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Every year, a new class of graduates says goodbye to homework and hello to adulthood with a diploma in hand. Figuring out what's next can be an overwhelming task for many graduates, as so much of the future is unknown. That said, we've compiled plenty of great gifts that will help new grads with that whole "adulting" thing.
To help new college grads commemorate this time and adjust to life after school, consider sending a gift they will actually use (now or in the future). Here are the 30 best gift ideas for graduates this year that will make the transition from plucky student to dutiful worker a little easier.
1. Apple Watch Series 9
For the graduate on-the-go
Apple Watch Series 9
A smart watch rife with features with unmatched quality and performance.
When you graduate from college and realize life no longer revolves around the school year, it might be time for a new watch to stay on task. The Apple Watch Series 9 is one of our favorite smartwatches, with a large, always-on display, tons of health and fitness features and quick-charging capabilities. It's a great gift, especially for a recent grad who's got a lot of new responsibilities to juggle.
2. Chef IQ Smart Cooker
For quick and easy dinners
A good pressure cooker is essential for new graduates who don't have hours to fix dinner on a daily basis. The Chef IQ Smart Pressure Cooker is our favorite pressure cooker for the money, even though it's one seriously flashy number. It's got a full-color LCD touch screen, a companion app with countless recipes and even a built-in scale for precision cooking when it comes to everything from sushi rice to chickpeas.
3. Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7420
For the grad with an old laptop
Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7420
A stylish chassis, bright display, and impressive performance make this laptop one of the best on the market.
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A laptop goes through a lot during the college years. With the amount of wear and tear put on a computer during college, it might be time for a new computer upon graduation. If you're looking to splurge on a graduation gift, help them out with a new laptop. Our experts suggest going with the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7420 (2022) for its portability, power and dependability.
4. Custom photo art from Minted
For the sentimental grad
Minted
Gorgeous display-worthy custom art to celebrate all memories and any occasion.
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If they love their college memories, give them a gift that will help them cherish the good times as they head into the real world. These collages on Minted are perfect for grads moving into new apartments or even those still in their childhood bedrooms. Wall art is always appreciated, especially when it's customized with special memories. You can fill the collage with photos of the graduates over the years or add in a couple of pictures with friends.
5. Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells
For slimming down and getting swole
Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells
Easy to use dumbbells that make weight training at home a breeze.
It's no secret that students can get a little doughy right before walking down the aisle with their diplomas. The Bowflex SelectTech 552 is great for any graduate looking to turn those extra pounds into muscle. They're easy to use, easier to store, and can be used in the comfort of a bedroom or home office which is why they're our favorite set of adjustable dumbbells.
6. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones
For audiophiles
Sony WH-1000 XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones
Premium headphones with excellent audio quality, great noise-canceling, and all day comfort.
A great pair of headphones are an excellent gift for work and play, and the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones will last for years to come. Our reviewers found that these headphones are unmatched when it comes to audio quality, noise-cancelation, and all-day comfort, making them our pick for the best headphones on the market.
7. Hisense 65U8K QLED 4K Google Smart TV
For a versatile screen
Hisense 65U8K QLED 4K Google Smart TV
A screen with cinematic qualities at an affordable price.
When your grad isn't on the job hunt or putting in extra hours at their new job, they deserve to relax in front of a big, beautiful screen. The Hisense 65U8K QLED 4K Google Smart TV is our pick for the best value TV for the money because it packs plenty of features of a much pricier screen. It's got excellent color and contrast, a fantastic user-friendly UI and it's even great for hardcore gaming.
8. Gourmia Digital French Door Air Fryer toaster oven
For smarter snacking
Gourmia Digital French Door Air Fryer toaster oven
A countertop marvel that toasts, roasts, bakes, and even works as an air fryer.
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Air fryers inspire an almost cult-like devotion because they can make food golden brown and crispy with little to no added fat. The Gourmia Digital French Door Air Fryer is an excellent way to crisp up french fries, mozzarella sticks, and plenty of other snacks from the freezer, but it's large enough to do some serious cooking. Its ease of use, versatility, and attractive French doors make it one of our favorite air fryer toaster ovens.
9. Leatherman Wave+
For a useful tool
A single tool may be all your grad needs when they go out into the real world. The Leatherman Wave+ is our pick for the best multitool, and could easily last them a lifetime with its smart design, durability, and handy storage pouch.
10. Renpho Eyeris 2
For relaxing sleep
New responsibilities are difficult at full power, but near impossible if your grad doesn't get their 40 winks. The Renpho Eyeris 2 is more than just a simple eye mask that helps promote sleep. It also applies heat while massaging the area around the eyes for an unfathomable level of stress relief. It's great for using right before bed, or as part of a fresh-from-work decompression session. For a limited time, you can save an additional $20 at checkout using a coupon.
11. Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select
For the caffeine addict
Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select
This beautiful machine makes delicious coffee quickly and easily with precision brewing.
For many, coffee is an essential part of getting through the day. To help the graduate in your life avoid picking up the costly habit of daily coffee shop trips, introduce them to a great coffee maker. The retro-looking Moccamaster is our top coffee maker and would be a fabulous investment they could use for years to come.
12. Home Chef
For the grad who lived by the dining hall
Home Chef
High-quality ingredients and user-friendly recipes make this meal kit one of our favorites.
Home Chef is one our favorite meal delivery services at Reviewed, and it would make a fantastic gift for the college graduate that could use some help adjusting to life after the dining hall. With Home Chef, they'll have to cook, but with easy instructions and high-quality ingredients shipped to their door, it makes the learning process simple. There's also an option to have low or no prep meals shipped if the graduate you're shopping for would prefer that.
13. California Design Den Cotton Sheets
For affordable luxury
It's surprising how fancy you can feel once you treat yourself to new bed sheets. Your new grad will love the high-thread comfort of California Design Den Cotton Sheets, which are one of our favorite bed sheet sets, especially after surviving the cramped and uncomfortable world of dorm living.
14. Lara Laser personalized tumbler
For the grad who likes personalized gifts
These cute tumblers can be customized with several different skin, hair and hood colors in addition to the graduates' name and quote options to choose from. The skinny size is convenient for taking on the road, and the stainless steel, double-wall insulated cups are an eco-friendly alternative to plastic bottles and cups.
15. Homesick candles
For the grad who will miss their college town
Homesick candles
Scented candles that capture the soul, vibes, and scents of locations around the world.
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While you might not be able to find a candle specific to their college or college town, you can likely find a candle close to it. Whether the candle is scented with the sweet smell of the state or city they spent four or more years in, a Homesick candle would make a great gift for anyone leaving their college state or city to start a new life.
16. HP ENVY 6055e All-in-One wireless color printer
For remote work
HP ENVY 6055e All-in-One wireless color printer
An basic and affordable printer for everyday use.
Adult life is sadly an onslaught of paperwork. A good at-home printer like the HP Envy 6055e is great for any emergency documents that your grad may need to fill out, from resumes to 1040s and everything in between. It's also a great printer for a home office because it handles any and all basic print jobs quickly and easily, which is why it's one of our favorite printers on the market right now.
17. Sugarfina Congrats Candy Box
For a sweet treat
Sugarfina Congrats Candy Box
Three delicious candies to celebrate any and all memorable occasions.
Simple but sweet, this adorable little box of candy is a perfect little something to send to someone who has just graduated from college. With a combo of gummies and chocolate, you get the best of both worlds. I am a huge fan of Sugarfina candy boxes and have gotten them as gifts for friends and family on multiple occasions.
18. Away Bigger Carry-On suitcase
For the globetrotting graduate
Away Bigger Carry-On suitcase
A piece of luggage built to maximize overhead space, while also being durable and lightweight.
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If your graduate is looking to travel a bit before entering the workforce, it’s a great time to update that old backpack and upgrade to an awesome, new suitcase. Away’s Bigger Carry-On is a sleek, hard-shell suitcase that’s big enough for a long trip but still compact enough to fit in most overhead compartments. It's also great to toss in a trunk for road trips, and comes in a variety of colors to suit anyone's style.
19. 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller with Charging Dock
For gamer graduates
8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller Charging Dock
A versatile and user-friendly gamepad compatible with Nintendo Switch, PC, and countless other platforms.
This gamepad is perfect for the graduate that will soon have to start repaying their student loans because it can work across many different systems and platforms. While the 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller is built with the Nintendo Switch and PC in mind, it's compatible with just about any console with built-in Bluetooth including Android, iOS, Steam Deck, and even Mac. Its attractive dock not only ensures they'll never run out of battery life, but it looks great perched on a desktop or gaming rig.
For the one who loses everything
Losing your keys or wallet is a fear that will soon go the way of the dodo thanks to Apple Airtags. It's a handy tracker that lets you keep track of your valuables via a handy iPhone app, which provides something priceless: peace of mind.
21. Golden State Art Wood Diploma Tassel Shadow Box
For the proud graduate
Golden State Art Wood Diploma Tassel Shadow Box
An easy and attractive way for graduates to display their diplomas.
Made from solid wood and real glass, this diploma and tassel shadow box with a double mat is a beautiful way to show off that hard-earned diploma. The sturdy frame with three hangers can be displayed horizontally or vertically and makes a great addition to a new office or workspace.
22. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39 running shoes
For staying active
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39 running shoes
Bouncy running shoes perfect for all manner of athletic activity.
If your grad has a hard time staying active, a good pair of running shoes may inspire them to get their steps in every day. The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39 are among our favorite running shoes because they add a little bounce into every step. These snug and cozy shoes are available in women's and men's sizes.
23. Kindle Unlimited Subscription
For the grad who reads all the time
Kindle Unlimited Subscription
Access to the internet's biggest library of books, newspapers, and more.
Just because there's no more required reading after school ends, doesn't mean one should stop getting lost in a good book. The only issue is that books can get expensive, unless, of course, you have unlimited access to e-books. Kindle Unlimited gives you just that, and therefore, is a perfect graduation gift for bookworms. You don't even need an e-reader to access the books. Everything is available to read right on your smartphone.
24. MasterClass
For graduates who want to continue learning
MasterClass
Seminars and how-tos from industry giants in film, cooking, writing, and other professional and artistic fields.
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Just because they've got their diploma, doesn't mean the graduate in your life needs to stop their lifelong journey of feeding their noggin. MasterClass offers in-depth classes on everything from business to cooking, hosted by masters of their craft including Gordon Ramsay, Steve Martin, Mark Cuban, Martin Scorsesse, and many more.
25. Our Place Home Cook Duo
For a starter cookware set
Our Place Home Cook Duo
Two pieces of Instagram famous cookware perfect for budding home chefs.
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The Our Place Home Cook Duo is an excellent cookware set for recent grads who have to share a kitchen with roommates. This set comes with the Always Pan and the Perfect Pot, which can accomplish all manner of tasks, from steaming to stir-frying, with a reliable non-stick surface that's as easy to cook on as it is to clean. They're even available in eight charming colors including Sage, Azul and Rosa.
26. Lodge Chef Collection Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
For the grad who loves to cook
Lodge Chef Collection Seasoned Cast-Iron Skillet
Sear, sautee, and even bake in this dependable piece of cookware so good, it's practically timeless.
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A cast iron skillet is a kitchen staple for adults. If you're shopping for a former student who cooked their way through class, give them a cookware upgrade for their new adult life: a cast iron skillet. The best one we've tested at Reviewed is the Lodge Chef Collection Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet. It's affordable, lightweight, and will last them years to come.
27. Baked by Melissa Graduation Cupcakes
For the grad with a sweet tooth
Baked by Melissa Graduation Cupcakes
Celebration-worthy cupcakes that are as tasty as they are attractive.
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We love Baked by Melissa cupcakes at Reviewed, and chances are, the graduate you're shopping for will too. If you're not sure what they'll like, cupcakes are something you really can't go wrong with. This "Congratulations" themed box holds 25 adorable mini cupcakes that are ready to be devoured.
28. Timbuk2 Commute Messenger Bag 2.0
For the grad who will be commuting
Timbuk2 Commute Messenger Bag 2.0
A durable and roomy messenger bag that accommodates all essentials, including devices.
Commuting grads need a good bag that can handle their laptop and other devices. The Timbuk2 Commute Messenger Bag 2.0 is one of our picks for the best messenger bag, which has tons of space to accommodate all professional essentials, but could easily be used for weekend getaways and vacations.
29. Gravity Blanket
For the student formerly known as stressed
After years of school, finally, new graduates can relax. Because of this, a gift that helps them do so would be a huge hit. Weighted blankets can help you relax, and our favorite—the Gravity Blanket—is loved by people for this very reason. When we tested weighted blankets, the Gravity Blanket outdid the competition. Their marketing copy claims the blanket is like wearing a hug, and as a proud owner, I can confirm this is true.
30. Amazon Echo Show 10
For the grad moving somewhere new
Amazon Echo Show 10
One of the most intelligent smart displays, complete with voice controls and Alexa integration.
Recent grads are likely to become someone else’s assistants, so give them the gift of their own (digital) assistant slash smart display. Not only can they ask Alexa anything, but they can also view all the information they're looking for on the screen. Great for video calls, cooking along to recipes, and more, the Amazon Echo Show 10 would make a great gift and is our top pick.
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