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The best graduation gifts for him—or anyone for that matter—usually tick off these three boxes: They’re well-made or special in some sentimental sort of way, useful to him in whatever phase comes next, and a little bit outside of his budget while still being reasonably within yours. Whether your new grad is out of high school and college-bound, a college student finally entering the professional world, or maybe even wrapping up a later-in-life degree, he deserves the good stuff: a personalizable keepsake, a swanky new ride, the rockstar boots, or some price-y home upgrades that he can use to pad out his first apartment. Here are a couple stylish ways—the best graduation gifts for him—to celebrate his hard work without going so far as to pay off his student loans. Of course, he’d probably appreciate that, too.
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Appointed entrepreneur set
A place to tease out all his million dollar ideas.
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Todd Snyder lambswools sweater
So he can wear all his Ivy League aspirations on his sleeve.
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Away bigger carry-on
It isn’t the Rimowa luggage you know he wants, but Away’s solid spinners are still a mighty upgrade from the average roller.
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Smythson Mara card case
One of our favorite slim wallets serves as a gentle reminder that, financially speaking, your college grad is officially on his own now.
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Paraboot derby shoe
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Brooklinen classic move-in bundle
Upgrade any dingy twin XL sheets he’s hanging onto with a full suite of high-quality bedding for his starter apartment.
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Byredo Bibliotheque candle
An ode to the place where he spent his days cramming, or just a way to cover up the lingering scent of pizza boxes.
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Steamery off-white cirrus No. 3 iron steamer
The lazy guy’s alternative to ironing lets him steam wrinkles into submission, without taking up too much real estate in the closet (and transfers into an iron should he need to crisp up his work shirts).
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Theras Decor and Gifts Italian leather keychain
A handsome keychain, for when you’re handing him the keys to a new car, your summer home, or the storage unit he needs to empty out by the 5th.
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Blue Apron subscription
This tool-kit for home cooking adds some training wheels to help him develop some mastery in the kitchen, while easing his takeout budget.
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Apple Airpods Max wireless headphones
These noise-cancelling, wireless headphones have all the charm of dad’s old pair but with the modern upgrades a man of discerning taste needs in 2023. Namely, killer sound and Bluetooth pairing.
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Todd Snyder soft Italian knit sportcoat
Spark his first great love affair with a sports coat.
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Goruck x Huckberry Slick GR2
One of our favorite travel backpacks for the guy who’s taking a gap year to fill up his passport and figure it all out. It’s crafted with water-resistant fabrics and fits up to 40L of clothes and gear.
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Miansai thin geo ring
Way cooler than an actual grad ring, no matter where he’s graduating from. For a more personal touch, there’s also an option to add a monogram or engraving.
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Google Nest WiFi mesh router
You won’t be paying his internet bills, but at least he’ll have the tools to fill his space (even a tiny sublet) with 5G internet.
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‘This Is Water,’ by David Foster Wallace
Even more life-affirming than Oh, the Places You’ll Go, with plenty of kernels of wisdom for new graduates to carry into the next chapter.
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Oculus Quest 2 VR headset
After grinding for four years, this young man deserves to play hard, too.
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Our Place always pan
The multi-purpose, but also durable and ding-able pan, that every new apartment needs.
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Kamasada kuminabe large cast iron pan
For the budding cast-iron obsessive, here’s an endlessly useful pan that’s large enough for steaks and stir-fry. It’s the perfect graduation gift that he’ll have for years to come—if he seasons it properly, of course.
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R.M. Williams “Gardener” whole-cut leather Chelsea boots
Instead of buying him the dress shoes he’ll wear once a year, get him the boots he really wants—which’ll also help him look a little more grown up.
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Suitsupply navy Havana suit
Sure, a perfectly-cut navy suit isn’t the pinnacle of wavy 2022 tailoring, but it’s still a wise investment for job interviews, weddings, and all manner of formal functions.
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Leesa original mattress
Our all-around favorite memory foam mattress is one of the most useful investments when it comes to college graduation gifts, especially if he’s more used to nodding off on a friend’s futon than a proper bed.
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State Bicycle Co Elliston bike
Help him get to class or the new job on time with this ultra-light cruiser. Throw in a helmet too.
