11 Practical Graduation Gifts Every College Grad Will Actually Use

Graduation season is here, and if you’re scratching your head about what to get the freshly minted college grad in your life, you’re not alone. It's a big leap from campus to the so-called 'real world'—and let's face it, they’ll need all the help they can get. Whether it's a smart kitchen gadget or a sleek tote bag, thoughtful gifts can help them celebrate their achievement and survive their first taste of adulthood. Here are 11 practical gifts that recent grads will actually use—no more mugs or random desk trinkets destined for the donation bin.

1. Longchamp Le Pliage Original Tote Bag: This bag is a Gen Z favorite, making waves on TikTok and beyond. It’s functional, stylish, folds up neatly, and is basically the Mary Poppins of tote bags—room for everything from laptops to last-minute snack runs.

2. Diploma Frame with Tassel Holder: Give them a classy home for that hard-earned degree. This mahogany frame from Amazon comes with bead detailing and all the hardware for easy display. Because that diploma deserves more than gathering dust in a drawer.

3. Portable Laptop Desk: For grads working remotely or living in tiny apartments, a portable laptop desk is a game changer. Light, mobile, and perfect for those who believe a bed can double as a workspace (don’t we all at some point?).

4. Canon PIXMA TR160 Wireless Portable Printer: No more frantic dashes to the library to print off documents. This compact printer fits in a backpack, prints quickly, and connects via Wi-Fi or USB—handy for apartment leases, resumes, or even the occasional concert ticket.

5. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: These headphones are the multitasker’s dream—immersive audio, top-notch noise cancellation, and a comfy fit for marathon Zoom calls or zoning out at a café. Bonus points for the cool color options and matching carrying case.

6. Shinola Classic Leather Backpack: A timeless piece that ages beautifully, this backpack is soft, spacious, and has a padded pocket for laptops—basically, it’s the grown-up version of their old high school backpack, but way more stylish.

7. Breville Mini Smart Oven: For grads learning to cook for themselves, this compact oven is perfect for everything from late-night pizza to cookies. It’s small enough for a cramped kitchen and a serious upgrade from the microwave life.

8. Amazon Prime Membership: Since the student discount is gone, a Prime membership is a fantastic gift. Fast shipping, streaming, exclusive deals—this is the Swiss Army knife of adulting perks.

9. AIRPLUS Air Purifier: Help them breathe easy with an air purifier designed for larger rooms. It filters air fast and quietly, perfect for apartments with questionable air quality or just keeping things fresh.

10. CAROTE 11-Piece Cookware Set: Good cookware is essential. This Amazon bestseller comes with everything they need for their first kitchen. If you’re feeling generous, there’s also an upscale Caraway set that’s as healthy as it is stylish.

11. Staub Ceramic Dinnerware Set: Classic white dinnerware that goes with everything. It’s durable, moisture-resistant, and microwave and dishwasher-safe—because who wants to hand-wash dishes after a long day at their first job?

Whatever you choose, these gifts are sure to help any graduate feel more prepared—and maybe even a little excited—for what’s next. Just remember: adulting is hard, but opening a great gift makes it a little easier.