I’ve walked across that stage. Twice. I’ve also sat in bleachers with a gift bag on my lap, hoping I didn’t pick something random. You know what? Some gifts stick. Some sit in a drawer. Here’s what made real life easier for me and my people, with the good and the bad, straight from how we used them. If you’re just speed-scrolling for ideas, you can jump straight to my larger graduation-gift cheat sheet.
Need even more brainstorm fuel? Wired’s concise roundup of the best high school graduation gift ideas is a smart place to cross-reference while you scroll.
The backpack that felt “grown-up”: The North Face Borealis
I bought this for my little brother when he finished high school. I also used one for my first year out of college.
- What I loved: The laptop sleeve is snug. It kept my 13-inch MacBook safe on the bus. The side pockets held my Hydro Flask without tipping. The straps feel soft on the shoulders.
- What bugged me: In summer heat, the back panel gets sweaty. Also, it looks sporty, not dressy. I learned to keep a tote in my desk for meetings.
The oh-my-gosh commute saver: AirPods Pro (2nd gen)
I used these on trains, in coffee shops, and once on a very loud plane with a crying baby right behind me.
- What I loved: Noise cancel keeps me calm. Calls sound clear. Case is small. They even survived the bottom of my tote with keys and a granola bar.
- What bugged me: After a year, the battery didn’t last as long. I had to replace the ear tips once. Pricey, so watch for sales.
Pages that don’t glow in your face: Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen)
My aunt gave me this for graduation. It got me back into reading. Like, real reading, not doom scrolling.
- What I loved: The screen is easy on the eyes. It’s great in bed at night. It’s also waterproof. I read in the tub with a face mask on. No fear.
- What bugged me: Library holds take time. Buying ebooks adds up fast. And the screen flashes when you turn pages. It’s normal, but still a tiny “blink.”
The “I’m an adult now” touch: Seiko 5 watch
My dad gave me a Seiko 5. Mine has a black dial and a canvas strap. It made me feel put together on my first day of work.
- What I loved: No charging. It looks clean and classic with anything. People notice it in a good way.
- What bugged me: It loses a minute or two over a week. I set it every Sunday. The metal bracelet also pulled my arm hair, so I swapped to a strap.
Want to see how the Seiko stacks up against other timepieces I tested? I wrote a deep dive on the best watches under $1,000 that covers everything from movements to strap swaps.
Another little-big upgrade: a slim wallet. After trial-and-error (and a few card spills), I tracked down my keeper; the whole saga’s in this wallet field-test story, if you’re on the hunt.
The suitcase that made me glide: Samsonite Winfield 2 vs. Away Bigger Carry-On
I’ve used both. I gave my cousin the Samsonite for her grad trip. I bought the Away for myself.
- What I loved (Samsonite): It’s sturdy for the price. The shell hides scuffs well. The wheels roll smooth in airports.
- What bugged me (Samsonite): The zipper feels lighter. Pack cubes help so it doesn’t bulge.
- What I loved (Away): Super smooth wheels. The inside has nice straps. My blazer didn’t get crushed.
- What bugged me (Away): It scuffs fast, but a magic eraser helps. Also, the version with a battery can be a pain at security. I popped mine out once, while in line, and felt silly.
The tool kit that saved my bookshelf: Craftsman 57-piece set
My roommate gave me this. It’s not cute. It is useful.
- What I loved: I built a wobbly IKEA shelf in 15 minutes. I hung frames in my first apartment. The box keeps the bits from running away.
- What bugged me: It’s heavy. It slides around in the trunk. I stuck Velcro under it. Problem solved.
The cup that ended sad ice water: YETI Rambler 20 oz (with Chug Cap)
I got this at a small backyard grad party. I didn’t ask for it. I use it almost every single day.
- What I loved: It keeps ice all afternoon. Dishwasher safe. The Chug Cap is easy to sip and drive (not that you should… but traffic happens).
- What bugged me: It’s heavy when full. Doesn’t fit in some tiny cup holders. Also dents if you drop it on cement. Ask me how I know.
The “don’t lose your keys again” gift: Apple AirTag (4-pack)
I stuck one on my keys, one in my suitcase, and one in a gym bag. My mom “borrowed” the fourth.
- What I loved: I found my keys behind the couch in seconds. In a crowded airport, I watched my bag move toward me. It lowered my stress.
- What bugged me: It’s best with an iPhone. You need to change the battery about once a year.
Money, but make it warm: Cash + a little letter
My grandma gave me $200 and a note that said, “First month’s train pass.” I cried. Then I bought the pass.
- Why it works: No guessing. It meets the moment.
- Make it personal: Write how you picture them using it. Add a small photo or a pressed flower. It turns cash into care.
A small, sweet memory keeper: Chatbooks photo book
I made one for my friend Lily. I pulled photos from her team’s season and our late-night diner runs.
- What I loved: It took me an hour. The print looks nice. She bawled (happy tears) and kept it on her coffee table.
- What bugged me: Shipping took a week. Double-check captions. I spelled “chemistry” wrong once. Oops.
For grads moving into new apartments, a good board game can break the ice with roommates fast—my top picks live in this all-time board-game shortlist.
A short burst for job hunt nerves: LinkedIn Premium (1–3 months)
I used a three-month trial when I was looking for my first job.
- What I loved: I saw salary ranges. I sent InMail to a hiring manager who actually replied. The resume tips helped me trim fluff.
- What bugged me: It’s pricey if you forget to cancel. Set a calendar reminder. I mean it.
Quick picks by budget (stuff I’ve used and would gift again)
For an even broader shopping sweep—including luxe keepsakes and wallet-friendly crowd-pleasers—Forbes maintains a living best graduation gift guide that’s worth skimming alongside my own picks.
- Under $30: Nice pens (Uni-ball Jetstream) + a Leuchtturm1917 pocket notebook; AirTag; coffee shop gift card with a sticky note.
- Under $30: A laugh-out-loud family game like one from my actual game shelf at home.
- $30–$100: YETI Rambler; Craftsman tool kit; Chatbooks photo book + a frame; Tile Mate if they’re on Android.
- $100–$250: Kindle Paperwhite; North Face Borealis backpack; AirPods (regular) on sale.
- Splurge: AirPods Pro; Away Bigger Carry-On; Seiko 5 watch.
Little tips that make any gift land better
- Add a real note. Say one true thing you admire. Simple wins.
- Include a gift receipt. No shame in swaps.
- Browse curated wish lists on AddThisMark to spark thoughtful ideas that still feel personal.
- Think weekly use. If they’ll use it every week, it’s a win.
- Ask yourself: Will this help on a bus, in a dorm, or at that first job? If yes, you’re golden.
On a strictly 18-plus note, some new grads are also stepping into serious relationships and want to explore intimacy with the same intentionality they bring to career planning. If terms like “candaulisme” sound unfamiliar—or you’re curious about how couples negotiate boundaries and consent around sharing fantasies—check out this clear, no-judgment overview on candaulisme that walks through communication tips, real-life examples, and safety pointers so curiosity doesn’t outpace comfort. Likewise, if