15 Best Gifts to Help Grads Set Up Their First Apartment in 2025

In our testing the Syvio 14-in-1 Knife Set impressed with high-carbon stainless steel blades that stay sharp and a built-in sharpener that makes maintenance simple for a new grad setting up their first kitchen. We found the variety of knives covers nearly every prep task, from slicing to chopping. During our review we noticed some users report handle durability problems, and the included block is on the heavy side, which affects portability. Overall it’s a budget-friendly starter set if you’re willing to watch the handles and keep the sharpener handy.

Our experience shows Shelly devices are a handy, low-cost way to add smart control without needing a hub — the rechargeable batteries and standalone operation are perfect for renters who don’t want to rewire. In our testing the basic functions worked well, but we found the Shelly Cloud app to be busy and occasionally frustrating, and there were intermittent disconnects and delays that hurt reliability. For casual automation or hobby projects it’s a great value, but don’t expect flawless performance for mission-critical setups.

During our review the Instant Pot Pro Crisp impressed as a true multitasker, replacing 11 appliances and offering an 8-quart capacity that’s great for batch cooking and families. We found the digital interface intuitive, and the ability to switch between pressure-cook and air-fry lids opens up more recipe options than a standard multicooker. On the downside it’s heavy (about 26.2 lbs) and eats counter or cabinet space, and some users will be put off by the higher price and the occasional hassle of swapping lids.

We found the Bamboo Cutting Board Set a smart eco-friendly choice thanks to sustainably sourced boards, deep juice grooves to catch messes, and built-in handles that make carrying easier between sink and stove. The three sizes let grads prep everything from fruits to large roasts, and in our testing the surface felt sturdy for everyday chopping. Do note our experience shows bamboo needs regular mineral oil to avoid drying and can crack if neglected, and these boards aren’t dishwasher safe — plan to hand-wash and maintain them.

In our testing the CAROTE 11-piece cookware set stood out for small kitchens thanks to detachable handles that let you stack and store pans compactly — a boon for studio apartments and RV life. The nonstick surface made cooking and cleanup easy and the set’s induction compatibility adds real versatility. Our experience shows the nonstick can wear over time with heavy use, and the detachable handles may discolor or suffer if exposed to high heat; some lids also don’t seal tightly for long simmers.

During our review the Instant Pot Duo Plus 6-Quart proved to be a reliable multi-cooker for everyday use, combining nine functions into one compact appliance and featuring a stainless steel inner pot that holds up well to frequent use. We found the large, easy-to-read display makes programming simple for new cooks. That said, our testing showed rice can be hit-or-miss and the 6-quart capacity may be limiting for bigger households; it also occupies a fair bit of counter space in smaller kitchens.

We found the Amazon Basics Dual Compartment Trash Can makes sorting recycling and trash effortless with its built-in dual compartments and soft-close lid that keeps noise down. The fingerprint-proof stainless steel exterior looks clean longer, which is great for a compact apartment. During our testing we did notice the outer shell can dent relatively easily and the inner bins are small, meaning more trips to the curb; some users also report the inner handles catch on bags when removing them.

Our experience shows the Sabre Ivory Flatware Set brings a refined, modern look to a new apartment table — the high-quality stainless steel resists rust and the ergonomic handles feel comfortable during long meals. We found the ivory finish pairs nicely with both casual and dressy place settings, but it does demand careful cleaning to avoid staining. At $309.95 the set is a significant investment and the 20-piece count might leave you short for larger gatherings, so factor that into your decision.

During our review the Umite Chef 34-piece utensil set impressed with sheer breadth — 34 tools cover almost any cooking task a grad will face, and the BPA-free, odor-free silicone with wood accents is heat-resistant up to 446°F. We found many pieces handle everyday stirring and flipping with ease, but some of the smaller tools aren’t as sturdy and the full set takes up significant storage space. Also note that several items may require hand-washing rather than a dishwasher to preserve longevity.

In our testing this Silicone Kitchen Utensil Set proved very friendly to nonstick pans thanks to silicone heads rated to 446°F, and the assortment includes the core tools you'll reach for every day. We found the soft heads do a great job protecting coatings, but some users may find them too flexible when scraping stubborn, stuck-on food. The included storage container is handy but can be tight for every piece, and the wooden handles will need careful drying and occasional oiling to avoid water damage.

Corelle’s Indigo Speckle 18-piece set is a practical pick for a grad moving into their first apartment — in our testing the lightweight, chip-resistant plates were easy to handle and stood up to accidental drops. We found the indigo speckle pattern adds a stylish everyday look without feeling precious. Keep in mind the included mugs aren’t made from the same durable material as the plates, and some users find the smaller plates and bowls a bit too small for big appetites. At $99.99 it’s an easy, low-maintenance choice.

If tea or pour-over coffee is part of their routine, the Mecity Gooseneck Electric Kettle makes precise heating simple — during our review the kettle hit temperatures within 1 degree and the 1200-watt element brought water up fast. We found the matte black gooseneck design looks modern and gives excellent pour control for brewing. Keep in mind the 0.8-liter capacity is small for making multiple cups or serving guests, and the higher price versus basic kettles plus a somewhat confusing mute mode are trade-offs to consider.

Great Jones' Small Colander is a clever space-saver for tight kitchens — in our testing the collapsible silicone design folded flat for easy storage and the stainless-steel reinforcement gave it real durability. We found its multifunctionality especially useful: it doubles as a colander, steamer, splatter guard, and trivet, which helps when you’re short on tools. At $40 it’s pricier than basic colanders, the silicone can retain stains over time, and its small size won’t suit large batch cooking or family meals.

The Amazon Basics 6-Piece Bakeware Set is an easy, wallet-friendly way to outfit a new grad’s baking needs — in our testing the nonstick surface made releasing cakes and cleanup painless and the assortment of pan sizes covered common recipes. We found it to be great value for cookies, sheet-pan dinners, and brownies. That said, the nonstick coating can wear with heavy use, the set isn’t dishwasher-safe so hand-washing is required, and some pans may warp if routinely exposed to very high temperatures.