The 2019 Graduation Gift Guide

You can't get them a job, so get them the next best thing

The 2019 Graduation Gift Guide

While you probably can’t get the graduate what they really want — a job with decent pay and good healthcare benefits — you can still get them something nice for all their hard work. Curated by our very own in-house college student, Logan Mahan, here are some gifts the grad is sure to love while they figure out what the hell they’re going to do with the rest of their life. And yes, despite this ostensibly being a men’s lifestyle website, we’ve included some gifts that would typically be given to a woman, because, despite what recent developments in the news might lead you to believe, we still allow them to go to college. For now.

Under $100

16oz Tall Boy

A take on the classic can, but this time it’s good for the environment. A stainless steel, reusable Tall Boy— “cave-manning” not advised.

MiiR
$11.95

The Skincare Set

Ah Glossier. The skincare brand known for its aesthetically-enticing packaging (thankfully they have pretty bomb products as well). This set includes the Milky Jelly Cleanser, Priming Moisturizer, and Balm Dotcom that makes for a simple but effective skincare routine.

Glossier
$40

Barebones Rambler Cooler Backpack

An easy-to-carry, water-resistant cooler backpack that features a bottle-opener zipper pull. Great for hiking, beaching, or going anywhere that beer needs to be kept cold and easily transported.

Barebones
$80

Travel Planner

Make their big post-grad soul-searching trip a bit easier with this 3-year travel planner. Includes travel tips, postcards, a world map, packing lists, and a language converter, plus a groovy cover with a nice send-off message.

Ban.do
$30

Wash Pouch

An essential travel bag, this dopp kit can sit upright on the counter or hangs via a stowable hook and includes a slew of internal organizers, even a magnetically sealed tooth brush holder. Also might be helpful if you included some products.

Peak Design
$59.95

Nike Air Force 1

Just tell him about that one time the dude from Keeping Up With the Kardashian‘s rapped, “And I can’t even go to the grocery store without some Ones that’s clean and a shirt with a team.” The “Ones” he was referencing, of course, are the Nike Air Force Ones, which are as classic as classic gets, and versatile, too. He can throw ’em on with jeans, shorts, even a suit if he keeps ’em nice and crispy.

Nike
$90

Flying Cactus Catchall

Presumably, the young man you’re buying for is going to get a place of his own at some point. And even if, or especially if, it’s a place he’s sharing with a few other people, he’ll need somewhere to toss all his shit when he gets home from the job he’s hopefully been able to get. Keys, wallet, a watch, loose change … this is the perfect place to store all that junk overnight and the perfect introduction to the type of rituals that will come to provide him just a small bit of comfort in a life that becomes increasingly more stressful and soul-crushing with each passing day. Happy graduation.

Bexar Goods Co.
$65

Under $250

Landon Carryall

Every post-grad needs some adult luggage in exchange for whatever ratty backpack they’ve been using instead. And this extra long weekend duffle bag is great for fitting everything in their carry-on (because who can afford bag check?)

Dagne Dover
$215

ION Audio Tailgater

I can give this speaker a ringing endorsement because it continues to be the most beloved thing at any event. Whether it’s on the beach, a stadium parking lot, or at a house party, you can take or leave the alcohol cause as long as the tailgater is present and charged (no doubt it will be with its 50-hour battery life) it’s a guaranteed good-time.

Ion Audio
$160

Strappy Leather Kitten-Heel Sandals

It’s the shoe of summer 2019 ask any Instagram influencer. Made from smooth leather, these minimalist sandals feature an asymmetrical sole and a slim kitten heel, making them perfect for any summer occasion. She will think you’re much cooler and more youthful than you are.

Cos
$150

Pablo Canvas Espadrilles

Another solid summer shoe choice, these hand-sewn jute and rubber-soled pair espadrilles will effortlessly match any summer fit.

Castañer
$105

Hexagonal Flat Lenses

I always say the bigger the sunglasses the better. Even though small sunglasses are trendy right now, I don’t think they work very well for those of us with larger heads. But anyway, any pair of Ray-Bans is a solid gift, though these hexagonal frames are just pretty damn cool.

Ray-Ban
$168

Topo Designs Commuter Briefcase

While we’re tempted to recommend a nice leather bag that’ll last him well into his professional life, we don’t want to give the kid culture shock. So start him off with this handsome, functional and rugged option from Topo Designs, which gets bonus points for being a bit playful in its design.

Topo Designs
$189

Under $500

Hamilton Khaki King Automatic Watch

Chances are good that your favorite graduate does not currently wear a watch. Change that with this good looking, relatively affordable option from Hamilton. It’ll take him comfortably from job interviews to the bar, to backyard BBQs — and the brand has enough history that it just might set him down a path to elevated watch nerd status.

Hamilton
$399

Baby Lilly Gold-Plated Hoop earrings

It’s like a right of passage to receive a pair of gold plated hoop earrings for a big life achievement. Or is that just my family? Well, regardless, the gold hoop earring is a staple for any accessories wardrobe, and if the grad already has a pair, they’re probably from Forever21 and turning their ears green.  

Jennifer Fisher
$350

Waxed Canvas LAND Weekender

As noted in the section above, the importance of post-grad adult luggage cannot be overstated. This waxed canvas bag is perfect for weekend getaways (and for saving $$$ in luggage fees). In a style for the more rugged graduate.

Bexar Goods Co.
$359.98

Claire Bar Cart

This chic bar cart features matte metal framing with Deco-inspired signatures and glass panel and enough room to display all their cheap bottles of vodka.

Urban Outfitters
$299

Penélope Cruz Moonsun Limited Edition Strandage, White, Rose Gold Plating

Part of Swarovski’s collaboration with actress Penélope Cruz, this necklace is inspired by the “magic of the night sky.” The rose gold-plated strandage necklace fuses an elegant feminine aesthetic with Spanish design traditions.

Swarvoski
$499

Complete Home Bar Set

Make it easy for the grads to entertain and make some cocktails. This set includes nineteen essential drink-making tools, including a stainless steel jigger and marble cutting board, all safely nestled in a beautiful cherry wood box.

Picnic Time
$350


Plain Navy Blazer

We all need one. Get him started with a good one that’s cut slim enough for him not to feel like his grandfather. And no gold buttons, please.

Suit Supply Havana Jacket
$399