Believe it or not, graduation season has arrived and it’s time to select the perfect gift for the Class of 2023 graduate in your life. Graduation is a significant event, whether from high school or college. Therefore, you will undoubtedly want to commemorate this significant milestone with a considerate gift that can assist them in transitioning to the next stage of their life.
A recent high school graduate could be embarking on a fresh job or moving into a freshman dorm in the upcoming fall. A university graduate might be progressing towards the real world and securing their initial apartment. Irrespective of their next chapter, we have compiled a list of graduation gift suggestions that a majority of the graduates would appreciate. Several of these graduation gifts serve a practical purpose, for instance, a jump-starter for their vehicle or a duffle bag for trips back home. While others serve a fun purpose and will enable them to make the most of the summer season such as a comfortable beach towel and a fashionable outdoor game set. Browse through the options.
Uncommon Goods
Ode to Home State Pillow
Home is where the heart is
$90 at Uncommon Goods
For those graduates leaving their home state, surprise them with a sentimental reminder of where they came from. This chic pillow is offered for all 50 states, creating an appealing decorative accent for a dorm bed or apartment sofa. The sight of it will evoke memories of their hometown and stir up feelings of nostalgia every time they see it.
$90 from Uncommon Goods
Tesalate Beach Towel
Perfect for a Sunny Day Out!
At just $48 from Tesalate, kickstart your grad’s summer with this Instagram-worthy beach towel. With its vibrant colors, this towel is sure to roll easily into a neat pouch, making it an ideal companion for a day at the beach or by the pool. It is lightweight, soft, and has excellent absorbency. Plus, the best part is that it is specially designed to resist sand, keeping the mess at bay for when your grad returns from their day out.
Tesalate charges $48.
Land’s End Travel Carry On Luggage Duffle Bag is perfect for weekend getaways, even if they are off on their own. This robust duffle is an adequate size for all weekend trips. Its original price is $110, but it’s now on sale for $66. If you want to make it an exceptional gift, you can have their initials embroidered on the front for $8.
2020 Land’s End – $66.
David Carnoy from CNET reviewed Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, which are priced at $278 on Amazon, Walmart, and $280 on Best Buy. These over-ear wireless headphones come with a battery life of up to 30 hours and noise-canceling capabilities. They also have a multipoint feature, but are not water-resistant and do not have any IP rating. These headphones are recommended for tuning out roommates.
The Sony WH-1000X5 can be considered as one of the top-notch noise-canceling headphones in the market. Even though they are priced at $400, they are often available for a lower price. Although it may still seem like a considerable amount for headphones, when compared to the AirPods Max, that cost $549, this graduation present appears to be a more cost-effective option.
Check out the review of Sony WH-1000XM4.
$278 on Amazon $278 on Walmart $280 on Best Buy
Amazon
American Soft Linen, 6-Piece Towel Set
For Their New Home
$40 on Amazon. You will be notified of price changes for the American Soft Linen, 6-Piece Towel Set.
Whether they are moving into a dormitory or their first apartment, every new graduate needs a new set of towels. These towels are 100% made of Turkish cotton, they are fluffy, soft, and super absorbent. You can choose from 16 colors, from neutral white and taupe to bold turquoise or yellow.
You are receiving price alerts for American Soft Linen 6-Piece Towel Set, currently priced at $40 on Amazon.
David Carnoy/CNET
Sonos Roam
For taking the party outside
The Roam, currently Sonos’ smallest and most affordable speaker, is available in white or black for $179. Although fairly expensive for a mini wireless speaker, this model is equipped with both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and can connect with an existing Sonos multiroom audio system. It can also link with other Series 2-compatible Sonos speakers, just like Sonos’ earlier but more expensive Move portable speaker. This is an excellent gift idea for those new to the Sonos world and is a great starter speaker. Check out our Sonos Roam review.
$180 is the price at Best Buy, while it is $179 at both Crutchfield and B&H Photo-Video.
David Carnoy/CNET
Theragun Mini
For relieving stress
$146 at Walmart, $148 at Amazon. You will receive price alerts for Theragun Mini.
Looking for a graduation gift that is guaranteed to satisfy? Consider giving a Theragun Mini massage gun. While there are numerous options to choose from, the Theragun Mini stands out for its compact size, impressive power, and surprisingly quiet function. It is available in several color choices and retails for under $200.
You are receiving price alerts for the Theragun Mini. It costs $146 at Walmart and $148 at Amazon.
Amazon
She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm
For Safe Late-Night Walks Home
$30 on Amazon, $30 at Nordstrom
If your recent graduate is going to live away from home for the first time, they will most likely find themselves in unfamiliar surroundings. A personal safety alarm can help make them feel more secure and better equipped for dangerous situations. The She’s Birdie personal safety alarm is compact, loud, and comes with a flashing strobe light. It can be easily attached to car keys or slipped into a back pocket.
$30 on Amazon$30 at Nordstrom
Lillia & Charles Linen Quilt:
The Perfectly Breathable and Cozy Blanket
Looking for a cozy blanket that breathes throughout the year? Check out the Lillia & Charles Linen Quilt! Unlike heavy down comforters, this enduring linen quilt provides the same weight and warmth with better breathability, making it perfect for all seasons. At just $187, this durable and comfortable blanket can be a wonderful gift for your new grad to enjoy in the warmer months. Find it at Lillia & Charles.
Lillia & Charles have crafted an exceptional quilt using 100% linen that is machine washable and available in four different colors. The queen size quilt is reasonably priced at $187 and can be purchased directly from Lillia & Charles.
Microwave Pasta Pot
Ideal for quick late-night meals
Available at Uncommon Goods for $29
This microwavable pasta pot is the perfect solution for novice chefs and students, allowing you to prepare noodles in minutes without the need for a stove or constant stirring. It’s a game-changer for recent graduates living in new residences without a stove, as there’s no need for extensive cleanup afterwards.
$29 on Uncommon Goods website
Sarah Tew/CNET
TCL 4-Series Roku TV
Ideal for binge-watching their preferred TV shows
$270 at Amazon$330 at Walmart$270 at Best Buy
Available in 43-, 50-, 55-, 65-, 75-, 85-inch sizes
LED TV technology
Features Roku TV as a smart TV platform
Boasts a resolution of 4K
Comes equipped with three HDMI ports.
Our top pick for live TV streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video is the Roku platform, and it’s especially great when integrated into a television set. Although the TCL 4-Series does not match the image quality of pricier models — its 4K resolution and HDR compatibility do not enhance the picture — it provides satisfactory performance for most individuals, especially considering its cost. This TV is available in sizes ranging from 43 to 75 inches, with the price stated here referring to the 50-inch version, which is sufficient for most graduates.
$270 on Amazon$330 at Walmart$270 on Best Buy
ZeroWater
ZeroWater Pitcher
For quenching your thirst
$35 on Amazon You’re receiving alerts for the price of ZeroWater Pitcher
No matter where your recent graduate ends up, they may not have access to great-tasting tap water. ZeroWater is our top choice for the best water filter pitcher for enhancing the taste and purity of tap water. Those residing in dormitories can keep it in a mini fridge to have a refillable supply of chilled water. This not only saves them money on purchasing bottled water but is also environmentally friendly.
You are currently being sent price alerts for the ZeroWater Pitcher, which is priced at $35 on Amazon.
DeWalt Digital Portable Power Station Jump Starter
If your graduate owns a car, the DeWalt Digital Portable Power Station is a perfect jump starter to keep nearby for emergency situations. With a rating of 700 cranking amps, it is considered one of the most powerful portable jump starters available. It also has a built-in air compressor, which can be convenient for inflating tires. Furthermore, the device offers two USB ports to charge small electronic devices such as phones or tablets. You can purchase this item for $150 on Amazon.
Sunbasket Meal Kit Subscription
For nutritious meal options
View on Sunbasket
One harsh truth that comes with graduation is the absence of magically appearing food. Regardless of whether your graduate has been enjoying meals cooked by their parents at home or relying on the campus cafeteria for nourishment, one thing is certain: It’s now the perfect opportunity for them to develop their culinary skills.
One simple approach to achieve this is by subscribing to a meal kit service, which is offered by various companies in 2023. Sunbasket is my top pick among the 10 or so meal kits I’ve experimented with, as it contains numerous fascinating recipes that are not overly complex to prepare, even for a novice. You can also find some fantastic meal kits that are budget-friendly, as well as ones that cater to healthy eating and numerous fully cooked meal delivery services if you dread cooking in the kitchen.
Sunbasket offers the option to send a gift with any desired amount for your graduate to spend on creating nutritious meal kits, as opposed to spending it at a bar.
Visit Sunbasket for more information.
Amazon
Amazon Gift Card
Perfect for Choosy Graduates
$25 on Amazon. You’ve subscribed to price alerts for Amazon Gift Card.
Not every graduate has specific wants or needs for their upcoming journey and that’s perfectly okay. If you’re unsure of what to gift your beloved grad or want to make sure they find something they like, an Amazon gift card is an excellent solution. This particular gift card comes in a graduation cap gift box, adding a personal touch.
You are getting notifications for Amazon Gift Card price drops, which is currently priced at $25 on Amazon.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Apple AirPods Pro
For everyday listening
$154 at Amazon$199 at B&H Photo-Video
You’re receiving price alerts for Apple AirPods Pro
If your graduate doesn’t yet have them, chances are they’d love to receive them. The AirPods Pro, which are incredibly compact and lightweight, come with noise isolation and a design that fits securely in most ear sizes, delivering an outstanding performance for phone calls. They make a great choice as a high school graduation gift or college graduation gift. (If your grad has an Android phone, the Beats Fit Pro?may be a better option.)
You’re getting alerts for the Apple AirPods Pro, priced at $154 on Amazon and $199 at B&H Photo-Video.
Black & Decker
Black & Decker 60-Piece Drill and Tool Kit is available for $72 at Amazon. This kit can be a handy toolset for fixing things when parents are not around.
Acquiring all the necessary tools for a household can be a time-consuming process that spans years. However, with this 60-piece kit, you can provide your graduate with a head start in equipping themselves with everything they require, making it an ideal gift for this significant achievement. The kit includes an 8-volt drill, a hammer, a level, a tape measure, several wrenches, and screwdrivers, all compactly organized into a convenient carrying case. It’s an ideal present for any new graduate.
You have been receiving price notifications for the Black & Decker 60-Piece Drill and Tool Kit, currently priced at $72 on Amazon.
The Apple Watch SE adds a contemporary twist to a conventional gift for graduates. It is fashionable and more utilitarian than a basic bracelet. With its responsive interface and impressive fitness capabilities, this affordable smartwatch provides a great way for your graduate to monitor their well-being while still addressing essential social needs. Available for $220 on Amazon or $249 at Apple.
Check out our review of the Apple Watch SE.
$220 on Amazon $249 at the Apple Store
Wemore Weighted Blanket
Promotes a better sleep experience
$66 on Amazon. Price alerts available for Wemore Weighted Blanket.
Getting sufficient rest is crucial for most young adults, and frankly, for everyone! The Wemore Weighted Blanket offers a soothing ambiance that promotes a peaceful night’s sleep. Furthermore, it has a cozy texture that adds to its comfortable nature. While this blanket typically costs $50, it’s currently on sale for $45 if you apply a coupon at checkout.
You’ve set up price alerts for the Wemore Weighted Blanket on Amazon, which is currently priced at $66.
Earfun Air Pro 3
An inexpensive alternative to AirPods
$65 on Amazon. You are getting price alerts for Earfun Air Pro 3
If you are reluctant to spend $249 on Apple’s AirPods Pro, consider Earfun’s Air Pro 3 wireless earbuds, which are a fantastic value option. These earbuds are lightweight and comfortable to wear, and despite their modest price, they deliver strong performance with powerful bass, excellent clarity, and a relatively wide soundstage. Moreover, they come with several useful features such as a wireless charging case and “multidevice” connectivity.
Check out our review of Earfun Air Pro 3.
The Earfun Air Pro 3 is currently priced at $65 on Amazon. You are signed up to receive alerts about any price changes.
Roku Express 4K Plus
Made for streaming shows
$43 at Walmart
$40 at Amazon
$40 at Best Buy
If purchasing a new TV for your graduate is too expensive, don’t worry! Roku’s amazing video streamers can easily turn any HDMI-equipped TV into a gateway to ultimate online entertainment by providing access to popular channels such as Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, YouTube, HBO Max, and hundreds more. While cheaper than its counterparts – the Streaming Stick 4K+ and other 4K HDR streaming devices – the Express 4K Plus is our top recommendation for the overall best streaming device.
$43 at Walmart
$40 at Amazon
$40 at Best Buy
Additional CNET gift guides include:
Best gifts for Star Wars fans
Top coffee club and subscription options
Best flower delivery services
Great gift ideas under $300
Must-have TikTok items that are worth trying out
