The Coolest Graduation Gifts of 2025

It’s that time of year again—our best and brightest are donning their caps and gowns to celebrate finishing high school, college, and grad school. Graduation season is the perfect opportunity to give that soon-to-be ex-student something truly special that they’ll treasure for years, whether it’s a slick retro–futuristic watch, a luxe travel bag, or something spectacular for their home bar. Here are our favorite graduation gifts for 2025.  

[PARTNER] We’re not saying you’ll save a graduate’s life by gifting them the Victorinox Rescue Tool. But we’re not, not saying it, either. This tool breaks windows, cuts through seatbelts, and packs 13 emergency functions into one convenient little package. Speaking of package… It comes with a nylon pouch, making it easy to stash in a glovebox, middle console, etc. To the Rescue!

Buy: $115

Retro-futuristic watches are a major trend this year, and this faithful remake of Timex’s 1975 “mystery watch” just oozes effortless midcentury style. With sleek, rounded lines and a versatile 37-millimeter case, this affordable timepiece easily transitions from casual to formal. 

Buy at Timex – $199 

This jade-inspired four-piece bar set is a definite step up from the days of frat house keggers. If your favorite member of the class of 2025 is an aspiring mixologist, these tools will add a stylish touch to their home setup.  

Buy at Neiman Marcus – $66.50 

One of life’s small pleasures is catching a fellow passenger peeping enviously at your slick carry-on. Floyd’s Cabin bag comes in 10 yummy hues and can be further customized with one of a dozen wheel colors. Floyd bags are built to last for the long haul: the aluminum frame is constructed without zippers, and the shell is made with a polycarbonate material used in body armor and bulletproof glass. 

Buy at Floyd – $645 

Time to ditch the dull blades and upgrade to this eye-catching threesome that includes a chef’s knife, serrated knife, and a paring knife. The set comes in five colors, and the walnut knife block looks slick while keeping cutting edges pristine.  

Buy at Our Place – $145 

While you may be tempted to roll your eyes at the phrase “YouTube chef,” Weissman is the real deal. His recipes are approachable for newbie cooks and completely delicious, running the gamut from breakfast tacos to ramen to Key Lime pie. The recipes are clear and straightforward, and the photography is drool-inducing. We like the spiral-bound edition that’ll stay open on the counter while a recipe’s coming together.  

Buy at Amazon – $39 

Everyone you know is going to be giving your favorite grad “welcome to adulthood” gifts, so why not buck the trend and indulge the kid at heart? This intricate set is bursting with fun details, like dinosaur skeletons and a model of the solar system. And with more than 4,000 pieces, it’ll take even the most diligent of builders several weekends to assemble.

Buy at Lego – $299 

Whether your grad spends more time listening to podcasts or prog rock, Apple’s latest and greatest are the gold standard for noise-cancelling earbuds. Bonus: the Pros come with a tracking capability that’s not included on basic AirPods, which makes them easier to track down if misplaced. 

Buy at Amazon – $169 

Flaviar’s Champions of Bourbon monthly subscription deposits a coveted bottle on the recipient’s doorstep every month, putting aspiring connoisseurs on the fast-track to expertise. Each selection has either won a major award from a renowned competition, or has received a 90+ score from major publications including Whiskey Advocate and Decanter.

Buy at Flaviar – $372 

Oh, the places you’ll go! Whether your grad’s planning a gap year abroad—or just needs to use their passport as a Real ID for domestic flights—a spiffy passport cover can keep their travel documents safe and easy to find for years. Smythson offers a dozen colors in this style alone, and it can be further personalized to add initials, zodiac signs, and other designs starting at $29. 

Buy at Smythson – $240 

Find me a teen or twenty-something guy who wouldn’t get a kick out of this maroon masterpiece. It’s hilariously debonair, but still cozy, making it perfect for lazy Sunday mornings.  

Buy at Neiman Marcus – $160 

Most coffee makers are pretty darn ugly. This one is an exception. This Bodum 12-cup filter machine comes in two adorably ’90s-inspired colorways, and is only available at the MoMA Design Store. If the caffeine doesn’t give you a boost every morning, these happy hues certainly will.

Buy at MoMA Design Store – $89