When I graduated from my alma mater an undisclosed number of years ago, I vividly remember feeling equally terrified and exhilarated.
It’s a crazy time in life, after all!
You’re leaving the cocoon of classes, parties, and suspiciously cheap meal deals in the student union, and entering the big, wide world of Adulthood™. Society views you as fully cooked, but as I remember it, new grads still feel a lot like kids.
Which is why it’s such a lovely, time-honored tradition to bestow a meaningful gift upon these freaked-out 22-year-olds. As a parent, uncle, or proud internship supervisor, you want to acknowledge this achievement, celebrate graduation day, and help set them up for success in their next chapter.
The best gifts for new graduates are items that will enhance their everyday, make them feel slightly more grown up, and encourage them to flourish well after tossing their mortarboard at the graduation ceremony.
So, skip the well-meaning but generic gift card, fancy pens, and empty picture frames and go with something unique. Something sophisticated. More importantly? Give them something they’ll actually use!
Perhaps the grad in your life is moving to a new city or starting a new job. Maybe he’s tackling an advanced degree or setting off on an exciting trip to find himself in some far-flung location like Dubai or Scottsdale.
Whatever he’s got in store, there’s a sure-to-please, great gift pick in this list he’ll be stoked to receive.
Below, check out 12 smart and stylish graduation gifts for guys:
An upgrade from drugstore body spray
When it comes to first impressions, how you smell is right up there with how you’re dressed and the sureness of your handshake.
Meaning? It matters what you wear!
Set your favorite grad up for success with a signature scent. Jean Paul Gaultier’s Le Male Elixir blends herbal lavender, warm tonka bean, and notes of tobacco for a fragrance that’s masculine yet inviting.
Equally perfect for a first day in a new office and for a first date.
And speaking of firsts…
An interview-worthy outfit
The perfect suit for young men is one that fits perfectly, and helping a young graduate enter the working world feeling as polished and confident as possible is just about the best present ever. Versatility at its finest!
I recommend you joining the recipient in the shop (if possible) to enjoy together the process of selecting cuts and fabrics together because it’s fun, duh, but also super helpful to have a second set of eyes.
A graduation gift and a bonding experience, rolled into one?
Why not!
Afterwards, treat the newest college grad to a beer to toast to the future and answer any questions he may have about picking a cell phone contract after getting kicked off the family plan.
A modern take on the business book
Look, I know there are a lot of advice books out there about how to get ahead in life and in your career. But few come from the perspective of someone who called themselves out as a “token CEO” and lived to tell the tale.
Nobody Cares About Your Career offers sage wisdom from Barstool Sports’ first (female!) CEO. Navigating office politics, bringing your best self to your career, and dare we say, thriving in the workplace…all from a woman’s pov? You know that’s #SGapproved.
Truly, this book will help newly minted professionals tackle it all.
A classy caffeine machine
When it comes to good gifts for guys for graduation, don’t just get them a coffee maker; get them a nice coffee maker.
Nespresso coffee and espresso pods produce frothy, rich and delicious coffee, and I say this speaking from experience.
I’ve owned my Vertuo machine for over seven years, and the coffee I enjoyed from it this morning is as good as the first one. Plus, Nespresso has a recycling program so you can make sure those pods don’t end up in a landfill! Who doesn’t love their java with a side of climate consciousness?
Even the most distant relative can feel safe knowing this gift will be put to good use.
A timeless accessory that doesn’t break the bank
Our collective reliance on smartphones has transformed the wristwatch from a necessity to a styling choice. A handsome timepiece signals to the world that not only are you a man of discerning taste – but you’re punctual, too.
I love the classic look of this Timex Marlin automatic watch on a clean black leather strap. It will look as good with his new suit as it will with a t-shirt and jeans. It’s a timeless gift (pun obviously intended) that ranks as one of the best graduation gifts for a reason.
Phone juice
A travel charger is one of those gift guide-friendly gadgets that sounds helpful albeit generic, but when you need a charge? That grad is going to think of you with prayer hands emojis in his heart.
Truly, we forget just how helpful a phone charger is until we need it.
I like this one because while it is a little heavy, it doesn’t require you to carry around any additional cords.
A game that doesn’t require wi-fi
If you want to instill the “work hard, play hard” mentality within your favorite grad, get him a game!
Gathering friends at home for a few rounds of Yahtzee and some drinks is the perfect way to wind down from a long work week. Screen-free, to boot!
I love that this vintage-inspired edition looks like an old timey book. Plus, I can say from experience that loudly yelling “Yahtzee!” can be very therapeutic.
A newspaper subscription
Some of the best journalism out there lives behind a paywall, and with good reason! Journalism is not cheap, with national and local papers alike relying on paid readership to survive.
Treat your favorite grad to exceptional reporting and news access with a subscription to a national or city-specific publication to ensure the diploma in their hand isn’t the last time they’re learning something.
Capture memories the old fashioned way…with a camera
Resist the urge to give a “When I was your age, I took a disposable camera to the bars every weekend!” spiel, and gift them a camera with grace.
Encouraging a grad to capture a trip or a night out on film in 2025 helps them create a time capsule with every roll, and helps them live in the moment while capturing memories they’ll laugh about for a lifetime.
A device for breaking digital vices
Okay, I’m obsessed with this little guy!
When guys go from college students to college grads, the expectations of the real world can hit pretty hard.
Brick is a nifty device that blocks distracting apps and notifications on your phone when you need to focus. Attach it to a whiteboard, your desk, your fridge — anything!
As far as gift ideas go, I don’t know who needs this more than Gen Z.
It doesn’t need batteries and can be easily locked and unlocked, allowing the user to keep the tools they need at their fingertips while reducing screen time. Consider it a top pick for any guy who could use help with focus. So, pretty much, every guy.
And, okay, fine me too. No judgment!
Level up their everyday workwear
Here at SG we absolutely love to suggest gifting a cashmere sweater to someone you love.
After all, a luscious knit adds a touch of luxury to everyday outfits, and for a young graduate, that’s a sophisticated upgrade they’ll long appreciate.
I love this polo-collar version from J.Crew as it’s just every-so-slightly more unexpected than a classic crewneck.
Add a heartfelt message in the card about the outfit you remember wearing to your first day of work (if you can remember it!) for a lasting impression with the giftee.
Bachelor pad essentials
When you’re fresh out of college and money is tight, splurging on fluffy, absorbent, luxurious bath towels doesn’t exactly rank high on the priority list.
RELATED: Stylish Picks for his First Bachelor Pad
But for their first apartment as a grown up, the best college graduation gifts will look a lot like ones you’d find on a wedding registry. Think: a really good pillow, air fryers, and cookbooks. And real talk? You will actually change their life. Showering will become a pleasure, and the start of each day will be just a bit more civilized.
More gift ideas curated by SG HQ:
The secret to giving great gifts
