Gift Ideas For a Young Man Going Away to College

It can be hard to choose the right gift for a new graduate, but it doesn’t always have to be as there are lots of fun and useful things out there! Give them something that's both practical and special, so they can make good use out of it but also remember and keep it for a long time! Since it's just the beginning of their adulthood, it's important to make the transition easy with a present that will be quite memorable. 

These graduation gift ideas are practical and meaningful for any occasion, whether it be for your own child or another loved one. Maybe you want to present them with something that they may not be able to afford just yet, demonstrating your appreciation and leaving a lasting impression. From food gadgets, to nifty electronics, to a wide variety of accessories, take a look at some of the best ideas to gift a young man going away to college. 

You can’t ever go wrong with gift cards, right? Luckily, GiftYa offers a way to send your gift card through text or email and even customize it with your own personal message. Choose from locations locally and thousands more nationwide! 

1. GiftYa Gift Card

With GiftYa, you get to text or email a gift card in the easiest way possible! 

Text a GiftYa gift card

Many fresh graduates right out of high school can relate to being low on funds, and something like a gift card to their favorite spot might be just what they need! Feel free to choose your own designs, while not having to worry about a physical copy getting lost or even stolen! 

Text a GiftYa gift card

2. Fashionable Yet Sturdy Luggage

Your graduate will require proper luggage for various travel arrangements, such as business trips and academic conferences. We have found some great options for carry-on bags, duffles, and suitcases. But our team prefers the Away Carry-on because of its sleek design and durable outer shell. It measures only 7.6 pounds and features a 360 degree rolling frame.

The 40-liter capacity of the Away The Carry-on allows you to pack all of your essentials in one convenient bag. It features a built-in USB charger and a laundry bag, and it comes with a lifetime warranty.

3. Breakfast Station

A great gift for young men is a compact breakfast station, which will help them start their day off on the right note. Having a nutritious meal can be hard to come by during busy schedules, especially with early classes and long nights.

A breakfast station is a great present for students who are always on the go and need to make a proper meal right before they leave. It can be used to make quick sandwiches, soups, and other recipes that an individual can easily cook in their small living space.

4. Portable Charger

A portable charger is a great present for college students, as their phones nowadays only have a limited battery life. This item is essential for those who are always on the go. They can charge their devices whether they are in a restaurant, class, or walking to their car. Modern portable chargers come with built-in cables, which eliminate the worry of forgetting one. These are ideal gifts for college students, who will use them every day.

5. Toiletry Bag

The college experience is all about your essentials, and giving a boy going away to college a toiletry bag is a must. This item can be customized or featured with a variety of self-care tools, and for those who care about the environment, the Durango waxed canvas dopp kit is a great gift for those who are passionate about sustainable products. This item is made from durable canvas and features a sleek and modern design. It's made in Mexico and is ethically sourced.

6. Custom Blanket/Wall Art

A personalized photo blanket would be great for your grad who grew up in the house where you live. It will provide them with a warm reminder that they are still at home. This premium 60′′x40′′ blanket is both practical and decorative.

You can also give your grad a wall art piece that will remind them of home. These 8x8′′ MIXPIX photo tiles are made from lightweight materials and are ideal for any wall. They are reusable, and they can be easily removed and re-stocked if you want to add a new pattern. You can choose from a wide range of colors and patterns, and they can be used to make collages with your Instagram photos.

7. Apple Watch

For those who are looking for an exceptional gift for a young man off to college, the Apple Watch Series 7" is a great choice. Not only is it from the brand that they are passionate about, but it also has a variety of benefits.

In addition to being able to keep track of a young man’s activities, such as getting him to class on time, the Apple Watch can play music and measure distance traveled, heart rate, and calories burned.

The Apple Watch is the real deal. It can help him keep track of all of their daily activities, such as running or going to the gym, and it can provide them with an organized view of their schedule.

8. Google Home Mini

Today, a dorm room is not complete without a smart device in it. This Google Home Mini is a great gift for a new college student, as it can help them control their dorm’s lights and get the latest weather and sports information. Its compact size and voice control make it ideal for any space.

9. Creative Shot Glass

A personalized shot glass is the ideal present for any college student, and these fashionable and personalized gift items are great for all occasions, including house parties or holiday celebrations. This item features a choice of engraving and design, which will allow you to find something that fits your recipient's personality. It's also dishwasher safe, which means it can be used after a night of drinking.

10. Meal Subscription

You can relieve the stress of dinner planning by giving the new graduate a HelloFresh meal kit subscription. The company delivers the necessary ingredients to create different meal recipes, and it also provides step-by-step instructions to help the new graduate make their own healthy and satisfying meals.

The food subscription box received an excellent rating from Consumer Reports, which means that it provides a convenient and satisfying meal at home. Its meal delivery service can accommodate two to four meals per week, and it has various options that cater to different groups, such as vegetarians and classic menus. Pick your preferred meal combination or create your own from the company's weekly menu, which costs around $7.49.

11. Blue Light Glasses

Wearing blue light glasses can help reduce eye strain caused by the blue light emitted by various electronic gadgets, such as smartphones and tablets. For people who spend a lot of time working or studying late at night, wearing blue light glasses can help minimize eye strain. It can also help them avoid getting tired or dry eyes.

12. Online Gym Subscription

If you're a new college student who's hesitant about committing to a gym, consider giving a ClassPass subscription instead. It's a great way to start your college life with a subscription that includes unlimited access to various fitness studios and video workouts.

13. Online Drawing Class

Beginning to advanced drawing techniques, such as portraiture and illustration, can be taught through these online classes and instruction in colored pencils, ink, and brush lettering. Through these classes, students can pick from a wide variety of styles and perspectives to create their own unique art pieces. These ideas are ideal for home décor and can also be used to make custom gifts!

14. Homesick Candle

This homesick candle can help people remember where they came from, or it can inspire them to find happiness within their current surroundings. It features scents that can be associated with certain states, like coconuts for Miami and pine for Denver. Its all-natural soy wax candle can burn for up to 80 hours, and its glass jar also has an outline of the nation's state!

15. Canvas Camera Bag

Your beloved college student may take up an interest in photography after they start studying at college, or maybe they're even attending an art school. Or, they might be eager to start taking photos throughout Europe while on a study-abroad trip! If they already have an ideal camera, consider giving them an elegant bag that looks similar to one made in Italy!

The Mark and Graham canvas bag is made from Italy and can be customized with a personalized label. It's ideal for most cameras, including mirrorless and digital cameras. Its spacious interior compartment and versatile design make it a great alternative to a bag that's usually only used for one purpose.

16. Reusable Paper Notebook

This reusable notebook features a combination of both handwritten notes and digital recording, which can be stored in the cloud and accessed anytime. This notebook is ideal for students who don’t want to carry around a lot of paper when they take notes during lectures. It’s also an eco-friendly gift that’s perfect for those who like to keep their notes organized and efficient!