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When you graduate from college, no one tells you to upgrade your luggage to something sturdy. No one tells you that, yes, there’s always space in your kitchen for an appliance like an air fryer. And no one stresses just how important really, really good bed sheets are when you need a good night’s sleep in order to function at work in the morning.
Why? Because new college grads are so broke, they can barely afford that first student loan payment creeping up at the end of the month. That’s why, as a parent or friend or family member, it’s worth putting a bit more thought into what you give your graduate this year. Sure, you can write a heartfelt card, but what your grad (also) really wants is something they’ll use for months — maybe even years — to come.
Ahead, we’ve curated a list of useful gifts for your new college grad.
Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer
For making quick meals that have an easy clean-up, cooking in a small apartment, or reheating leftovers, you can’t beat an air-fryer.
Dirt Devil Endura Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner
This lightweight, bagless vacuum cleaner can work on carpet and hard floors. It’s small enough to stash in the corner or closet, and it will help your grad keep their new place clean.
Tzowla Travel Laptop Backpack With Charging Port
For commuting to work or traveling, this durable laptop backpack with charging port is a must for new grads.
Brooklinen Classic Percale Core Sheet Set
For the love of God, do not let your new graduate buy that cheap polyester sheet set that will make them sweat through the night and pill like mad after a few washes. Instead, spring for this classic Brooklinen Percale Cotton sheet set, which comes in a number of patterns and solid colors. They’re cool, crisp, and will last for years.
Anker Portable Charger
A reliable portable charger is a must for any adult. They’re useful during travel, but it’s also good to have a charged power bank on hand in case of power outages, something your grad might not have thought about yet.
SHW Memory Preset Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk
Joining the working world often means a lot of time at the computer, and a lot less time for trips to the gym. Help your new grad stay on their feet with this electric adjustable standing desk, which has more than 15,000 5-star ratings.
De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo Coffee & Espresso Maker
It’s easy to spend way more money than you realize buying coffee on the way to work every day. Help your grad save by treating them to a Nespresso espresso maker. This model is slim enough for the smallest apartment kitchens, and can make both drip coffee and espresso for making lattes, iced Americanos, and more. Even better? You can get them Nespresso pods for every holiday from here on out.
Factor Meal Delivery
Learning how to shop, meal plan, and feed yourself actually nutritious food on a budget is one of the hardest things about becoming an adult. Give your new grad a leg up with a gift card for Factor meal delivery. They can choose from a variety of dietary options (Keto, Protein Plus, Vegan & Veggie, etc.), and the meals don’t require any prep or actual cooking — just heat and eat.
BÉIS Hard Shell Carry-on Roller
Whether they’re traveling for work, to see family, or to have fun, your new grad could probably use a carry-on that’s a little sturdier than the duffel bag they dragged around campus the last four years. This carry-on roller from BÉIS, which comes in a variety of colors, features must-haves like 360 degree rolling wheels, a cushioned trolley handle, an expandable shell, and a lifetime warranty.
Under Desk Mini Elliptical
With adulthood comes a lot of time sitting at a desk. If your grad is fitness-focused, treat them to an under-the-desk elliptical that will help take away some of the sting that comes with no longer having 24/7 access to the on-campus fitness center.
AAA Membership
Don’t let your new grad get stranded on the road. The gift of a AAA Membership is a classic for a reason — it offers 24/7 roadside assistance, and the Plus membership also includes 100 miles of towing, fuel and delivery if they run out of gas, up to $100 of reimbursement for car locksmith keys if they get locked out, and more.
Window Air Conditioner Unit
There’s something small, affordable apartments often have in common: no, or poorly functioning, air conditioning. Don’t let their first summer in the real world be excruciatingly hot in a walk-up apartment — gift them with a relatively affordable window air conditoner unit so they can keep cool. This Frigidaire model has thousands of 5-star reviews.
Supergoop! SPF Bestsellers Kit
One of the most important ways to take care of our skin as we get older is by using sunscreen each and every day. Make it easy for your new grad to find one they like with a convenient set of travel-sized SPF mineral sunscreens from Supergoop!, which can fit in their purse or backpack so they’re never without some sun protection.
Philips Sonicare Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush
A toothbrush might not seem like a very exciting gift, but if you’re looking for something practical that your new grad will actually use, this Philips Sonicare Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush is right on the money. Oral hygiene is extremely important, and if your grad doesn’t have dental insurance, there’s a good chance they won’t actually be going to the dentist as often as they should. Give their smile a fighting chance with this electric toothbrush.
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