30 Best Graduation Gifts for Him to Use in the Real World
Thoughtful yet practical is the way to go.
Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Finding gifts for teen boys is hard enough without bringing an extra special, once-in-a-lifetime occasion into the picture. But that's precisely the situation many parents and relatives find themselves in as graduation season arrives. If you have a son, nephew, grandson, or close family friend, that means you need to find the perfect graduation gifts for him.
The ideas ahead will win his heart and stave off any end-of-school blues that come with the big day. The following picks work well as graduation gifts whether he's graduating from high school, college, or a post-graduate program. If you're celebrating multiple young scholars this year, many of these ideas double as graduation gifts for girls, too. And don't worry, if you're concerned about staying within budget, there are tons of gifts under $100.
With so many delightful presents at your disposal, how can you possibly be expected to narrow them down? Take some advice from Ree Drummond and remember who he is at his core. "Before he was a quarterback, he was a cowboy," Ree once said of her son, Bryce, when he as a teenager. Think about his personality and preferences, and then go from there. Or if all else fails, go with something super useful like a wireless charging dock or a bluetooth tracker. You really can't go wrong with practical picks!
Keep the celebration going:
Let him display his diploma or degree proudly! This frame also comes with a separate space so he can hang his tassel, too. There are several color options that he can match to his alma mater's.
Whether he's a traveler or on the go from the gym to work, a toiletry bag is an essential to keep all his grooming supplies in one place. This neoprene option is water resistant and comes with a removable mesh pouch.
Who wouldn't want a personalized bobblehead? All you have to do is submit a photo to the site, and they will produce a fun keepsake that looks like the graduate!
Make it so much easier for him to make his favorite juice blends and smoothies. This portable blender fits in most cupholders, is rechargeable so doesn't need a cord, and weighs under two pounds.
If he's headed off to the dorms or a new apartment complex with shared laundry, this bag backpack will be a convenient way to transport his clothes back and forth.
If he doesn't already have a fitness tracker, a Fitbit is a no-brainer for a workout enthusiast. It not only tracks his daily steps, but his heart rate, sleep score, and even his skin temperature. Plus, it doubles as a watch!
Commemorate his college town with this set of pint glasses. They feature maps with notable streets around campus and the university logo on the bottom.
Give him a stylish reason to stay organized. He can keep his loose change and wallet in there or use it for catch-all for pretty much anything. Choose from several designs and colors.
If he has a tendency to lose things, help him out with a bluetooth tracker. He can put it on his keys or bag and if he misplaces them, this little device will find it for him. Smart!
If he's off to live in a communal space like a dorm or an apartment with roommates, he'll need a robe. You might as well get him the coziest one you can find, made of 100% Turkish cotton.
As he embarks on his next adventure, he's sure to make a few memories worth documenting. Now, he can print his fave digital pics into IRL memories with this smartphone printer.
This gift is one part science experiment, one part cooking project. This beer-making kit includes all the basic equipment, ingredients and instructions you need to craft great-tasting beer from the very first batch.
A Bluetooth speaker is a staple item for any household or road trip. This waterproof version is also clumsy-boy-proof!
Cole Haan makes a beautiful and comfortable pair of dress shoes, perfect for the first day of classes or the first day of a new job! A pair of timeless oxfords are a true wardrobe staple that will last for years.
What's cooler than having your very own foosball table?! Having a table that can convert to 12 different games, including air hockey and pool. This game will put all other graduation gifts to shame.
Hey Alexa, give the grad everything he needs to organize his new life! He can stream music, set his alarm, make a grocery list, and more, just by talking to his smart Echo Dot.
If he's big into his favorite drink, he'll appreciate this bestselling tumbler. Its vacuum seal keeps drinks cold, sip after sip after sip.
A bounty of meat: Now that's what he'll appreciate! With eight exotic jerkies, he'll be able to snack on some of the most interesting flavors from elk to gator.
A graduation is an excellent opportunity to present your son with a beautiful new watch, and this is a great option. It's black-on-black so it's minimalist enough to appeal to just about anyone.
'The Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big & Small'
School's out of the way...which means it's time to get adventuring! This fabulous book offers a guide to "fun, fantastic, and life-affirming activities" to get them dreaming about their bucket list.
AnnMarie Mattila is the Senior Editor for The Pioneer Woman, covering a wide range of topics from food and cooking to home, beauty, style, and more.
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