Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?
WE'RE APPROACHING both graduation season and summer, which means you’ll probably be invited to some kind of grad party this year, if you haven’t already—and you definitely can’t show up empty handed. Whether you know a guy graduating high school, college, getting their MBA, or completing nursing school—you’ve got to find a great graduation gift for him that fits the diploma.
But shopping for any type of graduation gift isn’t always easy. It’s more special than any old birthday or holiday, and unfortunately, it usually ends up in a gift card because the thought process is just too intimidating. While gift cards aren’t a terrible idea, we believe (with our help) you can be a little more creative, whether it's a keepsake gift or a useful graduation gift that'll prepare him for entering the working world.
We've rounded up the best 2023 gifts for him—from high school graduation gifts to college graduation gifts—to celebrate the big day and set him up nicely for this exciting new chapter in his life. From personalized, unique graduation gifts he'll cherish forever to the tech gadgets that make "adulting" more fun, the 40 gift ideas ahead will make his hard-earned achievement feel even more celebratory.
He’s embarking on an entire new chapter of his life, and he deserves something he will love to open, and actually use. Whether you go the practical, comical, or sentimental route, the unique graduation gift ideas ahead will make your life easier upon the RSVP.
Cool Gifts for Teenage Boys | Best Gifts on Amazon | Best Gifts for Brothers | Best Gifts for Men Under $50
A sheet set for his new dorm room or apartment
Riley Home Percale Sheet Set
A sheet set for his new dorm room or apartment
Riley Home Percale Sheet Set
His new bunk bed shouldn’t feel like a prison. Riley's Portuguese-made cotton sheets offer a soft, lightweight texture that only get softer (read: comfier) with each wash. Another reason to get him to do his laundry.
A grown man's backpack
Ted Baker Esentle Striped Backpack
A grown man's backpack
Ted Baker Esentle Striped Backpack
Consider this an upgrade to the North Face backpack he used in college. It's thoughtfully designed with specific compartments for your laptop, sunglasses and more. Plus, it has a sturdy leather fabric for the "briefcase look."
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
A sharp-looking boom box
marshall Kilburn II
A sharp-looking boom box
marshall Kilburn II
Looks like a boom box, sounds like a top-of-the-line home theater system. Marshall’s marquee speakers are the loudest in its class, making it ideal for lounge days at the quad, or dorm room jamming sessions.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
A laptop stand to prevent tech neck
Twelve South HiRise for MacBook
A laptop stand to prevent tech neck
Twelve South HiRise for MacBook
Any guy who will be working (or browsing) from home after graduation could use this adjustable laptop stand from Twelve South solutions. It easily maneuvers to different heights and angles to stand or sit.
A travel bag for all his adventures
Lululemon Everyday Backpack 2.0 23L
A travel bag for all his adventures
Lululemon Everyday Backpack 2.0 23L
A do-it-all backpack that houses enough pockets and compartments to store his banged-up laptop, water bottle, and knick knacks without adding too much bulk. Its padded sleeves slip easily into a trolley for his trips back home.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
A nifty coffee maker
Hamilton Beach Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker
A nifty coffee maker
Hamilton Beach Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker
Coffee comes especially clutch during finals. This one from Hamilton Beach is easy to use and doesn’t take much space, and serves a pretty strong brew given its small size.
Read more: Best Coffee Makers
For a keepsake graduation gift idea for him, go for a custom-curated art sketch from Etsy. It symbolizes transition— going from cap and gown to suit and tie. Add an inspiring quote for motivation every time he looks at it.
Read more: Best Gifts for Men
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
There's no better desk trinket than a bobblehead. And to top that, it's the perfect personalized graduation gift he'll never expect. It's like a trophy for graduating, but much more fun.
An Apple Watch is the most sought-after graduation gift for anyone heading into the "real world." It makes any working man become much more efficient to take calls, track steps, and view calendar appointments, all from his wrist.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
A high-tech phone cleaner
Simplehuman Cleanstation in None at Nordstrom
A high-tech phone cleaner
Simplehuman Cleanstation in None at Nordstrom
Simply place your phone in the chamber before you wash your hands and watch as it uses powerful UV-C light to sanitize any phone in 30 seconds. Pick up your phone and be on your way.
A plant is always a nice graduation gift idea. He can watch this ZZ plant grow as he embarks on a new chapter of life. It can represent a new beginning, bringing fresh air, and add some greenery to his home.
Read more: Best Indoor Plants
A way to save his memories
HP Sprocket Portable 2x3" Instant Photo Printer
A way to save his memories
HP Sprocket Portable 2x3" Instant Photo Printer
Life is all about memories. Inspire him to go on more adventures as he journeys into adulthood. He'll want to capture them all and print them with the HP Sprocket to later frame or stick on the fridge.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
This pizza oven turns any patio into a 'za kitchen—the ultimate upgrade from his keg stand frat parties and the late night campus pizza order.
Christian Gollayan
Deputy Editor, Commerce
Christian Gollayan oversees e-commerce content for Men's Health and Women's Health. Previously, he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian's work has also been featured in Food & Wine, InStyle, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.