The Best Graduation Gifts 2021

Believe it or not, graduation season is quickly approaching. And although this year's graduation ceremonies and celebrations may look a bit different from those in the past, that's all the more reason to treat your favorite high school or college graduate to something extra special.

That's why we've decided to round up this list of graduation gifts, which range from practical to inspirational — and everything in between. Whether they're heading into the workforce or prepping for their first year of college, there's a gift on this list that's sure to make a lasting impression on a young adult.

Congrats to the class of 2021!

Ring is a Patch Brand Partner. This post includes a selection of products we think you'll love. When you make a purchase, Patch may earn a small commission.

Graduation Gifts for him and her, class of 2021, $19.99 — Help your grad keep their senior year memories alive with this shadow box, which allows for a clear view of both their graduation photo and tassel. Place it on a table or easily hang it on the wall to proudly display their accomplishment.

New Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS, 40mm), $369 — From making calls and sending texts to getting directions, you can do tons of tasks right from your wrist with the new Apple watch — and you don't even need to have your phone on you. An ideal gift for a graduate who is always on the go or someone who loves to track their health and exercise, the watch measures your blood oxygen, checks your heart rhythm and tracks workouts such as running, walking, cycling and more. Plus, you can also bring your entertainment on the go by syncing your favorite music, podcasts and audiobooks.

Homesick Scented Candle, Rhode Island, $33.19 — If your graduate plans to head to college in another state in the fall or relocate for a new job, eventually they will get a little homesick. And when that time comes, they'll be thankful to have this candle that smells just like home. Available in a unique scent that embodies every state, these candles will fill people with nostalgia and bring them right back to where they came from.

Keurig K-Slim Coffee Maker, $79 — Sometimes, adulting can require getting through the day with just the right amount of coffee. Instead of waiting on long lines and spending money at a pricey café, help your graduate make their own coffee at home with this super compact and convenient single-serve coffee maker.

YnM Weighted Blanket, $89 — Everyone could use a better night's sleep — that's why this weighted blanket, which helps reduce stress and anxiety, is the perfect gift for someone who might be entering a new stage in their life. Available in a wide variety of unique colors and patterns, the breathable blanket will keep them cool, calm and comfortable all night long.

2020 Apple MacBook Air, $949 — Treat your favorite graduate to a brand-new Apple Macbook Air to celebrate their big milestone. With up to 18 hours of battery life, 3.5x faster performance and 5x faster graphics, they'll be able to tackle projects at work or school with extra efficiency.

Alarm Security Kit, 5-Piece, $199.99 — Graduating means moving on to a new chapter in life. And in many cases, it also means moving into a new home or apartment. Give your favorite graduate the gift of extra security with this second-generation Ring Alarm that is simple to set up and easy to use. It includes a Base Station, Keypad, a Contact Sensor, a Motion Detector and a Range Extender. Just plug in the Ring Alarm Base Station, connect the components and control everything with the keypad or from the Ring App.

2021 Graduation Gifts for Her, $8.99 — This inspirational jewelry dish will encourage her to fearlessly take on new responsibilities, challenges and opportunities. The cute dish is perfect for holding necklaces, jewelry, keys, earrings and more.

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, $99.99 — Heading into the real world means having to fend for yourself when it comes to cooking. And whether you're a seasoned chef or you've never cooked a day in your life, this Instant Pot will definitely come in handy — especially with those busy schedules. The 7-in-1 multicooker will help you whip up easy, convenient and tasty meals in no time. It also comes with a free app for your smartphone, so you'll have access to over 1,000 new and delicious recipes.

Cresimo 24 Ounce Cocktail Shaker Set, $27.95 — After spending a few years at college parties, graduates might need a lesson or two in crafting quality cocktails — and this shaker set will have them mixing up drinks like a pro with accessories including a jigger, shaker, mixing spoon and fancy stemless martini glasses.

Nintendo Switch Lite, $199 — For gamers on the go, the Nintendo Switch Lite is a must-have. This new version of the Nintendo Switch system is optimized for personal, handheld play. It's also a great value, featuring a built-in +Control Pad, a sleek, unibody design and included batteries.

Victrola Vintage 3-Speed Bluetooth Portable Suitcase Record Player, $55.93 — The graduate who is a music buff or vinyl lover is sure to love this portable record player with built-in speakers. Housed in a vintage suitcase with an easy carry handle, the turntable's blend of retro and contemporary design gives you the flexibility to listen to music where you want and how you want. It also includes built-in Bluetooth technology.

Stick Up Cam Battery, $99.99 — Whether they’re away from the house and want to check in on their pooch or they’re hoping to keep an extra eye on their outdoor spaces, your favorite graduate will be able to do just that when you gift them with this indoor/outdoor battery-powered camera. Its wire-free design means they can put it where they need it and move it when they want to. With Live View, they can always see what's happening in real time through the Ring App. You can also opt to give your graduate the Stick Up Cam Plug-In that plugs into standard power outlets, so they won’t have to worry about charging a battery. It also comes with a stand so you can place it on a flat surface.

OCM College Dorm Room 24-Piece Complete Campus Pak, $199 — Send them off to college knowing they'll have everything they need with this 24-piece dorm room set. It comes complete with a stylish twin XL reversible comforter, two sets of sheets, two machine-washable pillows, a mattress topper, a quilted mattress pad, a microplush blanket, two matching 100 percent cotton bath sets, a laundry bag, a bedside storage caddy and two under-the-bed storage units.

Blu Monaco 5 Piece Cute Office Supplies, $45 — Add some style to their office with this set of cute and sleek supplies that come in a variety of different colors. Their desk will be extra organized with the set, which includes a file organizer, magazine holder, pen cup, sticky note holder and letter sorter.

Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels, $323.95 — Although some graduates may be postponing those post-graduation trips, they will hopefully be able to reschedule those travel plans soon — which means they will need a quality suitcase. This set of Samsonite expandable luggage will transport their travel essentials effortlessly and stylishly. Plus, it's extremely lightweight and durable.

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, $379 — For long flights, gym sessions and study marathons, these noise-canceling head phones are the perfect gift for a recent graduate. They'll be able to enjoy music, podcasts, videos and calls without distractions.

Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light, $99.99 — Establish a healthy sleep and wake-up routine with this light, which simulates sunset and sunrise and gives you a choice of five different natural wake-up sounds. It also features FM radio, tap snooze and automatic dimmable display. It's the perfect gift for a graduate who has to get used to a new work or class schedule.

STYLIO Padfolio/Resume Portfolio Folder, $14.95 — Help them look extra professional on their next interview or when they enter the business world with this portfolio, which will have them ditching the old briefcase.

"The Quarter-Life Breakthrough," $10.39 — This book is a great gift to give a college graduate who is about to pursue a career. It can help inspire them to find meaning in their career and build a life that matters. Filled with exercises and advice, the book can help young adults who are struggling to find what they want from life.

Tile Essentials 4-pack, $62.07— Help your graduate keep better track of their phone, wallet, keys or other essentials with this pack of Tile trackers. Complete with the Tile Mate, Slim and Sticker, this pack of four tracking essentials uses Bluetooth technology to locate your missing items from up to 300 feet away using a ringing noise. Connect the gadgets to your smartphone, and you'll be able to see their location on your Tile map.

2021 Planner - Weekly & Monthly Planner, $8.49 — Gift your graduate with this 2021 planner, and they'll stay better organized at work or school. The planner contains to-do lists and ample boxes to write down your weekly or monthly plans to help you stay on schedule.

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