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Yep, he’s graduating. (Finally!) It could be a high school diploma, bachelor's, MBA, PhD, white coat, firefighter, whatever, it's a big moment. A pop-up card ain't gonna cut it. And while he would technically appreciate an envelope full of cash that'll go towards repaying all that debt, sometimes, a great graduation gift for him is needed to show how proud you are of him.
He could be your son, your (boy)friend, or just a distant relative—doesn’t matter. He deserves to open something special come graduation day, even if he's the kind of guy who's impossible to shop for. More importantly, the gift's got to be actually useful and grownup—you can't send him out there into the working world on his own, unprepared. In this economy? No way.
To help you out, here are the 45 best graduation gifts for him to toast to this milestone. Whether it’s a cool gadget, a luxury upgrade, or a sentimental keepsake he’ll cherish forever, these gifts are all worthy of the occasion.
The Best Graduation Gifts for Him, According to Esquire
The Most Useful Gadget Gift: Moleskine Smart Notebook Set for $274
The Best Bedding Gift: Brooklinen Percale Bedding Bundle for $209
The Most Practical Travel Gift: Away The Carry-On Suitcase for $275
A Stylish Menswear Gift: Flint & Tinder Waxed Trucker Jacket for $298
The Best Educational Gift: Masterclass Membership for $15
Smart Notebook & Pen
Upgrade his plain ol' pen and pad with this smart notebook set that will help keep him extra organized.
Mirto di Panarea Eau de Toilette
It's fine to stink during boyhood, but during adulthood, smelling fresh is half the battle. Plus, showing him high-quality fragrances now ensures he won't be dazzled by something too overpowering later.
Magnetic Wireless Charger
Streamline his seemingly never-ending collection of cables with this handy charging station that can power up his iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods at once.
Apple AirTag
He'll lose his keys, his laptop, his luggage. With a pack of AirTags, at least he won't call you to complain about it.
DeskJet Inkjet Printer
Part of being an adult is owning a printer. This one is compact enough for however small his first apartment is—plus, it connects with the HP app so he can print photos right off his phone.
The Carry-On
The best affordable carry-on for whatever far flung graduation trip he has planned.
Silk Necktie
It doesn't matter how freaky or how casual he dresses day-to-day, at some point after graduating, he's going to need a tie. Start him out with the best (Charvet) and something easy (navy).
Always Pan
One Esquire Endorsed pan that does the job of eight other pieces of cookware. It's the perfect way to kickstart his apartment-living, roommate-having adult life.
Bijou Organizer
A beautiful pocket-sized organizer for when he gets that first big job. Plus, he can refill it every year, so he can hold onto it for the rest of his days.
Onyx Signet Ring
Class rings stopped being cool ages ago. But this elegant signet ring will be an everyday staple.
Diamond Prosecco
Not sure what to get? A bottle of bubbly is the fail-safe choice. But a bottle of bubbly from the Coppola family operation? It's perfect for any young film-nerd.
Late Fees at the Library Candle
The name might bring up some bad memories, but the notes of paper and linen are as comforting as it gets.
Aluminum Wave Lighter
No need to clutch your pearls, he's probably going to smoke wherever he goes. There's a 1/3 chance he'll be somewhere Cannabis is legal, and the other stuff is legal literally everywhere.
The most timeless paraphernalia gift is a nice lighter. He'll have it for years and get a compliment on it every time he uses it.
Barware Set
Now that he's graduated, his tastes should (hopefully) evolve beyond Jack and co*ke. This 14-piece set has everything he needs to advance his mixology skills.
Middleton Speaker
A cool bluetooth speaker to remind him of when he didn't have that 9 to 5, and he could see five shows a week.
Wooden Tabletop Frames
For that graduation picture with a proud smile.
The Essential Capsule
Olive oil is the foundation of most recipes, so you'll want to make sure he's stocked with a good one. Brightland's popular set also comes with vinegars to help him concoct all kinds of tasty meals.
Masterclass Annual Membership
He'll be well on his way.
Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum
An absolutely classic everyday scent. Not too bold, not too weak. Good for the office, good for a date. It's the perfect bottle to kickstart his collection.
Bambino Espresso Machine
A new coffee machine is the perfect mark of a new chapter. Not only will this Bambino machine help him save five bucks a day by making his coffee at home, but it's also small enough to fit in a dorm or tiny apartment.
Meisterstück Rose Gold-Coated Ballpoint Pen
Don't understate the keepsake value of a Montblanc pen. Using it says professionalism at work and good taste at lecture hall.
Smart Alarm Clock
Upgrade his wake up with the Loftie Alarm Clock that's packed with sleep tools. He'll never want to hear iPhone's alarm again.
Fit Pro True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds
Better acoustics, better fit, better resistance, better NC, and better price. Just better!
Shaving Kit for Men
For the endless networking events and interviews to come, the young man's got to learn how to present himself. This kit keeps razor burn at bay.
PiggyBack Rye Whiskey
Show him the good stuff so he doesn't try to impress his future partner's parents with bagged wine. This high-quality whiskey will never disappoint.
Temperature Control Smart Mug 2
Cold coffee is unacceptable—don't @ me—whether he's cramming it out at library or typing it out at the corporate office. This'll help.
Sauce Trio
Whether he's surviving on instant ramen or working on a new recipe every night in his free time, there is no meal that can't be improved by these magical flavors.
Gift Card
Honestly, it's easier this way. You're happy, he's happy. Plus, it comes in a cute lil box.
Flannel-lined Waxed Trucker Jacket
Varsity jackets won't do anymore—they've never done, frankly. Enter the waxed trucker jacket, a blend of Western pedigree and age-like-fine-wine quality. He'll end up looking like Ryan Gosling and Judd Nelson in no time.
Adult Electric Toothbrush
Once he hears how expensive dental insurance is, he'll be glad to own a high-quality toothbrush. Plus, he can easily get new heads whenever he needs them thanks to Quip's subscription service.
Pure ONE S11 Vacuum
One thing's for sure: the dorm or apartment he's about to share with roommates will be messy. And he won't bother to get the right stuff to clean it. This cordless smart stick vacuum is a clutch for power sweep, with a sensor tech that auto-adjusts suction, handheld convertibility, and so many types of brushes.
Twelve Recipes
This cookbook was written by a father to his children when they went off to college, offering the 12 most essential recipes they need to know as adults. You don't know how to cook until you've read this.
Ergonomic Office Chair
Do we even need to explain why this makes a great gift? You think he'll have the time or the mind to scout a good office chair on his own? He probably will just grab one from Ikea, but you know better.
Cordless Driver-Drill Kit
If there's one skill he'll be happy to have for the rest of his life, it's knowing how to operate a cordless drill. Whether he's the handy sort or just needs to quickly hang up some art, this is one of the best investments to make for him.
The ReNew Transit Backpack
No more Jansport backpacks for this kid—he's a working man now. Or hopefully he soon will be, and a professional-looking commuter pack from Everlane will help. Made from recycled materials, it has room for a laptop, books, water bottles, and plenty more.
AirPods Max
And when he's on the go (or just keeping the volume down), these will help. While the price is controversial, AirPods Max really does have the punches. Classically cool.
Watch Series 8
He's about to get a crash course in juggling life. A high-tech wearable ought to help.
Flip Case
Pulling out an overstuffed wallet is never a good move. He's going to need a proper cardholder.
PerfecTemp Programmable Coffeemaker
He'll need every one of those 14 cups with the entry-level grunt work or tedious 101 course he's about to be hit with. And this maker's got some seriously cool feats and design hits to set it apart from the pack.
Classic Hardcore Sheet Bundle
Those T-shirt sheets will not do for a grown man. Brooklinen's best is great for the dorm rooms, off-campus housing, as well as an adult's apartment.
SNK789 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch
A stylish watch, this one courtesy of a classic, entry-level design, is a minimalist accessory that will look good and go with anything. No need to break the $200-barrier for the kid's first automatic timepiece.
Dartflex Loafer
A classic pair of loafers works for practically every occasion, and this sleek, memory foam style is especially comfortable.
Stackable Mug
His extensive glassware and drinkware collection will come with time, but it starts with something that'll work for red, white, whiskey, and keep them cool.
Meal Kit Subscription
Save him from the gut-devastating monotony of take-out food with Home Chef's vast array of meal kit options. It'll teach him some kitchen skills, too. He'll need those.
The Bed Frame
One-up the mattress on the floor—and the second-hand IKEA frame he dug up on Facebook Marketplace—with the Floyd Bed Frame. It's a good bed frame. A great bed. A bed frame he'll have for years to come.
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