55 Best Graduation Gifts In 2024, From Personalized To Practical

Don’t underestimate the power of a good rice cooker, like Zojirushi’s top-rated 5-cup version. Because of its compact size and plethora of smart settings (like the Fuzzy Logic technology that auto-adjusts heating time, and offers functions for specific foods like brown rice and porridge), this two-in-one cooker and warmer is the perfect gift for graduates who crave filling comfort food but have super-busy schedules.

For tea, ramen or whatever else they’ll need boiling water for, they’ll appreciate this chic whistling tea kettle, which is available in three colors, including the pictured Empire Red. Made from lightweight stainless steel and finished with porcelain enamel inside to prevent rust, this tea kettle boils water quickly while looking stylish on your stovetop.

No matter where their post-grad travels lead, this colorful trail running shoe will keep them balanced as they explore the world. This unique style (available in both women’s and men’s and regular and wide sizes) is supportive, durable and features some of the footwear brand’s beloved performance perks, including a protective toe cap and a super-grippy outsole. It also landed the top spot in our Best Trail Running Shoes round-up.

This cult-favorite duffle bag by Calpak is perfect for a quick weekend away or even just a trip to the gym. It comes in a handful of classic and bright colors and is equipped with nine pockets to help with organization, including a separate zone for your shoes.

Nothing helps get you out of bed in the morning like the promise of a warm cup of coffee. Whether your grad needs a little help with their morning routine or they’re moving into their first place, a good coffee machine is a must. This popular model from OXO is our pick for the best drip coffee maker overall. It’s easy to use, has a programmable timer, a sleek aesthetic and—most importantly—makes a delicious cup of joe.

There’s something striking about this deceptively minimalist dinnerware set from Hawkins New York. Maybe it’s the gorgeous colors it comes in, the subtle rippling finish or the uniquely raised edges. One thing’s for sure: The grad in your life will be happy to receive such a beautiful, sturdy dining set—that also happens to be oven and dishwasher safe.

It won't dent your wallet, but this sweet bookmark is worth its weight in thoughtfulness. It's made from stainless steel and is inscribed with encouraging words for your new grad as they embark on their next adventure. We also adore the 2024 hanging charm, which elevates this keepsake.

Who can say no to a box of gourmet cookies, especially when they’re packaged in a pretty tin like this one? Filled with nine cookies of varying scrumptious flavors—including snickerdoodle, chocolate chip with sea salt and double chocolate chip—your grad will have a cookie for each craving when it strikes. Better yet: This set is available in vegan and gluten-free varieties.

This aptly named “Adulting” offering from Anecdote Candles is right on the money for a recent grad. Emblazoned with the message, “Smells like early nights and steady paychecks,” it’ll make them laugh and make their space smell nice as they get some work done, thanks to earthy notes of fig, sandalwood and grapefruit.

Nothing compliments a cool fit like a cozy pair of slides. These best-selling Birkenstocks are lightweight, waterproof and super comfortable. Couple this gift with an oversized sweatshirt and a moisturizing facial oil for a foolproof self-care bundle.

For a classic grad gift that doesn’t come off as cheesy, this mug is a great option. Choose from phrases like “The best is yet to come” and “Make it happen,” which are scrawled across the white porcelain in simple black script. There’s a lot of caffeine in their future—they might as well drink it out of something with sentiment.

Girl dinner may be trending, but it’s nothing new. If your recent grad loves a snack board moment, this tinned-fish trio is the perfect place to start. Fishwife produces carefully curated and sustainably-sourced tinned fish in oh-so-cute packaging that’s perfect for gifting. You can even sign up for a regular subscription to keep their pantry stocked. Add in a gorgeous wooden cutting board to step the gift up a notch.

These coveted weights are the perfect gift for a fitness-loving grad who loves to stay on top of the trends. You can attach the weights to your wrists or ankles to add a little extra resistance to your regular workout—and look good doing it; they come in a handful of chic colors.

Baggu’s sustainable totes are perfect for anyone seeking a chic but practical everyday bag. This zippered option is an updated version of the beloved Horizontal Duck Bag. It has adjustable straps, interior pockets and a zip top. The bag is also big enough to hold a 15-inch Macbook, so it’s perfect for toting around campus.

While graduating means the start of a new chapter, it’s also full of goodbyes. A polaroid camera will help your grad capture some fond memories on their way to making new ones. This popular Fujifilm instant camera is modeled after a retro polaroid but comes with a few modern upgrades: It’s compact, easy to use and comes in several fun colors.

Whether it’s for their first adult apartment or for their dorm room, Baublebar’s personalized knitted blanket quite literally has your favorite grad’s name on it. A fun gift that comes in a variety of contrasting colors, you can deck it out with their full name or initials in a snappy striped font. If it’s heading to college with them in the fall, it’ll never be mistaken as their roommate’s. Bonus points for being machine washable.

Any grad will appreciate an upgrade to their laptop case, and this slim leather sleeve from Leatherology is certainly sleek. It’s available in three sizes and comes in nine colors, including classic neutrals and brighter shades, plus you can choose from three styles of monogram for an extra personal touch.

Blanket robes have been around for a while, but this one from Casper is certainly the most stylish option we’ve seen yet. The puffy cotton design is blissfully machine washable and features oversized sleeves as well as convenient pockets. The perfect combination of duvet meets coat, it’s great for wandering around the dorm or, dare we say, venturing out to the dining hall—without ever feeling like they left their bed.

Dorm life doesn't have to equal cold takeout or ramen every night—especially when you gift them Proctor Silex's 2.2-Quart Air Fryer. This little gadget features an intuitive knob that functions as both a timer and a temperature dial (from 200 to 400 degrees). The fryer also uses 900 watts of power, so it can quickly and thoroughly cook between one to three servings of everything from nuggets to veggies to baked goods. Plus, the machine will barely take up any space in their dorm room or first apartment.

The post-grad world is full of possibility, and this candle will inspire them to follow their dreams as their plot begins in adulthood. Of course, it doesn’t only celebrate their main character status—it also smells amazing, with invigorating notes of sandalwood, musk, plum and eucalyptus. Let the romanticizing of the real world begin.

A cool and contemporary take on the traditional letter necklace, this PDPaola pendant plays with negative space by featuring a small zirconia initial that floats inside a gold-plated sterling silver octagonal frame. Super lightweight and minimalist, the silhouette is as unique as your favorite grad.

Whether or not they already have a big post-grad trip booked, this polished passport case will inspire them to get out there and see the world this summer. Made from vegan leather, it comes in five colors and can be customized with a shadow-printed monogram. You can actually choose from a whopping 30 personalization styles featuring different fonts, colors and graphics to send them on their travels with the one that best suits their personality.

So your college grad is transitioning from a dorm room to a place of their own—complete with their own kitchen. They'll appreciate a recipe book that’s comprehensive but also easy to follow. Enter: How To Cook Everything by Mark Bittman, which (true to its title) features an abundance of recipes and variations thereof, from slow-simmered beef chili to eggs poached in tomato sauce to one-pot pastas. It has also been recently updated to include gorgeous photos and helpful visual guides.

Whether they’re tense from a long day at their new desk job or stressed out from grad school applications, this portable and powerful massage gun will come in handy. The Hypervolt Go 2, available in black and gray, uses either a flat or bullet head and percussive massage in three speeds to loosen knots and tense areas. Vetted gift writer Fran Sales has been using hers for two years now—and between barre and boxing classes, the gym and general city living, she can attest that this mini massage gun continues to be a godsend.

Any tech-loving grad will appreciate this Wi-Fi–enabled bedside lamp. Not only does it have a compact and minimalist design, but it encourages better sleep patterns thanks to its various ambient lighting options, sunset dimming and gradual sunrise alarms that can be controlled through the Loftie app. Consider it a nice way to ease them into real world mornings to come.

Sometimes the best gifts are the most practical. If your grad is setting off on their own for the first time, this home tool kit has all of the essentials (and then some). It’s our pick for the best overall tool set and includes everything you need to handle basic home projects.

Any college grad will need some proper barware as they leave the days of red plastic cups behind them. Each of the four William Yeoward crystal shot glasses in this set feature a unique, intricate design, making them a go-to gift among décor devotees like event designer Jung Lee, who considers them a favorite at her New York City store.

Form meets function with the Beast Blender. This editor-approved personal blender, which made our list of the best blenders for being ideal for small kitchens, is chic and powerful, perfect for whipping up a smoothie or blending together a quick sauce. It’s also delightfully compact and looks nice enough to keep out on the counter if you don’t want to store it away.

For the grad who feels a sense of triumph crossing off items on their to-do list, this Smythson notebook is the grown-up answer to post-it notes. Bound in cross grain lambskin that’s stamped with the phrase “make it happen” and featuring gilt-edged paper, it’s a lightweight must-have that they’ll always keep on hand.

Smithey’s deep skillet is a luxe addition to the kitchen of any post-college grad working on their culinary skills. Heavier than your standard fry pan, the ironware is meant to last for generations—which means they can steam, simmer, braise and pan fry to their heart’s desire without wearing it out. Have it engraved with their name or a personal message on the bottom for a gift they’ll cherish for years.

If you’re shopping for a grad who likes each piece of jewelry to have meaning behind it, this 14kt gold necklace from Stella & Dot’s new Covet fine jewelry collection will be a winner. The double arrow symbol—which is hand-set with natural diamonds—stands for intention, and will encourage them to be thoughtful in their future endeavors. Make it a set with the matching bracelet.

The Apple Watch is one of the best smartwatches available for iPhone users. It delivers Apple’s trademark sleek look and a powerful, user-friendly interface. You’ll get all the classic features—an always-on display, blood-oxygen measurement, crack-resistant glass and a robust selection of apps—as well as new offerings, like temperature sensors, water resistance up to 50 meters and faster charging.

These cult-favorite travel containers are both fun and functional, meaning that they help keep you organized even when you’re on the go. The capsules are leakproof, magnetic and TSA-compliant. They’re also completely customizable, down to the color and individual labels. Bundle them with a dopp kit for a thoughtful travel-themed gift.

Signet rings are having a major resurgence, so why not treat the grad in your life to one? Everyone loves a personalized gift, and the bold initial design of this 14kt solid gold style by Mejuri will make an elegant addition to any jewelry box.

The Airstrait is the latest and greatest option from Dyson. And if it follows in the footsteps of its predecessors—the Dyson Airwrap and the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer—it just might become the next haircare staple. The tool combines a blowdryer and straightener into a single powerful tool that won’t damage your strands.

Glossier’s products are simple and understated—exactly what you want from skincare. This set includes its three beloved, vitamin-packed serums: Super Bounce, Super Glow and Super Pure. You really can’t go wrong with any of the brand’s bestsellers, but this trio is a great way to introduce a little extra luxury into your grad’s daily routine.

The beautifully crafted Shard Hoop earrings from Paradise Feathers will fit right in with your stylish grad’s accessory collection. These uniquely shaped earrings are available in multiple stone and hoop options, like Emerald Birita (pictured) and Transparent Quartz for the stones, or 14k yellow gold and 925 Sterling silver for the hoops. Plus, the earrings are hypoallergenic and ethically produced.

If their post-grad job requires a lot of travel, they’ll be needing some new luggage to tote around at the airport. Treat them to this stylish, sporty, and—most importantly—spacious duffle bag from Chanel, one of hundreds of great pre-loved gifts you can shop from the Karl Lagerfeld retrospective at What Goes Around Comes Around. It also happens to double as a great gym bag.

This retro-chic Bluetooth speaker is a great way for your grad to bring the tunes with them wherever they go. Not only does it have a cool aesthetic, but the Marshall Stanmore II also produces a clean, rich sound and has an ample eight-hour battery life.

Trusted Oregon brand Leatherman makes more than one appearance in our best multitool roundup for a reason: Its products have become synonymous with quality and longevity. Gift the handy grad in your life Leatherman’s minimally designed, compact Skeletool. Weighing only 5 ounces, this pocket-friendly multitool comes in six colors and has everything your recipient needs for the most common tasks, including a stainless steel combo blade, pliers, a bit driver and a carabiner.

For a true caffeine fiend, choosing the right coffee or espresso maker can be overwhelming. Luckily, this sleek option from L’or makes it easy. The high-pressure system heats up in just 25 seconds to brew coffee or espresso—yes, in a real win, it does both—in multiple beverage sizes, each of which is topped off with a layer of creamy foam. The sleek machine even comes with a welcome assortment of 30 single-use capsules as an added bonus.

These over-ear headphones are super popular and our pick for the best noise-canceling headphones for iPhone users. They’re comfortable, offer spatial audio and dynamic head tracking and connect seamlessly to your other Apple gear. If they’re not an Apple user, consider these Bose headphones for a great travel option.

Logitech makes great peripherals, like keyboards and gaming mice. If your tech-obsessed grad loves an aesthetic moment, this Bluetooth keyboard bundle is an excellent option. It has typewriter-style mechanical keys and comes in a variety of fun colors.

If they’re just leaving the days of food halls behind them, their experience as a home chef is likely limited. Kick off their cooking chapter with this bundle from Our Place, which includes a perfectly sized pot and pan that do the job of multiple traditional pieces of cookware. You can even mix and match the available colors so they can whip up whatever they’re craving in style.

Some of our favorite things to recommend are products that both solve a problem and look good doing it. This wall-mounted “catchall” by Heller, unlike regular wall hooks, is uniquely helpful for small spaces because it can hold everything from coats and scarves to keys and wallets—and even surfboard wax and bike tubes, according to designer and surfer Anna Dawson. Available in five attractive colors, the catchall also doubles as a conversation-starting piece of décor.

Never underestimate the power of a practical present, like this sheet set from Cozy Earth. Made with 100% premium viscose from bamboo fabric, they regulate temperature and rank among the softest bedding options out there. They’re available in a bunch of neutral hues, as well as two new shades of blue and green, and fit everything from a dorm-friendly Twin XL all the way to a California King.

Humidifiers aren’t just for the winter—even in warmer months, the cool mist can set a better indoor atmosphere. Help your favorite grad breathe a bit easier with this tower version from Levoit, which mists spaces up to 600 square feet, runs up to 100 hours and can be controlled from an in-phone app. The water purification filter eliminates dirt and buildup, and there’s even a specific mode for plant care as well as a diffuser, should they want to add essential oils for a chill night of aromatherapy.

If your grad is moving into their first place, a robot vacuum will help them keep it tidy with minimal effort. Roomba makes some of the best models around—they’re powerful, durable and repairable. This beginner-friendly model, which happens to be on our list of best robot vacuums, can be scheduled, controlled by your phone and has a self-emptying base that they won’t need to touch for months at a time.

If they’re moving into their first adult apartment, Larq’s water pitcher is a kitchen essential. Thanks to its two-step, high-tech filtration and purification system that destroys pollutants at the molecular level, water tastes fresher than ever. And that’s because it is.

A bidet is truly the gift that keeps on giving. It may seem like an odd choice at first, but it will quickly become a bathroom staple in your grad’s home. This upgraded model by Tushy comes with a remote that controls the temperature, water pressure and angle. It even includes a heated seat for added comfort.

It’s easy to forget the importance of sleep and deep breathing when life gets stressful. Anxious grads worrying about job searches, grad school applications and apartment hunting will appreciate the handheld breath-coaching tool Moonbird. Combined with an app, the gadget uses a thumb sensor, haptic feedback and various exercises to guide you through deeper and more even breathing in minutes—which in turn helps lessen anxiety and improve sleep.

Pickleball has dominated the social scene over the last couple years. The game is easy to pick up and it’s a fun way to socialize and get outside. These colorful paddles from Nettie have a carbon fiber frame and a soft octagonal grip that’s comfortable to hold. This two-pack set is perfect for the grad looking to hit the court in style.

If your grad is looking to switch up their sleep schedule, a good sunrise alarm clock can help. The Philips SmartSleep wakes you up and winds you down with a gentle sunrise and sunset simulation that’s significantly more pleasant than your phone’s alarm.

For the grad with an A+ skincare routine, look no further than this tool from BeautyBio. It’s basically a mini vacuum that cleanses pores, while at the same time infusing skin with clarifying salicylic acid and plumping hyaluronic acid—all in one quick hydrating facial treatment.

There’s nothing quite like picking up a book purely for pleasure after years of assigned reading. Book Of The Month does the heavy lifting, curating a list of the best new releases, while the recipient selects their favorites to receive at the chosen cadence. Psst—if your grad is always on the go, you could also consider a compact eReader, like the popular Kindle Paperwhite.