Mark the moment with these practical yet personalized picks. (Walmart, Calpak, Target)(Illustration: Amanda Garrity/Yahoo Life; photos: Walmart, Calpak, Target)
After what feels like a lifetime of classes and homework assignments, it's time for the student in your life to turn their tassel and take on a new adventure. Of course, this will look different depending on your grad — maybe they're taking a gap year to travel, heading to the workforce or continuing their education. Whatever the case, browse through this list of the best graduation gifts and pick something that'll show just how proud you are.
And while you may have mixed feelings come graduation day, lean into the excitement of the moment and get your grad something that they can use in their next chapter. If your high school grad is going to college in the fall, then take the more logical route with dorm room essentials like a wireless charging station or collapsible popcorn maker. Did they just accept their first job? Then make sure they're ready for the big leagues with a stylish duffel bag and noise-cancelling earbuds. Although this is an occasion where practicality certainly reigns supreme, feel free to tap into your emotional side with your gift choice. Go with a gold friendship bracelet to let her know that you're always there (even if you're miles away) or a frame for the grad to put their hard-earned diploma on display.
Sure, gift cards and cash are always appreciated. But you know what your 2024 grad will love even more? These thoughtful, one-of-a-kind graduation gift ideas.
There's a reason for the hype surrounding Apple AirPods Pro — many reasons, in fact. For starters, they offer rich, crisp sound and superior noise cancellation, allowing you to enjoy music, podcasts, audiobooks and more without outside commotion getting in the way. This model also allows you to control the volume simply by swiping the stem, and you'll even receive four pairs of silicone tips in different sizes for customized comfort. At $189, this is the cheapest we've seen them!
You can snag a pair of these timeless stunners now for a sweet 33% off.
The popular bag comes in tons of fun and classic colors — think cherry red, navy and magenta. New colors have been known to sell out, so if you see one you like, don't hesitate to buy it.
The next time she jet-sets — or hits the gym — she can carry all her belongings in this lightweight weekender (which weighs in at just over two pounds). The exterior is made out of water- and scratch-resistant material, plus it has a separate shoe compartment and eight other pockets.
Commerce Writer Sarah Weldon says it's changed the way she's traveled, if you're looking for more in-depth reasoning to spoil your sister with this bag.
These sheets are cooling, smooth and feel just as luxe as your $100+ dollar set. While they're not the lowest price ever, they're still an incredible deal at just over $30 (pricing depends on size and color.
Ready for some Apple picking? Yes, we realize it's not fall, but you'll want to pluck this bad boy from the ol' Amazon tree and add it to your cart because it's currently down to its all-time lowest price — and this is the most recent version! As the unofficial Goldilocks of tech (less bulky than a laptop but larger than a smartphone), this tablet keeps you connected on the go or at home, and you can use it for everything from reading books to taking notes to watching videos.
Broida named this the "best overall tablet," owing to its "under-the-hood improvements, including a faster processor, more RAM (4GB instead of 3GB), Bluetooth 5.0 (up from 4.2) and a USB-C charging port."
Check out his roundup of the best tablets of 2024 for a full review.
Target Circle Week is on! If you're a Target Circle member, you can score this little beauty for half off (the lowest price on the web!). The Keurig K-Mini is just under 5 inches wide, so it doesn't take up much room on your countertop, and it uses K-cups to brew 8-, 10- and 12-ounce beverages. It has a 42-ounce removable reservoir to brew multiple cups in a single fill.
It's important to note that this Keurig is exclusive to Target. The other K-Mini machines don't have as large of a water reservoir, so you have to fill it each time you want a cup of joe.
"I purchased the K-Mini Single Serve back in 2022 for my first Keurig machine and it was nice at first. My issue was the constant spillage of water every time I wanted a cup of coffee," explained one Target shopper. "I recently purchased this and this has been so much better! The reservoir for the water is detachable so you can fill it with ease, and there is a button to make your coffee stronger."
While you likely recognize the bestselling 40-ounce Stanley tumbler that comes with a handle (a personal favorite of mine!), did you know that Stanley also makes an adorable 14-ounce bottle? This petite tumbler is ideal for keeping by your bedside or on your desk, and it is a total steal for just $20. One of Stanley's larger tumblers earned a spot on our list of the best water bottles of 2024, but this pint-size version may prove to be a bit more practical.
Traveling for the job? Then he needs this garment bag that doubles as a duffel. It can fit up to five days’ worth of folded clothes, plus the hanging compartment will keep his suit or dress shirts looking fresh and wrinkle-free. There’s even a separate shoe compartment, so they don’t dirty up his clean clothes.
Sure, it's a splurge, but this is one of those things that makes my mornings all the merrier. I have a tendency to set and forget my coffee, so this smart mug saves me from running to the microwave every 10 minutes (which, trust me, I've done more times than I count). Just brew your drink, then set your ideal temperature (somewhere between 120-145°F) and sip for hours.
Not sure you want to take my word for it? Senior Tech Writer Rick Broida said it's the best heated coffee mug and the household appliance he'd be most likely to save in a fire, which is quite the endorsement.
If your grad is the bookish type, trust us, the end of school means the beginning of a whole new world of non-required reading, and they'll be filling this e-reader with faves, classics and guilty pleasures.
My guess: They probably won't have tons of space in their new digs. Instead of cluttering precious real estate with cords and cables, give them this compact charger, which can power up their iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch simultaneously — using just a single outlet.
If communal bathrooms are in her future, then this water-resistant toiletry bag is a must. It has four separate compartments to keep everything organized, along with a metal hook so she can hang it in the shower or on a towel rack. Give it as-is or fill it with some of her favorite skincare, haircare or makeup products to take with her.
Because sometimes popcorn is the best brain food. Just add kernels to this silicone popper and place it in the microwave for an easy snack — no oil or butter needed.
You thought you got a lot of bang for your buck with Our Place's The Always Pan? Well, this beauty from Drew Barrymore's Walmart collection is an even better deal and is just as versatile. This 10-in-1 pan will live on their stovetop because 1. They'll use it daily and 2. It's just too pretty to tuck away in a cabinet.
Here's one way to reassure her that you're not going anywhere. The twisted chain, inspired by nautical ropes and Mediterranean sunsets, on this adult-ified friendship bracelet symbolizes your everlasting bond. Prices vary depending on the finish (gold, rose gold or silver).
The leather belt that's gotten him through high school and college? Well, it's time to say goodbye. This handcrafted beauty comes straight from Italy — everything, including the built-to-last brass buckles, are made by hand. Pick from five colors.
Outlets are few and far between in college dorms and starter apartments. The solution: This surge protector turns two outlets into five, plus it has four USB ports. Yep, that means they can plug in up to nine electronics in one spot.
Set your grad up for success by gifting them this weekly tear-off pad, so they can jot down three weekly goals, daily to-dos and notes for the following week. There's even a section that'll encourage them to track their healthy habits, whether it's drinking water or working out.
When they get out of the shower, they can look down for an instant mood boost. It'll be necessary, especially if you're not around to give daily pep talks IRL.
A gift that blends the sentimental with the brain-teasing. Select the front page from the day your grad was born, which will have them musing on how far they've come while they get to enjoy a mentally challenging task that they won't be graded on! The 500-piece version is $55, but a 1,000-piece puzzle is available for $75.
We tested nine different meal delivery services and Dinnerly came out on top. Although portions were on the smaller side, the recipes were easy to follow. Great for someone who misses mom's meatloaf! The $87 per week plan includes six meals for two people, but you can order as few as two meals per week ($46).
Maybe they've promised to stay in touch with their classmates (and actually mean it); maybe they're setting off on their career path and will be spending many, many, oh-so-many hours in meetings, some of them remotely. You want them to look high-def good, don't you?
How great is this for someone looking ahead to the boldest adventure of their life? Each gorgeous orb comes with 52 slips of paper, one for each week, on which the newly minted adult in your life jots down a wish, then slips it into the ball through a slot in the base. Talk about banking on one's future!
Is someone you love saying goodbye to dorm life? This gadget will inspire them to toss those ramen packets and throw their first-ever dinner party.
Consider this dual-tasker the training wheels that your graduation needs to get in the habit of, you know, cleaning the place they live in. Who knows? Someday they may get inspired to wash a dish!
One of the great perks of life getting all grown-up and serious? Your grad will discover the joys of long weekend mornings when they don't have to clock in anywhere! Whether they're making their own breakfast and climbing back under the covers or they have a loving significant other to dote on them, there's nothing like checking out, chowing down and cozying up in bed.
After the blood, sweat and tears (not to mention the fortune) that went into their getting that degree, this case is the best way to protect — and show off — their, and your, investment.
Growing up is all about balancing priorities. Keep everything — travel schedules, household to-dos and weekly reminders — within arm's reach with this fan-favorite Echo Show.
No more red Solo cups: This set of four hand-blown crystal glasses raises the bar for entertaining or unwinding after a long day at the office.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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