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It’s been over five years since I graduated from college. I remember feeling so accomplished and exhausted at the same time. I also remember feeling very unprepared for what was to come. And I’m not talking job-wise; the previous four years did set me up for success in what is now my career, but they didn’t prepare me for all the things I would need to know as an adult. For instance, no one told me that I would need to upgrade my luggage to something more sturdy or that an air fryer is the supreme kitchen appliance. And they definitely didn’t stress how having top-tier bedding would be crucial to having a good night’s sleep so that I could be a functioning adult the next day.
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Maybe it’s because, as a new college grad, you’re typically so broke that you can barely afford that first student loan payment that creeps up within the six months after walking across the stage. Or maybe it’s because it’s a rite of passage that young adults have to figure out. Either way, this is why it’s so important as a parent, friend, or family member to put a little more effort into their graduation gift and set them up for the real world ahead. Of course, you can still write a heartfelt card expressing how proud you are of them, but that young 20-something really needs an item they could use for months, hopefully years, to come.
Ahead, we’ve curated a list of useful gifts for your new college grad that’ll prepare them for the next chapter of life.
best gifts for college grads 2025
Beautiful 6-Qt Air Fryer
For making quick meals that are easy to clean up, cooking in a small apartment, or reheating leftovers, you can’t beat an air fryer. This one from Drew Barrymore’s Beautiful line has a roomy six-quart basket large enough to roast a small chicken. It can air fry, roast, dehydrate, and roast. Plus, it preheats almost immediately.
best gifts for college grads 2025
Aritzia The Effortless Pant – Crepette
When you look good, you feel good and your recent grad will feel amazing in these stylish effortless pants from Aritzia. They’re a great pair of slacks that they can wear everywhere, including their new corporate job.
best gifts for college grads 2025
Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote
And speaking of looking the part, the Jansport they were using during college isn’t going to cut it anymore. Instead, give them this classic Longchamp le pliage tote that’s the perfect work bag for whatever profession they’re entering this season.
best gifts for college grads 2025
Blue Apron Meal Kit Gift Card
Learning how to shop, meal plan, and feed yourself actually nutritious food on a budget is one of the hardest things about becoming an adult (I’m still trying to figure it out!). Give your new grad a leg up with a gift card for Blue Apron meal delivery. They can choose from prepared and ready meals or complete meal kits that come with all the ingredients to make a dish themselves.
best gifts for college grads 2025
Delta Air Lines Gift Card
If your recent grad is preparing to travel before hitting the workforce, help them secure their ticket with a gift card to their favorite airline. Delta offers tons of gift cards at different price points, so maybe you could buy the whole ticket or give them enough to make it more affordable.
best gifts for college grads 2025
JBL Quantum Stream Studio
Perhaps they’re starting their own business or brand after college or pursuing a passion project, like a podcast. In that case, gift them this Quantum Stream Studio microphone from JBL. They’ll be able to use it for all sorts of things like streaming, recording, and gaming. Not to mention, the sound quality is incredible.
best gifts for college grads 2025
Shark HydroVac MessMaster Wet Dry Corded 3-in-1 Vacuum Cleaner
Your young adult will eventually learn that a vacuum is one of those appliances you shouldn’t skimp on. And if you want to help them from learning that lesson the hard way, set them up with this lightweight, 3-in-1 vacuum cleaner. It vacuums, mops, and cleans itself at the same time. It works on carpet and hard floors. Plus, it’s small enough to stash in the corner or closet, and it will help your grad keep their place clean.
best gifts for college grads 2025
Brooklinen Full-Size Classic Percale Core Sheet Set in Storm
Do not, we repeat, do not let your new graduate buy those cheap polyester sheet sets that will make them sweat through the night and pill only after a few washes. Instead, spring for this classic Brooklinen Percale Cotton sheet set, which comes in a number of solid colors and patterns. They’re cool, crisp, and will last for years. Plus, they’re on sale this week!
best gifts for college grads 2025
Anker MagGo Power Bank
A reliable portable charger is a must for any adult. They’re useful during travel, but it’s also good to have a charged power bank in case of power outages, something your grad might not have thought about yet. This MagGo power bank by Anker is more affordable than the Apple one. It can fully charge an iPhone in about 25 minutes and only takes two and a half hours to recharge.
best gifts for college grads 2025
SHW Memory Preset Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk
Joining the working world often means spending a lot of time at the computer and a lot less time going to the gym. Help your new grad stay on their feet with this electric adjustable standing desk with more than 15,000 5-star ratings.
best gifts for college grads 2025
Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Maker
It’s easy to spend way more money than you realize buying coffee on the way to work every day. Help your grad save by treating them to a Nespresso espresso maker. This model is slim enough for the smallest apartment kitchens and can make drip coffee and espresso for making lattes, iced Americanos, and more. Even better? You can get them Nespresso pods for every holiday from here on out.
best gifts for college grads 2025
Béis The Carry-On Roller in Black
Whether they’re traveling for work, to see family, or to have fun, your new grad could probably use a carry-on that’s a little sturdier than the duffel bag they dragged around campus the last four years. This carry-on roller from BÉIS comes in various colors and features must-have essentials, including 360-degree rolling wheels, a cushioned trolley handle, an expandable shell, and a lifetime warranty.
best gifts for college grads 2025
Sunny Health & Fitness Sitting Under Desk Elliptical Exerciser
Adulthood involves a lot of time sitting at a desk. If your grad is fitness-focused, treat them to an under-the-desk elliptical, which will help alleviate some of the sting of no longer having 24/7 access to the on-campus fitness center.
best gifts for college grads 2025
Frigidaire 5,000 BTU Window-Mounted Air Conditioner
There’s something small, affordable apartments often have in common: no, or poorly functioning, air conditioning. Don’t let their first summer in the real world be excruciatingly hot in a walk-up apartment — gift them with a relatively affordable window air conditioner unit so they can keep cool. This Frigidaire model has thousands of 5-star reviews.
best gifts for college grads 2025
Oral-B iO Series 2 Rechargeable Electric Powered Toothbrush Starter Kit
A toothbrush might not seem like a fascinating gift. Still, if you’re looking for something practical that your new grad will actually use, this Philips Sonicare Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush is right on the money. Oral hygiene is crucial, and if your grad doesn’t have dental insurance, there’s a good chance they won’t actually go to the dentist as often as they should. Give their smile a fighting chance with this electric toothbrush.
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