Best Graduation Gifts for Him: 18 Ways to Celebrate the Grad

Ready to celebrate a special grad? Whether you’re congratulating a friend, family member, or partner, this list of the best graduation gifts for him will help you express how proud you are of his hard work and dedication. From high school to college graduation gifts, we’ve got you covered. Best of all, this list of graduation gifts for him offers something to suit a variety of budgets.

18 Graduation Gifts for Him (at Any Budget)

Uncover the perfect gift with this list of graduation gifts for him. The key is to choose something that suits his personality. Does he love to stay home and cook? Or is he an adventurous type who loves to explore? Take a look at these ideas to congratulate him on his next chapter in life and send him a heartfelt card filled with graduation wishes.

1. Coffee Maker

If your high school grad is heading to college, help him prep for all those late nights of studying with a high-quality coffee maker. Find out how he likes to make it (pour-over, drip, French press, pods?) and buy a coffee maker to match his style — and your budget. Make it a fun graduation gift set by adding a bag or two of ground coffee or a batch of coffee pods.

2. Headphones

Whether he’s about to head off to college or a new job, you can’t go wrong with a great pair of headphones. Block out the noisy world and find some focus with a pair of Apple AirPods or over-ear headphones in a style that he likes. Consider these top-rated headphones, according to PC Magazine.

3. Stainless Steel Coffee Tumbler

Help the new grad keep his tea or coffee hot (or his iced coffee cold) with a stainless steel tumbler. Pick up a trendy Stanley cup for a popular graduation gift for him, or turn this into a personalized gift by getting an engraved tumbler. Make it a gift set by including several teas and coffees to go with his new tumbler. 

4. Tech Chargers

There’s nothing worse as a college student than when you’re about to attempt an all-night study session and your phone or laptop runs out of battery. Make it easier for your new grad to continue their studies with a new tech charger or power bank. You could also include it in a gift box with snacks and drinks he’ll enjoy. 

5. Toiletry Bag

Give your new grad somewhere to store all his toiletries so they’re not at risk of being misplaced by his college roommates. Choose a classic design in a fabric like vegan leather, or opt for a colorful version in a patterned fabric that matches his eclectic style. This National Park pouch from Uncommon Goods is a great option for travel lovers.

6. Notebook

If the graduate is into journaling, taking notes for a new job, or traveling around the world, he’ll certainly appreciate a new notebook. To make this gift feel even more special, have the notebook personalized with his name or initials and add a pen or other stationery accessories.

7. Leather Wallet

For a special grown-up gift, we love giving a leather (or vegan leather) wallet. This is a luxe graduation gift idea ideal for high school and college grads alike. If you have the budget, place some cash inside the bifold along with a thoughtful note of encouragement.

8. Cooking Appliances

Is your college grad entering the real world and moving into a new apartment? Well, a cooking appliance makes one of the best graduation gifts for him. An Instant Pot, slow cooker, microwave, or rice cooker are all great options that’ll help him save funds on take-out and apply those savings toward other necessities or goals.

9. Tool Kit

A toolbox is another perfect gift for the grad who’s moving away into his own place. With the right tool kit, he can easily assemble flat-pack furniture, hang photos, and make his new apartment feel like home. You can find some great men’s toolbox gifts on Etsy.

10. Cufflinks

If you’re looking for a gift that doubles up as a keepsake, we highly recommend personalized cufflinks. Look for a design that suits their personality, then have them engraved. Present them inside a cushioned gift box that doubles as the ideal place to keep them safe.

11. Diploma Frame

A diploma is the ultimate keepsake from graduation day, but it’s all too easy to store it away in a box, never to be seen again. A diploma frame is a great gift for a new college grad who wants to proudly display his hard-won achievement.

12. T-Shirt

If your guy likes to keep it casual, there’s nothing wrong with giving clothing items like a T-shirt, hoodie, or baseball cap. These can make unique graduation gifts, especially if you know the new grad is already receiving the big stuff from other loved ones. Surprise him with a T-shirt featuring his alma mater, favorite team, or a fun saying.

13. Bluetooth Speaker

Whether he likes to blast tunes at home, by the beach, or on the road, a Bluetooth speaker is one of the best graduation gifts for him. Thanks to their classic yet contemporary style, these portable Bluetooth speakers by Marshall are a favorite of students and grads everywhere.

14. Personalized Mug

Who doesn’t love getting a new mug? Give your new graduate a practical and personalized gift they’ll use on repeat. Personalize the mug with his name, a phrase he always says, or a message of congratulations along with his graduation year.

15. VR Headset

A VR headset is an ideal gadget gift if you can spend the big bucks (or pool resources with others). It’s the kind of thing many college grads would love to have but can’t always afford. With this snazzy grad gift, he’ll be on the cutting edge of entertainment and gaming. Check out these top VR headsets, according to CNET.

16. Books

We’re big fans of giving books as gifts. There are endless options for every personality, taste, and need, and they’re an affordable, easy-to-find grad gift. Ask your gift recipient if there’s anything on his reading list, and pick up a couple of books you can wrap with a ribbon. You can always give him a Kindle gift card if he prefers to read on an electronic device.

17. Bedding Set

Moving into college often means leaving the comforts of home behind — including much-loved sheets and bedding. Give the new grad a gift of luxurious bedding, so he can always sleep comfortably. This makes for a great high school graduation gift for someone moving into a dorm room for the first time.

18. Gift Card

Design: Signature Greenvelope

Card inspiration: Happy for You Card

Last but absolutely not least is one of our favorite graduation gifts for him — the gift card. This is an ideal last-minute gift or one to send across the distance. Simply choose a digital graduation card, write your personal message, and add a gift card. You have total freedom to set the amount, and you can send your gift card from anywhere in the U.S. It’s easy, thoughtful, and instant!

It’s Time to Celebrate

There are so many incredible graduation gift ideas out there, and something for every budget — whether you want to give a small and sweet gift or pool your money with others to splurge on a pricey present. Use this graduation gift guide to help you find the ideal gift for a hard-working grad in your life. 

No matter what you decide, sending a congratulations cards is always a good idea. With Greenvelope, you can customize any design to suit your recipient and send it via text, email, or social media. It’s the perfect way to show you care!