Useful and practical gift suggestions for the recently graduated college student
Rewritten Article:
Show off your pride for their incredible journey by gifting them something special. (iStock)
So, you're on the hunt for the perfect gift for a college graduate, something that celebrates their major milestone while also being useful. Finding the ideal gift for a new grad can be a daunting task, given the multitude of options.
Our college graduate is about to embark on their post-academic adventure, and they will likely need everything from practical items like a smart multi-function oven for their new kitchen to gifts that remind them of their remarkable achievement. Whichever path they choose – this gift guide offers a range of picks suitable for the modern-day grad. We've curated 10 graduation gifts that cover trendy bags for their commute, essential kitchenware, and home accessories for the solo dweller.
From setting them up for success to displaying their accomplishments, this list has what you need to show them how proud you are of their achievements.
Standout Tote Bag: $155 - Longchamp Le Pliage Original Tote Bag
This versatile tote bag has seen a resurgence in popularity, especially among the younger generation. (Longchamp)
The sleek Longchamp Le Pliage Original Tote Bag is a space-savvy and fashionable choice for new grads. Ideal for a day at work or a weekend getaway, this bag offers a stylish way to carry everything they need. Not to mention, it effortlessly folds up into a neat envelope for easy storage when it's not in use.
Display Their Accomplishment: $35.99 - Diploma Frame with Tassel Holder
Give them a tasteful way to showcase their achievements. (Amazon)
Capture their accomplishment in a frame! This diploma frame with tassel holder from Amazon features a mahogany frame with bead trim. It's a breeze to assemble and comes equipped with all the necessary hardware for hanging.
AMAZON'S LATEST DEALS: DON'T MISS OUT ON THESE APPLE WATCHES WHILE THE DISCOUNTS LAST!
Portable Laptop Desk: on sale for $54.99 (save 8%)
This convenient laptop stand is designed for smaller living spaces. (Amazon)
This portable laptop desk caters to graduates who may not be headed straight to an office job. It also offers a great space-saving solution for a small first apartment. Your new graduate will love the desk's compact design and ability to provide a stylish work station without the need for a dedicated home office.
Wireless Mobile Printer: $249.99 - Canon PIXMA TR160 Wireless Portable Printer
Print essential documents on-the-go with this compact wireless printer. (Amazon)
This wireless Canon printer allows new graduates to produce documents with ease, anywhere, anytime. This lightweight, mobile printer is small enough to carry in a backpack and prints on standard pages (up to 8.5 x 11 inches). It features Wi-Fi and USB connectivity, ensuring constant connectivity.
Luxury Headphones: $429 - Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Treat them to premium sound quality and exceptional noise-cancellation technology. (Bose)
Give your graduate the gift of immersive audio with Bose's QuietComfort Ultra headphones. With excellent noise-cancellation technology, crystal-clear microphone performance, and a comfy and light fit, these headphones are perfect for taking calls on the move or focusing during coffee shop study sessions. Plus, they come in a variety of stylish colors and come with a matching carrying case. Similar options can be found on Amazon.
Timeless Leather Backpack: $995 - Shinola Leather Backpack
A backpack that gets better with age and makes an unforgettable impression. (Shinola)
Present them with a gift they'll cherish forever – the Shinola Leather Backpack. Crafted from premium leather, this bag only improves with age. With a padded laptop compartment and plenty of additional pockets for stationery and other essentials, this backpack is a perfect companion for the post-college grind.
WALMART+ WEEK IS HERE!! DON'T MISS OUT ON THESE 15 UNMISSABLE DEALS!
Compact Oven: on sale for $175.99 (13% off)
Original price: $199
An excellent addition to their kitchen appliances collection. (Walmart)
For cooking enthusiasts, this Breville mini smart oven delivers perfect results, whether for pizza, cookies, or toast. Compact and counter-top friendly, it’s an ideal choice for new grads stepping into their first apartment. Featuring a streamlined design and quick heating capabilities, it offers a perfect alternative to firing up a larger oven, especially for smaller kitchen spaces.
Amazon Prime Membership: $14.99 - A Hassle-Free Gift for Graduates
Give the gift of convenience with an Amazon Prime membership. (Amazon)
Gift them the benefits of fast and free shipping, streaming entertainment, and exclusive deals with a subscription to Amazon Prime. Students who no longer qualify for the discounted student rate – thanks to their new status as graduates – may appreciate this as a helpful and well-timed gift.
Air Purifier: on sale $139.99 (50% off)
Original price: $279.98
A budget-friendly air purifier for larger spaces. (Walmart)
Help set up their new home with an air purifier they can grow with. This AIRPLUS Air Purifier features a dual purification system and effectively eliminates odors and airborne allergens in larger rooms. It operates quietly, making it the perfect companion for a peaceful, allergen-free environment.
Premium Cookware Set: on sale for $45.99 (62% off)
Original price: $119.99
High-quality cookware built to last. (Amazon)
Gift your college graduate with the gift of culinary exploration. This CAROTE Cookware Set features various pans and pots perfect for whipping up delicious meals in their newfound home. Complete with removable handles and both glass and airtight lids, this set is a staple that will stand the test of time. For a splurge-worthy option, consider gifting them the Caraway Cookware Set – a mineral-based coated set that guarantees non-toxic cooking and is available at Caraway's for $395.
*EXPLORE MORE DEALS AND EXCLUSIVE OFFERS AT www.our website/category/deals
Staub Ceramic Dinnerware 12-Piece Set: $159.95
Elevate their dinner game with elegance and sophistication. (Amazon)
Invest in a timeless white dinnerware set that’ll bring a touch of classic elegance to their dining table. This Staub Ceramic Dinnerware Set boasts a sleek, modern design and is perfect for everyday use. It’s also microwave- and dishwasher-friendly, ensuring maximum convenience for the busy grad. Additionally, this set is available at Macys.
Nora Colomer is a commerce and personal finance writer for Fox Business' Strategic Initiatives team.
Enrichment Insights:
Practical Gifts
- Beis' The Work Tote is a stylish and durable tote bag suitable for the workplace or commute, complete with ample space for laptops and essentials.
- Monogrammed travel bags are a personalized gift idea that caters to new graduates traveling or starting their career abroad.
Cookware
- The Always Pan is a versatile, non-stick pan suitable for various cooking tasks, from boiling to sautéing, and is ideal for the inexperienced cook.
- Herald Collection Dinner Set is a traditional 16-piece dinnerware set perfect for hosting dinner parties or intimate dinners.
Home Essentials
- Weighted blankets provide a calming, soothing sensation during post-grad transitions, especially for those dealing with anxiety or restlessness.
- Adjustable laptop bed stands offer a convenient solution for grads working remotely, studying, or multitasking from the comfort of their bed.
Tech and Organization
- Fujifilm Instax Smartphone Printer and Film Bundle allows new grads to print photos right from their smartphone and decorate their new space with memories.
- 40-piece All-Purpose Household Tool Kit is a versatile gift suitable for tackling various home improvement projects or setting up a new living space.
Luxury Decor
- Engraved wine bottles are personalized gifts perfect for hosting wine tastings or commemorating special moments.
- Mark & Graham Personalized Jewelry Case adds a touch of elegance and organization to a new living space, ensuring jewelry stays neat and easy to find.
- Le Moné Le Starter Pack is an eco-friendly trio of aperitifs, perfect for celebrating new beginnings or gifting to a graduate embarking on a new adventure.
- Bartesian Premium Cocktail and Margarita Machine enables new grads to create personalized cocktails from the comfort of their own home.
- Reflect your pride in their achievement with the sleek Longchamp Le Pliage Original Tote Bag, an ideal fashionable choice for a day at work or a weekend getaway.
- Showcase their accomplishments tastefully with a diploma frame from Amazon, designed with a mahogany frame and bead trim, making it a perfect way to display their graduation diploma.
- Enhance their lifestyle with the portable laptop desk, suitable for graduates who may not head straight to an office job, offering a stylish workspace without the need for a dedicated home office.
- Boost their productivity with the wireless Canon PIXMA TR160 Wireless Portable Printer, allowing them to print essential documents on-the-go, anywhere, anytime.
- Treat them to premium sound quality with Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, featuring exceptional noise-cancellation technology, crystal-clear microphone performance, and a comfy fit for taking calls on the move or studying in coffee shops.
