27 Great Gifts for the Freshly Minted Graduate

Upgrade his plain ol’ pen and pad with this smart notebook set that will help keep him extra organized.

An affordable fountain pen is an everyday luxury that we’re really fond of. For us, it’s got to be a Lamy Safari. If he’s going off to college or grad school, it’s great for notes. If he’s getting a real job, it signs checks just as well.

If you want to get him into the luxury world of fountain pens, a Montblanc Meisterstück is the perfect way to push a man in that direction.

Of course, if he needs a professional notebook, we’re going to Smythson. For me, an Evergreen is the best choice because he can buy refills for eternity.

You might think his days of sneaking liquor into places are over, but let me say: that first salary doesn’t account for a young man’s alcohol budget. He’ll have a few more years of flask carrying. I’m 26, and there’s no signs of it stopping.

Just make sure you get him something classic. Nothing beats a pewter flask from Sheffield.

He doesn’t deserve his dream car this early in life, but there’s no shame in helping him dream about it.

Sure, maybe the culture at large has moved past these sorts of boy novels. But they still hit for most men. And for a young man graduating college or undergrad in America, Kerouac is kind of the spiritual blueprint.

If he’s got simple style or could use a not-too-out-there upgrade, nothing is going to beat a Le Mont St. Michel work jacket. In blue, it has a classic french look. In green or khaki it looks a bit more like a field jacket. Either way, a wardrobe staple.

This is another solid cornerstone for his wardrobe.

If he’s got a far-flung graduation trip planned, a leather duffel bag is a lot more versatile, and a lot better looking, than a roll-y carry-on.

If he really needs a roll-y suitcase, Away makes the best cheap version.

A quality leather passport cover that won’t fall apart after a gap year is a good gift. This one from Lucchese will last him a lifetime.

A leather boot with a GORE-TEX membrane that is capable of taking him all the way across the world, makes a pretty good gift in my opinion.

Part of being an adult is having nice sheets. Brooklinen is the easiest first step.

He’ll lose his keys, his laptop, his luggage. With a pack of AirTags, at least he won’t call you to complain about it.