. No matter if he’s working out or working in an office, this set of Bluetooth wireless earbuds from Samsung will allow him to tune into his playlists or podcasts and focus on the task at hand, without pesky cords getting in his way.
$159.99 at Amazon.com
Think Again – Adam Grant
He’s going to be facing a lot of new challenges and situations in his post-grad life and while he should enter them with confidence, being willing to learn and unlearn are important as well. This book, written by Organizational psychologist Adam Grant, which looks at the importance of staying curious is something he’ll likely crack open again and again in the coming years.
$16.75 at Amazon.com
Care/of Vitamin Subscription
If he’s been living off Doritos and ramen for the past couple of years it’s time he makes his nutrition a priority. That’s where Care/of comes in. With a subscription to Care/of he will receive a monthly supply of packets filled with vitamins, minerals, supplements specifically chosen to meet his needs.
Find out more at TakeCareof.com
Great Jones Family Style Pots and Pans Set
Since that cheap pot and pan set he bought back in his freshman year are probably ready to be kicked to the curb, this gift couldn’t come at a better time. This high-quality set of five pots and pans from Great Jones has everything he needs to prepare meals at home for years to come. It is available in several different colorways and the lids can be custom engraved.
$495 at GreatJones.com
Grand Trunk Ultralight Hammock
He’s been cramming for tests, writing essays, and reading textbooks for years, he deserves to take a break and kick up his feet. And what better spot to do it in than a breezy hammock? This hammock can be packed up to the size of a softball when not in use, and its mildew-resistant fabric means it will hold up for several seasons.
$29.99 Cabelas.com
Away Carry-On Suitcase
His post-grad travel plans might be on hold, but it never hurts to be prepared. The Away carry-on has built up a cult-like following thanks to its unique two-compartment design, built-in charging capabilities, TSA-approved lock, and 360-degree wheels.
$225 at AwayTravel.com
Enno Vatti Scratch-Off Maps
If he’s got lofty travel goals for the future you can’t go wrong with this gift. As he takes adventures over the years he can scratch off his destinations and it will serve as a piece of decor for the home, too.
$25.97 at Amazon.com
Hurom H101 Easy Clean Slow Juicer
It might be tough for him to get his daily dose of fresh fruits and veggies in when he’s busy acclimating to post-grad life and a grownup job. Luckily, this juicer from Hurom can help. In addition to using slow squeeze technology to ensure juice stays fresh and in its most natural state, this juicer was designed with easy cleaning top of mind.
$499 at Hurom.com
Tonal
This great gift is definitely a splurge, but if he isn’t planning to get a gym membership it could save him in the long run. Not only does the Tonal come with an extensive library of workouts but its built-in weight tools gauge your strength level and adjust to fit your specific needs – the fact that it doesn’t take up a ton of square footage doesn’t hurt either.
$149/month or $2,995 at Tonal.com
Yesglasses Blue Light Glasses
Blue light glasses are all the rage these days – and for good reason. Not only do they help prevent eye strain from the blue light emitted by tech devices, but they also can help block out irritants in the air. Whether he has a prescription or not, the useful gift of a pair of blue light glasses will be put to good use in his future work position and downtime playing video games, too.
Find out more at YesGlasses.com
Indochino Custom Suit
With college graduation comes job interviews, and with job interviews comes the necessity to dress sharp. Once his diploma is in hand, no longer will a plaid shirt and jeans pass for formal. While this suit isn’t the flashiest item on the list, he’ll thank you in the long run when he scores his first out-of-school office gig.
Find out more at Indochino.com
Any one of these graduation gift ideas for men is sure to be a hit with the 2022 grad in your life. Don’t forget to take time to celebrate him and this momentous occasion, he deserves it!
