25 Practical and Thoughtful Graduation Gifts for 2025

The ICON Backpack 23L is built for grads who want a professional, sleek carry that keeps tech organized—during our review its durable build and dedicated laptop storage stood out, and adjustable straps with breathable panels made daily commutes comfortable. We found it’s a pricier option at $199.99, and our experience shows the straps can get uncomfortable with heavier loads and there aren’t as many exterior pockets for quick-access items. If budget allows and you value polished design, it’s a reliable work-ready pack.

The Beast Mighty 850 Plus packs an impressive 850W motor into a compact blender that’s ideal for smoothies, shakes, and sauces, and in our testing the multiple vessel sizes and lids made it versatile for single-serve and batch prep. We found it can struggle with crushing large quantities of ice and cleaning is fiddly because of internal ridges and sticky ingredients, while the lack of presets and variable speeds limits control for nuanced textures. Still, it’s a space-saving, powerful choice for grads who like to blend on the go.

The Micra Mojito is a tiny multitool that shines for portability—it's light enough on a keychain but still offers spring-action scissors that we found exceptionally smooth and useful. During our review the stainless steel construction felt durable for everyday tasks, though our experience shows tools are only accessible when the scissors are deployed, which can slow quick access. The small size also makes it awkward for larger hands or heavy tasks, and some users note the tweezers aren’t as effective as expected. Still, it’s a handy little companion for light-duty jobs.

The miisso 10000mAh Power Bank is a practical travel companion thanks to built-in cables and a slim, lightweight profile that fits easily into backpacks or purses. In our testing it provided multiple charges for phones and small devices, though we found charging speeds can be slower than some competitors and built-in cords may tangle or show wear over time. During our review the power-to-size balance impressed us, but expect a bit more weight than similarly compact units and handle the cables gently.

The iPad 128GB in Blue pairs the A16 chip’s speedy performance with an 11-inch Liquid Retina display and all-day battery life, making it a workhorse for studying, creative projects, and streaming. During our review we appreciated the smooth multitasking and solid battery, but we found the non-laminated screen produces a slight tapping sound when touched and the device is a touch heavier and thicker than prior models. Our experience shows it’s a dependable, everyday tablet if you can accept modest compromises in weight and GPS precision.

The Anker 325 Power Bank (PowerCore 20K) is a heavy-duty charger with a massive 20,000mAh capacity that’s great for multi-day travel or busy conference schedules—during our review it reliably handled multiple device charges and the textured matte finish helped with grip. We found the dual USB-A ports are convenient for older accessories, but our experience shows the lack of USB-C output limits fast-charging for newer phones and the unit takes about 10.5 hours to recharge itself. Expect a bit more bulk and weight in exchange for endurance.

The Nintendo Switch delivers an upgraded experience with enhanced backwards compatibility, HDR boosts for older titles, and clever features like GameChat voice/video and Joy-Con 2 controllers that function as a mouse in compatible games. In our testing the system made multiplayer and social gaming simple, but we found the internal storage is limited—meaning an expensive microSD Express card is almost essential—and the screen isn’t as bright as the OLED model. During our review GameChat’s video overlay also shrinks the gameplay screen, which can be distracting during sessions.

If audio quality and noise control are priorities, the AirPods Max in Midnight deliver exceptional sound with clear instrument separation and industry-leading ANC that we found very effective in busy environments. During our review the premium build and comfortable fit stood out for extended listening, though our experience shows the headphones are heavier than many alternatives and the included case provides minimal protection and limited functionality. At $549 the price is high, so this is best for grads who value top-tier sound and don't mind splurging.

AirPods Pro 2 are a great pick for grads who want compact, comfortable earbuds with top-tier active noise cancellation and seamless Apple integration that we found makes daily use effortless. During our review the snug fit and multiple ear tip sizes improved passive isolation, but our experience shows battery life sits around five hours with ANC on, which is shorter than some rivals. Sound customization is limited without a built-in equalizer, so consider these if you prioritize ANC and convenience over extended playback time.

The Dyson Airwrap multi-styler Straight+Wavy is a versatile, salon-grade tool that gives curling, smoothing, volumizing and gentle drying with intelligent heat control we found noticeably kinder to hair. In our testing the variety of attachments and easy swap system made styling flexible, though there’s a real learning curve to master all the heads and achieve consistent results. At $599.99 it’s a significant investment and our experience shows curl longevity varies by hair type, so it’s best for grads who want one premium tool and are willing to practice.

The Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 is a compact, lightweight tracker that integrates seamlessly with Samsung devices, so it’s a handy way to keep tabs on keys, wallets or luggage in daily life. During our review we appreciated the improved battery life versus the previous model, but we found compatibility is limited—non-Samsung phones won’t get the full experience. Our experience shows some users also see activation hiccups or faster battery drain in cold weather, so it’s best if the recipient is already in the Samsung ecosystem.

The T-Mobile T10 Mobile Hotspot is an affordable, compact option that’s easy to set up and ideal for a grad needing occasional on-the-go connectivity. In our testing the portability and price were definite pluses, but we found connectivity can be inconsistent and the device only supports 4G LTE, so it won’t offer the speed or future-proofing of 5G hotspots. Some units can also arrive with expired or inactive SIM cards, so our experience shows you should verify activation before gifting or rely on it for critical travel.

An Apple AirTag 4-pack is a practical, budget-friendly way to keep track of multiple items with seamless Find My integration and replaceable batteries that last about a year in our testing. During our review the compact size made it easy to stash on keys, backpacks and luggage, but we found full precision tracking requires a newer iPhone and functionality is limited for Android users. Also, the lack of a built-in attachment hole means you’ll likely need to buy holders or accessories to secure them properly.

Beats Solo3 are a smart pick for grads who want fuss-free Apple integration and marathon listening — in our testing the W1 chip made pairing with iPhones and Macs seamless and battery life stretched to about 40 hours on a single charge. The lightweight, foldable design makes them easy to toss in a bag for commutes or travel, but we found the on-ear fit can get uncomfortable during extended use and the plastic-heavy build feels less premium. Also note they lack active noise cancellation, which many competitors include at this price, so if you need quiet isolation on flights consider other options.

Tivoli’s Model One Digital (Gen. 2) pairs vintage-inspired styling with modern streaming conveniences — during our review AirPlay 2 and Chromecast support made sending music from phones and laptops effortless, and the speaker delivers a rich, warm sound with impressive volume and minimal distortion. The compact, well-built design looks great on a desk or bookshelf, but our experience shows the unit is pricier than some rivals that offer more features, and the tuning favors lows and highs so midranges can sound slightly muddy for vocal-forward tracks. We also wished the small square color display were larger for easier quick-glance navigation.

The Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 is ideal for grads who prioritize a lightweight, beautiful screen — in our testing the 16-inch AMOLED delivered deep blacks, vibrant colors and a smooth 120Hz refresh that makes everyday work and streaming feel premium, and the slim aluminum chassis keeps it travel-friendly. We found the typing experience less satisfying because the keyboard has shallow key travel, and the touchpad’s mechanical switch feels dated compared with modern haptic systems. Performance handled typical multitasking well, but our experience shows it struggles with intensive workloads like gaming or heavy video rendering, so it’s best as a portable creative or productivity machine rather than a power workstation.

The Shark SmoothStyle Heated Comb + Blow Dryer Brush is a time-saving styling tool for busy grads — during our review it dried hair quickly and produced smooth, low-frizz results, and the dual-mode functionality means you can dry and straighten with one device. That said, we found it heavier than some competitors, which can cause arm fatigue during longer sessions, and Wet Hair Mode is noticeably loud in use. The cord length may also be limiting in smaller bathrooms, so it’s a great quick-fix tool if you value speed and sleek results but don’t mind a bit of extra heft and noise.

Filson’s Tin Cloth Duffle Bag is built to last with durable waxed cotton that resists water and develops a handsome patina over time, which we found makes it feel more personal the more it’s used. In our testing the multiple interior and exterior pockets kept gear organized for weekend trips, but we found the bag requires periodic rewaxing to maintain that water resistance and the included cotton shoulder strap doesn’t match the bag’s premium look. It’s a great heirloom-style option for grads who value rugged, long-term gear over lightweight convenience.

The Mulberry Silk Pillowcase offers a luxurious nightly upgrade with 100% mulberry silk at a 25-momme weight, and in our testing it felt cool, smooth, and moisture-wicking—great for hair and skin. We found the range of 13 colors helps match dorm or apartment decor, although our experience shows limited prints and a small chance of slight shrinkage after washing, so careful laundering is needed. Be aware that some buyers reported authenticity mix-ups, so check labels when it arrives.

UGG’s Scuffette II Slipper is an instantly cozy gift thanks to 100% shearling that warms your feet and a rubber sole that’s grippy enough for quick step-outs. In our testing they were stylish and comfortable for around-the-house life, but we found the sole is quite thin and offers limited cushioning for long wear, and some sizes run large so you may need to size down. Our experience shows they’re perfect for lounging, though care instructions are vague if you want to deep-clean them.

The New You Bundle pairs two thoughtfully designed journals made from 100% recyclable, compostable FSC-certified paper to support a sustainable reset over a year. In our testing the prompts helped focus reflection and habit-building, but we found occasional customers report issues with binding that can lead to pages coming loose. Priced at $55.80, it’s a bit more expensive than basic notebooks, yet during our review the intentional structure and eco-friendly materials make it a meaningful gift for grads who want to form better routines and think long-term.

This Gold & Turquoise Initial Necklace is a budget-friendly way to give a personalized keepsake—at $38 it’s easy to add to a graduation gift stack, and the customizable initial makes it feel thoughtful. In our testing the trendy look layers well with other pieces for everyday wear, though we found some items can tarnish or lose color over time and certain initials sell out quickly. Our experience shows it’s a stylish, accessible pick if you accept it may feel less premium than higher-end jewelry.

The Monogram Journal leans into classic gift-giving with gilded edges, a faux-leather wrap and 176 lined, perforated pages that make note-taking and tearing pages neat and easy. During our review the journal felt like a luxurious desk companion for a new grad heading into work or grad school, but we found the $78 price tag may be steep for those who prefer minimalist designs. If you love a keepsake that looks polished and personal, this one delivers style and substance.

This Magic Golden Ring Holder Necklace is a stylish little accessory that layers well and complements a variety of outfits, making it a nice everyday piece. In our testing we liked how it looks stacked with other necklaces, but we found the delicate chain can feel fragile and may break if handled roughly. The ring-holder feature is clever for short-term wear, though our experience shows it may not securely hold valuable rings and could risk loss during active days. Treat it as a fashionable convenience rather than a foolproof ring safe.