The 25 Best College Graduation Gifts of 2023

Rocketbook Panda Planner

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Whatever awaits after graduation, a useful and stylish planner is a perfect present to get organized. This extensive planner includes daily, weekly, and monthly spreads so you can choose the layout that is best for you. Unlike other planners, the Rocketbook Panda Planner is erasable, reusable, and works with cloud storage, meaning you can transition your goals, plans, and reminders year after year without buying another planner.

Rather than a traditional pen and paper format, this reusable planner uses a special Frixion pen with erasable ink. You can upload and sync everything to cloud services like Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox, Slack, and more to keep all important events and dates close. To make room for new schedules, you can erase pages with a drop of water and the provided microfiber cloth and start fresh without losing important information.

While this planner has a sleek look and offers portability, some may find it difficult to scan notes via the companion Rocketbook mobile app. The Frixion pen also may not write as easily as pen and paper. Still, the convenience and paper-saving technology make this a top gift idea for many graduates.

Price at time of publish: $35

Mano's Wine Custom Graduation Year Etched Wine Bottle

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For grads of age, popping open a bottle of wine is the perfect way to celebrate their achievements. Make this bottle of wine special with a custom engraving that they can cherish as a keepsake of the past four years. Add the grad's name and graduation year to a bottle of California Cabernet Sauvignon to enjoy on grad night and beyond.

Price at time of publish: $50

Instant Pot Duo Plus 6-Quart 9-in-1 Pressure Cooker

4.2

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By now, every household has an Instant Pot—or at least they should. This kitchen appliance gets a lot of hype, but it’s seriously worth the praise. Those new to cooking will appreciate how easy it is to use (and clean) thanks to the self-explanatory buttons and overheating protection. Even the pros in the kitchen can appreciate the versatility. The 6-quart design of the Instant Pot Duo Plus makes it great for a small family or a single person who wants to whip up a meal that will provide tons of leftovers.

Price at time of publish: $130

Cooking at Home: Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying About Recipes (And Love My Microwave)

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Chef David Chang and food writer Priya Krishna understand the importance of cooking with what you have. In Cooking at Home, the duo takes the pretentious and elegant cooking concepts learning in high-class kitchens and applies them to cooking in small spaces. This book is all about shortcuts, adjusting, and learning, perfect for those looking to develop their cooking skills in a new space.

Price at time of publish: $35

Away The Carry-On

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Prepare your graduate for the adventures in their future with a carry-on bag that has all of the perks. The Carry-On from Away comes in six stylish colors, has 360-degree spinner wheels, and is built to last with a polycarbonate hard outer shell. You can even add in a USB charger at an additional cost to ensure your devices stay juiced up on road trips, weekend getaways, or international vacations.

Price at time of publish: $275

Raycon The Everyday Earbuds

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Depending on who you ask, they’ll tell you wireless earbuds are way overpriced. However, if you want to gift someone a pair that doesn’t cost a few hundred dollars and still provides quality sound, Raycon has an option. The Bluetooth-enabled earbuds connect to a device in seconds and have three sound profiles for a personalized listening experience. They have up to 8 hours of playtime on a single charge, making these earbuds great for travel, working out, or the daily commute.

Price at time of publish: $90

Our Place

4.7

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If searching for a kitchen must-have for a new grad moving to their own space for the first time, gift them a pan that can do it all. The Always Pan is meant to replace eight pieces of cookware, making it perfect for small spaces: fry pan, sauté pan, steamer, skillet, saucier, saucepan, non-stick pan, spatula, and spoon rest. It comes in 10 modern colors to fit any taste, so it looks just as decorative when not in use.

Price at time of publish: $145

Maptote Grocery Tote

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A tote bag is a simple functional gift that your graduate will use daily going to work or picking up groceries. Make it sentimental with a Maptote with their home city or state. Or look ahead to your grad's new home with a tote displaying its map. This gift is versatile and affordable, while still being thoughtful.

Price at time of publish: $20

Harry & David Congratulations Celebration Gift Box

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Send a delicious basket to a graduate that may live far away. This gift basket from Harry & David is designed for celebrations with a "Congratulations" ribbon tied around the outside. Inside, your grad will find tasty treats including sausage, cheese, crackers, cookies, and more. They can host a celebration and share their new finds with friends or keep them for themselves (they earned it).

Price at time of publish: $35

World Market White Ceramic Compost Bucket With Filter

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Graduating college often means moving into your own space where you have more control over your lifestyle. For grads looking to live more sustainably, a compost bin would be a great addition to a new home. This one from World Market comes in white ceramic so it still looks aesthetically pleasing on a countertop. It's equipped with a convenient handle, ventilating lid, and replaceable charcoal filter.

Price at time of publish: $25

State Bags Lorimer Backpack

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Whether commuting to work or simply going to the gym, your graduate will be happy to receive a sturdy and stylish backpack. The Lorimer Backpack from State Bags includes a laptop sleeve, side pocket for a phone or wallet, and a front compartment perfect for keys, pens, or other personal items. The main body is nylon, so it will feel lightweight no matter its contents, and the backpack comes in five neutral colors to fit every outfit.

Price at time of publish: $69

The Sill ZZ Plant

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A plant is a thoughtful gift for any occasion, but for college graduates, it may symbolize entering a new chapter as a real adult and a plant parent. The ZZ plant is simple, beautiful, and requires little care, making it perfect for first-time plant owners. You can choose the planter style and color to personalize it to your grad's taste for a sophisticated present they can admire and nurture for a long time.

Price at time of publish: $98

Well Told Urban Map Glass

4.2

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Stacking a grad's future bar cart is always a good idea. These glasses are perfect for enjoying their fave drink after a long day at work or grad school. Designed by Boston-based artist Brian Johnson, each glass features an intricate city map of your grad's hometown or new home. This is a useful and thoughtful present that will definitely spark a conversation when cheers-ing.

Price at time of publish: $18

BaubleBar Maya Brenner Asymmetrical Letter Necklace

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A custom piece of designer jewelry is the perfect luxury present to spoil a new grad with a piece that will last them years. Every piece of this necklace from Maya Brenner and BaubleBar can be customized: the metal, chain length, and up to three characters. Choose any letters numbers, star or heart to commemorate their initials, grad year, or a custom message. The asymmetrical design makes this piece stand out while the style and metal color ensure its timeless feel.

Price at time of publish: $325

Yeti Hopper Flip 18 Insulated Personal Cooler

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Prepare your grad for a summer of relaxation, celebration, and cold drinks. Yeti's famous coolers are equipped with insulation to keep drinks cold for hours, and this one is leakproof, durable, and portable. The adjustable strap makes it ideal for bringing to backyard barbecues or beach trips. While on the pricier side, Yetis are built to last and can be used in multiple different ways summer after summer.

Price at time of publish: $300

Birchbox Subscription

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Spoil your graduate every month with a subscription box of new skincare and beauty products. Choose from one month all the way up to a full year subscription for the best gift that fits within your budget. Each month, the graduate will receive five handpicked deluxe samples based on a preference quiz. There are boxes for men and women so everyone can benefit from a bit of self-care.

Apple Watch Series 7

4.7

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At this point, their college laptop will likely still suit them for a few more years, but the Apple Watch Series 7 will help your grad take their organization game to the next level. This smartwatch is a great way to help them schedule meetings, reply to emails, and (most importantly) remember to call home. The Series 5 has an easier-to-read screen and an always-on display. Parents, you’ll also appreciate this model features a noise alert so the user knows when they’re in a surrounding that might be harmful to their hearing.

Price at time of publish: $413

Am I Overthinking This?: Over-answering life's questions in 101 charts

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The end of college can mean entering into a world of doubt. Help your grad answer a few questions and laugh a bit with Am I Overthinking This?: Over-Answering Life’s Questions in 101 Charts. The book features funny answers and illustrations to questions like, “Do I have too many plants?” and “How do I achieve a work-life balance?” Of course there’s no one size fits all answer, but the book is meant to be lighthearted and something any young adult can identify with.

Price at time of publish: $11

TaskRabbit Gift Card

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Moving into a new home can come with a laundry list of tasks that need to be done. This is especially true if your graduate has moved to a city where they don't know anyone. This is where a TaskRabbit gift card can save the day. Whether your grad needs help assembling furniture, creating a gallery wall, or mounting a television, there are Taskers who can help with that. Just be sure to double-check that TaskRabbit is available in the recipient’s location.

Etsy Lucky Penny Keychain

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Sometimes it’s the small presents that count and hold long-lasting memories. This keychain from HereToImpress offers a new way to gift a lucky penny. The coin features a graduation cap on Abe Lincoln and can be personalized with your graduate’s year of commencement and the initials of his or her school. This hand-stamped keychain is truly a one-of-a-kind gift that works for any budget.

Price at time of publish: $15

Sharper Image Light Up Electronic Word Clock

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A clock isn’t necessarily at the top of every young person’s list of home items, but when it looks this cool, who can resist? Sharper Image’s Light Up clock doesn’t display numbers, but letters map out the time in five minute intervals. On first sight it probably looks like a puzzle, but when plugged in, the letters light up to show the time, like five minutes past four or fifteen minutes to six.

Saint Laurent Monogram Quilted Leather Credit Card Case

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Give your recent college graduate a chic, timeless gift that can update their style in a simple way. Not only will they love this Saint Laurent case, it will be in their accessories arsenal for years to come. The luxury credit card case, made of pebbled leather, has four card slots and an interior pocket. This will come in handy for storing the go-to credit or debit cards and ID, especially on days when a smaller handbag can’t accommodate a large wallet.

Price at time of publish: $325

Novogratz Computer Desk with Storage

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Buying a large couch or bed set might not be in your budget, but if you still want to gift a new apartment dweller with a home item, opt for this small space-friendly desk from Novogratz. It’s a top-rated item and clocks in at a reasonable price. The faux marble top and gold hairpin legs have a luxe for less look that’s not just a statement piece but a functional item for the person who works from home or is building a business.

Price at time of publish: $92

Homesick Candles

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Even if your grad isn't exactly home sick, this candle is a beautifully-scented reminder that there's no place like home. Each hand-poured soy wax candle has a unique scent for each of the 50 states. There's the spruce needles of Idaho, Kentucky bourbon, New York apples, and more. This is a sweet reminder of home that also looks great on a coffee table or near a bedside.

Price at time of publish: $38