23 Tested Graduation Gifts New Grads Will Actually Use

1. American Soft Linen 6-piece towel set, $40.

If your grad is moving into a dorm or first apartment, this is the least glamorous gift on the list and one of the most useful. I would skip it only if they already have a complete linen closet or are moving into a furnished place. ([cnet.com](cnet.com/deals/best-cyber-monday-deals-under-50-2024-12-04/))

2. Microwave pasta pot, $29.

This is perfect for the grad who can make ramen but not much else, because it turns a stovetop chore into a microwave one. Do not buy it for someone who already cooks real dinners every night. ([cnet.com](cnet.com/gifts/best-graduation-gifts/))

3. ZeroWater 12-cup pitcher, $34.

Fresh tap water sounds boring until your grad is buying bottled water every week, and this solves that fast. Skip it if their fridge already has a built-in filter or there is no room for a pitcher. ([cnet.com](cnet.com/gifts/best-graduation-gifts/))

4. Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 air fryer, $160.

This is the apartment gift for someone who wants crispy food without committing to a giant countertop appliance. I would not buy it if their kitchen is already crowded or they own a favorite air fryer they actually use. ([cnet.com](cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-air-fryer/))

5. Our Place Wonder Oven, $185.

This one works for a first apartment that needs one machine to toast, roast, bake and reheat, which is a very post-grad reality. Skip it if they already have a toaster oven or they are trying to keep the counter clear. ([cnet.com](cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/wonder-oven-pro-review-is-this-multipurpose-appliance-a-worthy-alternative-to-a-full-size-oven/))

6. Ninja 12-cup programmable coffee brewer, $90.

This is the right gift for the grad who is about to learn that coffee runs are expensive. Do not buy it for the espresso-only purist or the rare human who does not drink drip coffee. ([cnet.com](cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-coffee-maker/))

7. Baseus 6-in-1 charging station, $28.

A clean desk is the point here, because nobody wants cables breeding all over a tiny apartment. I would pass if they already have built-in charging everywhere or if they do most of their work away from a desk. ([cnet.com](cnet.com/deals/baseus-6-in-1-charging-station-deal/))

8. Linkind Matter smart light bulb, $20.

This is the cheapest way to make a new place feel less temporary, and it is a very easy win for first-time renters. Skip it if they already have smart lighting dialed in or they hate app setup. ([cnet.com](cnet.com/deals/linkind-matter-smart-light-bulbs-deal/))

9. Amazon Smart Thermostat, about $80.

This is the gift for the grad signing a lease and immediately noticing the utility bills, because it can trim energy waste without a fancy price tag. Do not buy it for anyone who cannot swap a thermostat or does not control the HVAC. ([cnet.com](cnet.com/home/smart-home/best-cheap-smart-gadgets-cnet-editors-use-in-their-homes/))

10. Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Control, $30.

It is a genuinely thoughtful gift for a grad moving into a place with a garage, because it gives them remote control and peace of mind. Do not buy this for apartment dwellers, street parkers or anyone without a compatible garage setup. ([cnet.com](cnet.com/home/smart-home/best-smart-garage-door-opener-controller/))

11. She’s Birdie personal safety alarm, $28.

This belongs on a keyring for anyone commuting alone, moving to a new city or learning a new route home. Skip it if they already carry another safety device or never use keys. ([cnet.com](cnet.com/gifts/best-graduation-gifts/))

12. Anker Nano power bank, $30.

This is the classic commute gift, because dead-phone anxiety is real the second someone starts job hunting and riding the train. I would not buy it for someone who already carries a power bank they love. ([cnet.com](cnet.com/deals/anker-nano-10000mah-30w-power-bank/))

13. Baggu Cloud Travel Bag, $78.

This is the practical bag for weekend visits home, quick work trips and the grad who keeps overpacking their tote. Skip it if they already own a favorite weekender or never travel with more than a backpack. ([cnet.com](cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/baggu-cloud-travel-bag-is-the-best-duffle-bag-to-gift-this-year/))

14. JBL Flip 7, $150.

This is for the grad whose post-college social life is happening in parks, backyards and tiny apartments with friends on the floor. Do not buy it if they already have a portable speaker they use daily or want more stationary audio. ([cnet.com](cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/i-tried-the-new-jbl-flip-7-and-charge-6-bluetooth-speakers-and-liked-what-i-heard/))

15. Logitech Brio 101 webcam, $25.

This is the smart under-$30 buy for interview season and remote work, especially if their laptop camera makes them look like they were filmed through fog. Skip it if their company already provides a good video setup. ([cnet.com](cnet.com/deals/amazon-deals-of-the-day-3-19/))

16. Logitech MX Brio webcam, $200.

This is the more polished webcam for the grad who will live on Zoom, client calls or presentations and wants to look sharp doing it. I would not spend this much if they only need occasional basic meetings. ([cnet.com](cnet.com/tech/computing/logitech-mx-brio-4k-webcam-review-much-better-than-youd-think/))

17. Apple AirPods 4, $99.

These are still the easiest plug-in-and-go earbuds for iPhone-heavy lives, and the open design is a nice fit for people who do not love silicone tips. Do not buy them if they already own AirPods or want a tighter in-ear seal. ([cnet.com](cnet.com/gifts/))

18. Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones, $450.

This is the luxury move that actually pays rent in focus, because strong noise canceling makes libraries, planes and open offices bearable. Skip them if your grad already has premium headphones or would never spend this much themselves. ([cnet.com](cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-noise-canceling-headphones/))

19. Beats Solo Buds, $80.

These are a better Apple-adjacent pick for someone who wants smaller earbuds and does not need a battery in the case. Do not buy them if they already have AirPods or expect premium extras. ([cnet.com](cnet.com/tech/mobile/beats-solo-buds-review-minimalist-design-and-feature-set-but-nails-the-earbuds-basics/))

20. Soundcore P20i earbuds, $20.

This is the smartest backup pair for commuting, gym bags and anyone who is forever losing earbuds, because the price is low enough that it does not sting. Skip it if your grad is an audiophile or already owns a nicer daily pair. ([cnet.com](cnet.com/deals/last-chance-best-amazon-spring-sale-under-25-deals-2026-4-1/))

21. Roku Streambar SE, $79.

This is the apartment gift for someone with a tiny TV and zero interest in buying a full sound system, because it improves sound without taking over the room. Do not buy it if they already have a soundbar or do not own a television. ([cnet.com](cnet.com/gifts/))

22. Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 glasses, $379.

This is a very specific gift for the grad who wants hands-free photos, video and a little future-facing tech in one frame. Skip it if they do not wear glasses or would hate having a camera on their face. ([cnet.com](cnet.com/gifts/))

23. Aura digital picture frame, $139.

This is the staying-in-touch gift that does not feel like another chargeable gadget, because family can keep sending photos long after the ceremony is over. Do not buy it for someone who hates cloud-connected gifts or has no place to set it up. ([cnet.com](cnet.com/deals/i-found-this-excellent-picture-frame-for-only-5-more-than-its-record-low-price-for-black-friday/))