It’s graduation season (again!)—here’s what college grads actually want.
It’s that time of year when graduation invites start rolling in and your weekends fill up with ceremonies, parties, and post-grad send-offs. And with that comes the inevitable question: What do you get a college graduate? Especially if you haven’t seen them since they were 10, or have no clue what someone in their early twenties even needs these days.
Luckily, I’ve got you. I asked my own circle of friends—who’ve all graduated within the past year—for the things they use the most, or wish they’d received. Whether your grad is moving to a new city, starting their first job, or still figuring things out, there’s something on this list they’ll love (and actually use). Here’s what made the cut.
1. A Leather Work Bag They’ll Use Every Day
A good work bag is one of those feels like a splurge but changes your life kind of gifts. My sisters got me a Coach one, but for a more slightly more affordable option I love the Triple Compartment Leather Shopper Tote from Quince. It’s polished, spacious, and an upgrade to even the viral Longchamp.
2. A Nice Carry-On Roller
Let’s be honest—no college grad has nice luggage, but they all have trips planned. This one from Beis is sleek, durable, and perfect for weekend trips or business travel. If you felt like splurging some more, I'm also an Eagle Creek stan (got me through 100+ days of travel last year). Bonus points if you throw in a luggage tag to match.
3. A Sleek Tumbler
Created Co.'s Nomad Sip Tumbler is giving off cool, sleek office vibes. The design is modern and minimalist, and it’s the exact type of tumbler I’m seeing around a lot of my friends’ desks these days. You also can’t go wrong with anything from Yeti.
4. A Bottle of Something Local
Want a personal touch? Gift them a bottle from a local distillery near where they went to school or are moving. I love Journeyman Distillery in Michigan and Holladay Distillery in Missouri (very midwest of me). Crisp, cool, and unique—just like them.
5. A Signature Scent
Perfume ranked high on my friends’ “things I wish I got” list. Diptyque is iconic for a reason, and their diffuser or perfume makes a gorgeous gift. I recommend their sampler so they can decide for themselves. Le Labo and Aesop are also great picks for a luxury handsoap moment.
6. True Stainless Steel Bakeware
This is my forever-recommend. If you’re down to splurge, Hestan’s stainless steel bakeware is beautiful, durable, and makes a statement in any kitchen. This set in particular is chef-approved and is what we use in the Test Kitchen.
7. A Wooden Carving Board
If they like to cook even a little, a high-quality wooden board is one of those everyday tools that elevates the whole kitchen setup. I love anything JK Adams, but think this board is especially nice. Bonus: doubles as a cheese board for future dinner parties.
8. A Cast Iron Skillet
This is another recommendation from my friends that I wholeheartedly agree with. A high-quality cast iron can be a bit of a splurge for a new grad, but it’s an essential piece of cookware. Field Company is the best of the best. Their cast iron is lightweight, made in the U.S., and built to last a lifetime. It’s an A+ gift for any aspiring home cook.
9. A Steamer for That First Real Apartment
Not glamorous—but super useful. A compact steamer like the Nori Press (or a classic upright one) helps them look put-together for job interviews and first-day fits. This one is specifically designed for travel which is why I like it!
10. A Cashmere Sweater
This sweater from Quince is cozy, elevated, and shockingly affordable. They won’t buy it for themselves, but they’ll wear it all the time.
11. A warm Puffer
“A warm coat,” said one of my friends, and they’re right. Patagonia’s Nano Puff is lightweight, packable, and lasts forever.
13. Hatch Restore 3
So many grads I know have sleep issues (or just love to stay up too late I should say). The Hatch is like a sleep coach and alarm clock in one, and actually works. So many of my friends got these after graduating and I was skeptical at first but now I'm a fan.
14. A Lightweight Travel Backpack
I highly recommend this Amazon backpack if you know they want to travel post-grad. My friends and I backpacked through Europe for 40 days with it. It’s light, stylish, and converts to a duffle—aka ideal for commuting or upcoming trips.
15. A Set of Sateen Sheets
New grads never have good sheets. This Arch Studio set from Macy’s feels luxe but is budget-friendly. Add a note: “These are for when I visit.”
16. Riedel Wine Glasses
If they’re into wine (or just pretending to be), Riedel’s O Series is my favorite. Slept on brand (in my opinion), elite glassware. Plus, you don’t have to hand-wash (which they wouldn’t do anyway).
17. A Good Corkscrew
Pair it with the wine glasses for the perfect grown-up kitchen starter pack. This one from Rabbit is easy to use and a little nicer than your average wine key.
18. Better Lunch Gear
Grads are allergic to good tupperware. Help them romanticize packing lunch with something cute and practical like the W&P Porter Bowl.
19. A set of Bombas Socks
Still one of the best gifts, especially since college students rarely have nice socks. Bombas socks are cozy, high-quality, and always appreciated, no matter if you’ve already gifted them in high school.
20. A Book They’ll Actually Read
Atomic Habits is a classic for a reason. If they haven’t read it yet, they’ll thank you later. Also they should probably read more in general.
21. A Basic Tool Kit
It’s not the sexiest gift, but it's wild how often postgrads realize they need a hammer or tape measure.
22. A Personalized Stationery Set or Thank-you cards
Great for job interviews, handwritten thank-you notes, or just feeling like an adult. Etsy and Papier have fun, modern designs.
23. A few AirTags or Tile Trackers
For grads who constantly misplace keys, wallets, or bags (aka everyone). Bonus if they’re moving to a big city or traveling. So many of my friends got these after graduating and use them to track luggage while traveling.
24. An actually nice Cooler
I’m personally a Yeti stan and so are all of my other postgrad friends. This isn’t your average tote. It’s waterproof, puncture-resistant, and basically indestructible—aka built for all the chaotic summer plans ahead. Whether they’re lugging snacks to the beach, tossing in muddy cleats after intramurals, or using it as a catchall, this YETI tote can handle it.
25. Local Experiences or Memberships
Lastly, I had to include an experience gift since those are my favorite to give (and get). Think museum passes, a cooking class, or wine tasting credit in their new city—something that feels luxe and encourages them to explore. My sisters and I always give each other coffee shop gift cards to a few local spots when one of us moves. I also recommend local movie theaters, restaurant groups, and art museums.
What are your favorites gifts for new grads? Or, what are your favorite gifts to give this year? Let me know as I'm always working on my next guide!
English (US) · 