Celebrating the Class of 2024: Thoughtful Gift Ideas for New Graduates
The graduating class of 2024 has overcome unprecedented challenges, from remote learning to rising costs of living. As they embark on their next chapter, a thoughtful gift can show how proud you are of their achievements. We’ve curated a list of presents that cater to their first grown-up job, a move to a new city, or some well-deserved relaxation.
Virtual Cash Gifts
For many graduates, cash is the most practical gift after years of spending on textbooks and food. If you can’t hand over cash or a check in person, consider using GiftCast, an app that allows you to virtually gift-wrap your cash with a heartfelt video message. Alternatively, services like Giftly or Gift Cards offer digital gift card options.
Versatile Backpacks
Rains‘ Backpack Mini, featured in our guide to the best backpacks, is a stylish and functional choice. Its sleek design is complemented by a customizable organization system using snap-in add-ons, such as a Pencil Case. Check out our backpack guide for more options.
Interactive Lighting
Nanoleaf Triangles can be rearranged to create various shapes and offer numerous color combinations and modes, from party-friendly settings that pulse to music to daylight modes for short winter days. Explore Nanoleaf’s other designs, like the Hexagons, for more options.
Plant Subscription Boxes
Horti sends a plant and pot in each box, along with occasional accessories. Choose between pet-friendly or beginner plants, or let Horti pick for you. Subscriptions start at $28 a month with a plain terracotta pot, with options for painted pots. Discover more plant subscription boxes for various personalities.
Digital Art Tools
For photo editors, graphic designers, or digital artists, the Wacom One 13 Touch is our favorite drawing tablet for most situations. Its bright 13-inch screen ensures accurate colors, and the stylus precision rivals more expensive models. Keep in mind that it requires a USB-C connection to a computer.
Luxury Hair Styling
The Dyson Airwrap is a game-changer for hair styling, allowing users to curl, wave, smooth, or blow out their hair with minimal heat damage. It’s a splurge, but the results are worth it.
Distraction-Free Writing
For aspiring writers, the Freewrite Traveler offers a distraction-free writing experience with its simple, ad-free interface. Drafts can be easily uploaded to Google Docs or Evernote, and the device folds flat, weighing less than 2 pounds.
Essential Multi-Tools
The Leatherman Wave+ is a reliable multi-tool for everyday tasks and emergencies. Its 18 tools include pliers, wire cutters, scissors, and more, making it a practical gift for any graduate.
Smart Glasses
Several WIRED staff members have since purchased both the sunglasses and the clear prescription versions and love being able to take calls and listen to audio without having to put on yet another pair of earbuds or headphones.
The Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses now come in more styles, allowing users to take calls and listen to audio without additional earbuds or headphones.
Robotic Cleaning Assistance
The Tapo RV30C robot vacuum can be controlled via app to clean specific rooms or set daily schedules, even when you’re not home. It automatically empties its dustbin at the base and boasts an attractive design.
Electric Transportation
An electric bike or scooter can simplify commuting for new graduates navigating a new campus or city. The Trek FX+ 2 e-bike conceals its cables, battery, and motor within the frame, offering a sleek look and reliable performance. For non-cyclists, the lightweight Unagi Model One Voyager electric scooter is a great alternative.
Authentic Soup Dumplings
Treat your graduate to a taste of authenticity with MìLà Noodle Bar‘s flash-frozen soup dumplings, shipped directly from their Washington restaurant. These delicious dumplings require no cooking skills and can provide a comforting meal after a long day at work.
Unique Graduation Gift Ideas for the Class of 2023
Immersive Racing Experience
Give your graduate the thrill of racing alongside their favorite F1 driver with a racing simulator. The wheels and pedals can be used on their own with a desk-mounted wheel, but adding a seat enhances the realistic experience.
Elevate Their Coffee Game
For the coffee-loving grad, consider the KitchenAid Semi Automatic Espresso Machine. This low-maintenance machine is easy to use and produces delicious espresso without taking up too much space. The Clara French press is another excellent option, featuring a minimalist, shatter-resistant design and an extra filter for smoother, less bitter coffee.
A Timeless Travel Companion
Equip your graduate for a lifetime of adventures with the Briggs & Riley Baseline CX suitcase. This durable, expandable carry-on is built to last and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Smart Wrist Wear
While a traditional watch might suit some, others may prefer the practicality of a smartwatch. The Apple Watch Series 9 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 and Watch6 Classic are top choices for iOS and Android users, respectively. Both offer a range of features, including fitness tracking and mobile payments.
Classic Timepiece
Smartwatches do tend to be more popular, but an analog watch is a classic gift—even if it’s just for the occasional dressing up.
The Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic is a timeless mechanical watch that adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit.
Ergonomic Typing Experience
For those who work from home, the Keychron Q1 mechanical keyboard offers satisfying, clickety-clackety switches and a programmable knob for customizable volume control and zooming.
Stylish Seating Solution
The Herman Miller Zeph is an aesthetically-pleasing office chair that provides comfort and support for long hours at the desk.
Distraction-Free Reading
E-readers like the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition offer a simple, distraction-free reading experience. With adjustable warm light and waterproof design, it’s perfect for reading anywhere, anytime. For those who prefer note-taking, the reMarkable 2 and the Onyx Boox Note Air2 Plus are excellent choices.
Organize and Prioritize
Help your graduate stay on top of their daily tasks and long-term goals with a Leuchtturm1917 notebook. These customizable notebooks are suitable for beginners and experts alike, making it easy to keep track of deadlines, interviews, and monthly payments.
Eco-Friendly Fitness
Encourage healthy habits with the Suga SugaMat, a recycled workout mat that provides a comfortable surface for yoga, Pilates, or stretching routines.
Versatile Outdoor Accessory
The Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy Blanket is an incredibly soft, warm, and water-resistant blanket that’s perfect for picnics, road trips, or simply cozying up on the couch. It packs down into a small compression sack for easy storage and portability.
Soothing Weighted Comfort
Help your graduate manage stress and anxiety with the Bearaby Tree Napper weighted blanket. Made from soft, breathable fabric, this blanket provides a comforting, hug-like sensation that can promote relaxation and better sleep.
Compact Kitchen Gadgets
For graduates with limited kitchen space, the Dash Mini Waffle Maker is a fun and easy-to-use appliance that makes single-serve waffles. The Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill is another versatile option for grilling, air frying, roasting, baking, and dehydrating.
Feline-Friendly Furniture
Don’t forget about the graduate’s furry study buddy! The Mau Cento Cat Tree is a stylish and functional piece of cat furniture that provides a cozy spot for their feline friend to relax and play.
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4 Comments
Zion: In 2024, will these gifts still be on the radar, or will we look back and wonder what we were thinking?
Krugler: 2024’s grads are stepping into a future we can barely predict; these gifts better be future-proofed!
Finally, a list that understands the struggle of finding that perfect gift for college grads!
Ah, 2024 graduates will either be thrilled or puzzled by these gifts, brace for reactions!