The 34 Best Gift Ideas for the New Grad in Your Life
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Ambient Lighting for Their New HomeNanoleaf Shapes Triangles Smarter KitRead more
Sharper Culinary SkillsNinja 8-Inch Chef's KnifeRead more
An All-Purpose BagRains Backpack MiniRead more
An Electric BikePropella 7-Speed (V4.0)Read more
Securing a degree is always worth celebrating, but the past few graduating classes have overcome more than the standard all-nighters and strict professors. After dealing with an ongoing pandemic, remote learning, and the rising prices of everything from food to fuel, the graduates of 2023 have succeeded against all odds. It may feel tough to find a gift that perfectly summarizes how proud of them you are, but we've compiled a list that might help. There are gifts for their first grown-up job, a move to a new city, or some well-deserved summer relaxation as they plot their next adventure.
Check out our other buying guides, like the Best Laptop Bags, Best Electric Scooters, Best Ebikes, and Best Cheap Headphones.
Updated May 2023: We replaced older recommendations with new ones, including kitchen essentials and loungewear.
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- Photograph: Nanoleaf
Ambient Lighting for Their New Home
Nanoleaf Shapes Triangles Smarter KitSmart light panels are great for setting the vibe. Our top pick, the Nanoleaf Triangles, can be rearranged to create all sorts of shapes. There are tons of color combinations and modes—for example, a party-friendly setting that'll pulse the lights to the beat of music, or a daylight setting to get grads through short winter days. Nanoleaf has tons of other designs that we like, like the Nanoleaf Lines, so feel free to peruse its offerings.
- Photograph: Ninja
Sharper Culinary Skills
Ninja 8-Inch Chef's KnifeA good kitchen knife can make a world of difference when cooking. It might seem like a boring gift, but your grad will silently thank you for it every time they prep a meal. This pick from Ninja is a great general-purpose knife. It's easy to hold and use, and it has wonderful edge retention.
You can find additional recommendations in our Best Chef Knives guide. Our Essential Pots and Pans and Best Gear for Small Kitchens guides may also be helpful.
- Photograph: Rains
An All-Purpose Bag
Rains Backpack MiniRains' Backpack Mini is the most stylish pick in our Best Laptop Backpacks guide. It's available in a wide range of colors, and the 8.5-liter capacity offers enough room to stash a laptop as well as accessories, chargers, and other odds and ends. The elegant design will ensure your college grad won't look like a kid when they commute to their new grown-up job—or that your high school grad won't look like a kid when they head to college classes. (There's also a large version if they tend to pack a lot.)
If the recipient prefers purses, we like the Cuyana System Tote ($278), which you can read more about in our Best Laptop Totes and Purses guide.
- Photograph: Propella
An Electric Bike
Propella 7-Speed (V4.0)After another year of testing electric bikes, we've kept Propella's bike at the top of our list as the best affordable commuter ebike. For a bike that’s outfitted with a motor and battery, Propella’s is relatively light. WIRED reviewer Parker Hall says it's a delightful ride, and it comes with comfy extras like a suspension seat post. Moreover, it ships direct to the consumer, so you don’t have to interface with a dealer for assembly. It will let your new grad cover much more distance than they ever believed possible.
- Photograph: Apple
A Fitness and Time Tracker (for iPhone Owners)
Apple Watch Series 8Smartwatches are awesome. This is our top pick for iPhone owners (8/10, WIRED Recommends). It has wonderful health tracking features and a spate of safety tools, like fall detection and the option for automated emergency calls. Grads will also be able to reply to messages, check notifications, control music playback, and more. You can read more about it in our Best Apple Watches guide.
- Photograph: Samsung
A Fitness and Time Tracker (for Android Owners)
Samsung Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch5 ProAndroid users deserve smartwatches too! We like the Galaxy Watch5 series (7/10, WIRED Recommends). These feature many of the same health-related bells and whistles as the aforementioned Apple Watch. There aren't as many safety features or apps, but for everyday uses like turn-by-turn directions and checking notifications, the Watch5 is a great pick. The batteries tend to last longer than an Apple Watch, just know these are not compatible with iPhones (unlike older Galaxy Watch models).
- Photograph: Phaidon
An Appealing Cookbook
The Vegetarian Silver SpoonIf your grad has shown interest in cutting beef from their diet, Phaidon's The Vegetarian Silver Spoon has gorgeous, specially commissioned photography to accompany recipes for more than 200 Italian vegetarian dishes. Check out this roundup for more cookbook recommendations.
- Photograph: Niu
An Electric Scooter
Niu KQi3 ProThis is our favorite electric scooter for most people. It strikes a nice balance between power (enough to climb most slopes), price, and weight. It's still 45 pounds, so if your grad is going to move into a four-story walkup, you might want to look at some of our other picks. Otherwise, this is a great all-around scooter that can get them around town, whether they're snagging groceries or commuting to work. Make sure you get them a helmet, too. (If you'd like to learn more about the Niu, we recently reviewed a nearly identical and slightly more powerful version here.)
- Photograph: Best Buy
Exercise-Friendly Earbuds
Jabra Elite 7 ActiveThanks to their tiny size, comfortable fit, and great sound, the Jabra Elite 7 are our favorite workout headphones. They'll stay securely in place during runs, deadlifts, and hikes, even if the wearer is sweaty. The companion app for smartphones allows for sound adjustment, so your giftee can let in more ambient noise if they're out on a trail or on a busy street. The included carrying case keeps the battery charged up too. Check out our Best Cheap Headphones and Best Wireless Headphones guides for more recommendations.
- Photograph: Branch
A Grown-Up Office Chair
Branch Ergonomic ChairYour giftee may be young and spry, but posture problems and back pain can compound over time. It's best to get into good habits early, and a good chair can help create an ergonomic office setup. This is our favorite office chair for most people. It can make quite a few minute adjustments for a personalized fit, and it's comfortable. The chair accommodates many different heights and body sizes, and we also like the relatively accessible price tag.
- Photograph: Amazon
Distraction-Free Reading
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021, 11th Generation)Bookish grads will appreciate the Kindle Paperwhite, which is the Best Kindle for most people. The e-reader interface is simple and straightforward. With no intrusive vibrations, notifications, or inane newsfeeds to scroll through, Kindle enthusiasts find these devices to be a much better option than phones for distraction-free reading. Analog books are still a thing, of course, but you can't carry 1,000 of them around in your pocket. The Kindle has room for all that and more, and the display is designed to be as close to paper as possible. There's a built-in backlight with adjustable warmth to ensure maximum visibility at night, plus waterproofing for reading beside the pool or in the tub. There are many free or cheap ebooks available online, but if your grad is a particularly voracious reader, you may want to consider including a Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Do they enjoy jotting down notes all the time? Consider the newer Kindle Scribe (8/10, WIRED Recommends), which is much more expensive but it doubles as a notepad and comes with a stylus.
- Photograph: Cosori
An Electric Kettle
Cosori Electric Glass KettleWaiting for water to boil sucks. Adulthood weirdly involves a lot of it. I was gifted an electric kettle shortly after getting my first grown-up place and I still use it almost every day. This option from Cosori is a wonderful and affordable pick. It boils water quickly and shuts off automatically once the job is done. We have more recommendations in our Best Electric Kettles guide.
- Photograph: Breville
A Coffee Upgrade
Breville Barista ExpressIf your grad loves their cup of joe, give them a coffee upgrade. The Breville Barista Express is our favorite all-in-one espresso machine. There's a built-in burr grinder, a tamp to pack the grounds, and even a steam wand to froth up some milk for delicious lattes. WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu has owned one since 2018, and it's still in tip-top shape with minimal maintenance required.
- Photograph: Apple
A Versatile Tablet
Apple iPad Air (2022, 5th Gen)We've argued before that switching to an iPad as your primary computer can be life-changing. It's smaller and lighter; your recent grad can work on a spreadsheet, access their smartphone apps, take off the keyboard to watch Netflix, or prop it up on a music stand to learn how to play the piano. It's great for drawing too. Not sure which one to get? We think the 2022 iPad Air (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is the best choice for grads, as it's large enough to crank out some work yet still portable and lightweight. Check our Best iPad and Best Tablets guides for more recommendations, as well as our Best iPad Accessories guide to kit out their new slate.
- Photograph: 1Password
Secure Passwords
1Password Gift CardAs my colleague Scott Gilbertson notes, password managers aren't the most exciting gift. They are, however, the best and easiest way to store hundreds of long, strong, secure passwords. Keeping passwords safe is incredibly important in the digital age. 1Password isn't the cheapest option, but it offers lots of extra features, like Travel Mode, which prevents law enforcement officers from accessing a user's vault when passing through international borders. It can also act as an authentication app like Google Authenticator, and it integrates well with other apps. A one-year individual membership costs $36, so keep that in mind when deciding on the gift card's denomination.
- Photograph: Amazon
A Cute, Useful Alarm
Amazon Echo Dot With Clock (5th Gen)Everyone knows you can ask a smart speaker for recipe help or weather forecasts. But there are so many more uses for this small, unobtrusive, attractive orb that can disappear in any corner of a house. For example, your grad can use it as a sound machine while they sleep, to set multiple alerts throughout the day, or have them set it up in the bathroom to play music and keep new roommates from hearing them do their business. (You didn't hear that one from me.)
- Photograph: Joseph Shin
Pocket-Size Entertainment
Nintendo Switch LiteThe Switch Lite is the follow-up to Nintendo’s famous console, and it's a worthy successor on its own. It has a solid, durable body that comes in a bunch of bright colors, with a grippy matte finish. It's much more portable, so they can take it with them everywhere. If you want to get a game for your grad, we also have a roundup of our favorites.
- Photograph: Suga
A Recycled Workout Mat
Suga SugaMatEstablishing a new workout routine after graduating from high school or college doesn't have to be difficult. It can be as easy as a few pushups in the morning or a 15-minute walk around the block. Cassey Ho, from the wildly popular Blogilates fitness platform, recommends starting with a simple yoga mat to anchor your new grad's working-out-at-home routine. It will also dampen the sound of their footfalls for any downstairs neighbors.
- Photograph: GiftCast
A Cash Gift
GiftcastWe’re often very far away from the new grads in our life. A remote cash gift is always appreciated, but Venmo isn’t the most personal means of cash transfer. GiftCast is a simple app that lets you virtually gift-wrap your cash with a heartfelt video message and a promise to see them in person as soon as you can. WIRED reviewers have also used and liked services such as Givingli.
- Photograph: Rumpl
A Picnic Blanket
Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy BlanketIs your new grad planning a big trip for the summer? I own two of these, and they're particularly versatile and useful gifts. These unbelievably soft, warm blankets are made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled polyester material with a durable water-repellent finish to fend off dirt and prevent stains. I've used mine for everything from impromptu picnics and warming up on the couch to an emergency layer after the car broke down on a snowy day. WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu used it as a blanket on his road trip in Iceland. They pack down into a small compression sack for easy storage.
- Photograph: Satechi
A One-Stop Charging Spot
Satechi 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging StandThis 3-in-1 charging stand made our list of the Best iPhone 13 Accessories because it's super convenient. If your grad is all-in on Apple hardware, this charging stand can simultaneously top off an iPhone, AirPods (with a wireless charging case), and an Apple Watch. It doesn't take up much room on a desk or nightstand, either. Check out our Best Wireless Chargers guide for additional recommendations, including several for non-Apple gadgets.
- Photograph: Belkin
A One-Stop Charging Spot
Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charger With MagSafeThis 3-in-1 charging stand is our top Apple 3-in-1 wireless charger recommendation because it's super convenient. If your grad is all-in on Apple hardware, this charging stand can simultaneously top off an iPhone, AirPods (with a wireless charging case), and an Apple Watch. It doesn't take up much room on a desk or nightstand, either. Check out our Best Wireless Chargers guide for additional recommendations, including several for non-Apple gadgets.
- Photograph: Keychron
A Clicky Keyboard
Keychron Q3 QMK Custom Mechanical KeyboardA great keyboard is something everyone can appreciate. WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu says this keyboard is “just great all-around.” The keys are loud and clicky, the onboard volume knob is endlessly useful, and the heavier footprint means the keyboard won't drift around while the typist merrily hammers away. There are a few different colorways available, but we recommend the striking and uncommon all-blue option. If your grad prefers a wireless setup, well, Keychron makes a very similar version that they can use wired or wireless called the Q1 Pro. Check out our Best Mechanical Keyboards guide for additional recommendations.
- Photograph: Yaasa
An On-Demand Hug
Yaasa Weighted BlanketNothing signals adulthood like random existential crises. Weighted blankets can help squish away bad feelings. There are tons of good choices available, but this is our absolute favorite. It's satisfyingly heavy, cooling, and one of the prettiest weighted blankets around. The downside? It can only be dry cleaned. Read our Best Weighted Blankets guide for other options, as well as advice on what weight works best. While they can help with some symptoms, remember that weighted blankets are not a substitute for medical treatment.
- Photograph: InvisaWear
Personal Safety
InvisawearThe world can be a scary place, but there's no preventing your recent grad from venturing out on their own. Most smartphones and wearables offer built-in personal safety features, like emergency alerts or location sharing, but a dedicated device might offer both you and the recipient some added peace of mind. Invisawear is backed by the security company ADT, and its products work with both Android and iOS phones. The company's keychains, armbands, jewelry, and other products have a hidden button that can be used to dial 911 and share your location with designated contacts.
There's an optional subscription that costs $20 per month—subscribers gain access to additional benefits, like 24/7 access to an agent, or activity tracking for riskier activities like blind dates. There are free apps available to help ensure personal safety and assist with emergency situations. You can learn more about these and more personal safety tech options here.
- Photograph: The Happy Planner
A Setup for Success
The Happy PlannerEveryone can benefit from a good paper planner, but that's especially true for young adults entering the workforce. The Happy Planner is one of our favorites. It's affordable, customizable, and suitable for beginners as well as experts. Whether they're keeping track of deadlines, interviews, monthly payments, or their five-year plan, graduates will be able to stay on top of life's endless to-do lists.
- Photograph: Astrohaus
A Modern-Day Typewriter
Freewrite TravelerWriting is hard. Writing when you're barraged by distracting notifications is even harder. If your graduate will be writing for a living, the Freewrite Traveler (8/10, WIRED Recommends) might make an excellent gift. It serves a simple purpose, offering users a blank text field and a keyboard. The recipient will be able to work on the next best-selling novel or type up a cover letter, free of tempting web links or distracting advertisements. Unlike on typewriters of the past, drafts can be uploaded to services like Google Docs or Evernote with a simple keystroke. Another key difference is that the Freewrite Traveler doesn't weigh a gajillion pounds—the entire device folds down flat and weighs less than 2 pounds.
- Photograph: Away
A Rolling Suitcase
Away "The Bigger Carry-On" Aluminum EditionAway's Bigger Carry-On is one of our favorite travel bags. The capacity is roomy compared to many pieces of luggage designed to fit in an overhead compartment, but the overall dimensions still meet the requirements designated by most airlines. The aluminum shell will likely get dinged up over time, but that'll happen with any suitcase; we found the overall construction to be both sleek and durable. The suitcase also has an optional removable power bank, allowing users to keep their devices charged without hunting for a working outlet at a busy terminal.
- Photograph: Snow Peak
A Portable Utensil
Snow Peak Wabuki ChopsticksGive your eco-conscious graduate a pair of chopsticks and a Japanese handkerchief. They'll likely use them every day. Portable and reusable utensils will help cut back on their use of wasteful disposables, and the versatile handkerchief will come in handy as more than just a napkin. Both should satisfy the user's moral code and the need to fit in if they're living in an area where folks are extra aware of their environmental footprint. Added benefit? They might have fewer dishes to do. It's a win-win-win. I also recommend this reusable, collapsible metal spork, which is pleasantly hefty and available in tons of neat colors.
- Photograph: Patagonia
A Packable Rain Jacket
Patagonia Houdini JacketBeing caught in the rain might have looked fun in The Notebook, but it's a good way to ruin a day. This lightweight, packable jacket will keep your grad dry without cramping their style. It doesn't sound too swishy when the wearer moves around, and the simple construction packs down to an incredibly tiny parcel. Check out our Best Rain Jackets and Best Umbrellas guides for more ideas on how to keep your grad warm and dry.
- Photograph: REI
An Insulated Vessel
Stanley Master Unbreakable Thermal BottleThis is our favorite large thermos. The insulated construction keeps liquids hot or cold, and the super-tough construction helps to ensure that your graduate will be using this bad boy well into their adulthood. (So does the lifetime warranty.) In true thermos fashion, the lid doubles as a cup, and there's also a convenient carrying handle. This would make a great grad gift for outdoor enthusiasts, but we also have tons of other recommendations in our Best Reusable Water Bottles guide.
- Photograph: Dash
A Compact Countertop Appliance
Dash Mini Waffle MakerWe love waffle makers. So will your grad. They've likely seen a tiny model from Dash already, since it went viral on TikTok, but even newcomers will have a blast making single-serve waffles with this gadget. For something a bit more robust, this Black and Decker Waffle Maker may suffice. Neither will take up too much space on compact counters, and both are capable of making magical creations out of everything from potatoes to pie. Pair the maker with this cookbook for an easy, surprisingly useful gift.
- Photograph: Mistobox
A Coffee Subscription
Mistobox Coffee SubscriptionNickel and dime expenses like a daily café run can add up—especially for a grad living on an entry-level salary. A coffee subscription, like Mistobox, can make a difference. There are more than 500 coffee options to choose from, so even the most discerning drinkers will be able to enjoy this gift. Check out our Best Coffee Subscription Services guide for more.
- Photograph: Leon Neal/Getty Images
Literally Everything
Amazon PrimeTwo things are genuine markers of adulthood these days: getting your own Netflix account and getting your own Amazon Prime subscription. The benefits of Amazon Prime are legion, from free shipping and access to Prime Video to exclusive savings on Prime-only products. Their student discount may be disappearing, but you can save the day by gifting them another year. This is the graduation gift that keeps on giving. Your new college grad will likely save the money several times over.
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