Get that fresh grad something useful as they enter the competitive job market.
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Any way you spin it, graduation is a pretty major achievement and a significant event in anyone's life — especially from college. After years of hard work learning and practicing a trade, that recent grad is finally ready to embark on the next chapter in their life and dive headfirst into the competitive job market. And that's worth celebrating.
If you want to give the recent grad in your life more than just a pat on the back and a hip hip hooray, you've come to the right place. From simple, thoughtful budget-friendly finds (like kitchen must-haves) to big-ticket tech (like an Apple laptop), there are more gift options here than you can swing your cap at. And that means there are certainly one or two somethings that would make the perfect gift for that college graduate (him or her) you're shopping for.
An elegant pocket knife is the perfect way to celebrate an adventurous graduate – it's a gift that they will keep and use forever. The Smooth Trapper is a prime contender for everyday tasks around the house, on a camping trip or even for the hunter in your life. Especially this version, which sports a durable, grippy-yet-soft-feel Micarta handle. It's an heirloom gift that'll be your favorite grad's new go-to tool until it's time to pass down to the next generation.
A nice daily folio for work or travel is a can't-miss grad gift.
A lightweight, casual blazer is perfect for the summer and will spruce up any 'fit. And it's a great starter piece for future networking events.
He's going to need more seating than that beanbag he had all through college.
Keys? Check. Phone? Check. The perfect to-go mug? Hell yeah.
This 20L zip-top backpack strikes a chord between minimalist design and maximalist features.
This is a great portable battery for anybody who has an iPhone. The integrated cable means its always ready to go.
Yes, you're going to gift a recent grad a wooden bath mat because those cloth ones are freakin' disgusting.
Forget the multi-pack. This tee is made from USA-grown Supima cotton and features a classic fit and vintage wash — it's a step up.
Ok, so maybe you can't buy him a bottle of the most sought-after whiskey around. But maple syrup aged in retired Pappy Van Winkle barrels? That's just a nice Saturday morning topper to pancakes.
Chinos are a style staple. But J.Crew chinos are a style icon. Set up the grad in your life for success with these must-have pants.
It's important to learn how to keep something (anything) alive at some point after school. Start with this vining philodendron, which is much easier than a fish.
Whether it's Valentine's day, his birthday, Father's Day, or graduation, here are 60+ gift ideas every guy will love.
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These go-anywhere shorts are ready for any summer adventure and will last for years. They're also great for lounging — making them a great one-two grad gift punch.
One of the best portable speakers out there, the Sonos Roam is great for their desk, travel kit, or just for home usage.
A bomber jacket is a style staple that should be in everyone's wardrobe rotation. This one from Everlane also boasts a sustainable recycled construction.
With an aluminum case and slick angular design, the Entr is the perfect entry-level mechanical keyboard.
The classic whiskey snifter is still the best, and has become the defacto whiskey tasting glass for competition judging and collectors alike.
This is the best overshirt money can buy. It's definitely pricey but it'll get tons of wear in every season.
You could drop $500 or more on a custom chef's knife, or you could drop a cool $85 on this one that's heralded by chefs and home cooks alike.
Is his mattress still on the floor? Do him a favor and welcome him into the adult world with an adult bed frame.
The benchmark for Scotch is definitely an "adult" gift. Maybe he's not ready to appreciate it yet, but it'll certainly be a gift he'll come to cherish in the years to come.
A new mattress (to put on that new bed frame) is always a welcome gift coming out of college. Saatva's flagship is hard to beat.
An all-metal riff on the original G-Shock watch, this timepiece looks outstanding and benefits from a full suite of features and practical indestructibility.
Omsom, the easiest way to put food on the table that's not called Cup Noodles.
His birthday is coming up. Get him a gift that will make it a special one.
He probably won't be thinking about his air quality in his abode. This new offering from Coway is powerful, affordable and just plain looks good.
A perfectly laid-out desktop is the ultimate grown person's flex. Get them there faster with this laptop stand from one of our favorite design brands.
As iconic as Timex watches come, this reissue is as stylish as it is reliable. A solid watch is also a great go-to grad gift.
Is a dry-aged, 2-inch thick-cut NY Strip Steak necessary? No, probably not. But it'll be a helluva meal for him to grill up to celebrate graduation one evening.
Great sunglasses not only protect your eyes, they make you feel good, too.
Lodge's upgraded cast-iron skillet weighs less and performs better than its standard offering. The interior finish is smoother and more rounded in the interior, which allows for easier tossing and less stickage.
Each Gear Patrol Magazine subscription comes not only with two beautifully designed, coffee-table-quality magazine editions per year, but also, an annual gift: a $15 voucher to the Gear Patrol Store, delivered to your inbox each December.
The best coffee grinder for the money, period. Oxo's burr grinder has more in common with grinders that cost twice as much than it does with those at or below its price point. Works best for cold brew, pour-over or classic drip coffee.
An upgrade over that foam cooler he's had too long is a must. The Roadie 24 is perfect for home or on the road.
If he's got a job that's going to allow him to WFH (work from home) still then he's going to need a nice office chair. For the price, it's hard to beat the Steelcase Series 1.
A quality pocket knife that's lightweight and made with high-grade blade steel, like this one, can be as impactful and lasting as any gift you can think of.
How do you shop for the guy who owns the fanciest, rarest things? Aim for gifts he wouldn't anticipate.