37 Best Graduation Gifts for Budding Travelers

As far as splurge-worthy gifts go, a set of solid noise-canceling headphones will certainly be appreciated. This pair from Sony has all the bells and whistles—multi-device Bluetooth pairing, 30 hours of battery life, an auto-pause feature that kicks in whenever you take them off—and will get use immediately, whether they’re drowning out noisy roommates or their airplane seatmate.

For those who find that keeping track of things comes as a challenge, AirTags offer a helpful hand for them to know where their checked luggage, backpack, or keys are should they lose them around campus or at the airport.

iPads are a tech essential that will make working on the go a breeze. Apple offers a student discount ahead of every school year, so be on the lookout for these in the fall.

A graduation gift idea for the graduate and their parents, this Anker power bank will ensure their phone is always juiced up on the go. It is compact enough to slip into a pocket, handbag, or backpack, and can charge three devices simultaneously.

Who doesn’t love photo frames? This minimalist, modern, freestanding frame features a color-calibrated 10-inch HD display to showcase your grad’s favorite memories. They can even add photos remotely from the Aura app for a rotating roster of images.

If the graduate you’re gifting is in need of a new suitcase, Away is a fine place to start. Not so pricey that you’ll be dreading the lost-my-luggage call, but sturdy enough to stand up to rough-and-tumble weekend getaways, Away bags hit a sweet spot.

For weekend trips where packing light is key, the Monos Metro duffel is the perfect match. Made from only vegan materials, it is easy to clean, durable, and made out of 16 repurposed plastic water bottles. Check out a review of the duffel here.

The Soho backpack is an exceptional option for a work bag. With a large middle compartment outfitted with a laptop sleeve, card holders, and a phone pocket, the commute to work won’t jostle their day.

Mark & Graham is known for its attention to organization and the Commute Clutch is no exception. It’s slim enough to slide into a briefcase or carry on its own.

Backpacks are always needed whether they’re used for travel or educational purposes. The Gotham Backpack gives your high school graduate a more mature look with its pebbled leather material. It features a 15-inch laptop sleeve, plus an interior phone pocket and two exterior zip pockets for easy organization. It’s finished with a breathable mesh back and adjustable shoulder straps.

Unstructured and ultralight, the Packable Tote compresses to the size of a deck of cards and includes a zippered top closure to keep the good stuff in (like souvenirs) and the bad stuff out (dirt and sand).

Having a toiletry bag that can fit your skincare and grooming essentials is a key factor in maintaining an organized suitcase or dorm vanity area. The Dagne Dover toiletry bag has a large main compartment for products and includes two smaller pouches, which can be removed to take back and forth to the bathroom (instead of the whole bag) or to pull out quickly for a security check at the airport.

If your graduate is adventurous and eager to explore, the Cotopaxi travel pack is just what they need. Spacious with a 28-liter capacity, it is great for quick getaways or as a cabin luggage piece. It has a suitcase-style full-wrap zipper opening and is covered in water-resistant TPU coating—perfect for any trip with unpredictable weather conditions.

Staying hydrated on the go has never been easier than with this 7.5-liter hydration pack from Paragon. With a stainless-steel reservoir, it keeps water cold for up to 24 hours. One part liquid carrier and one part backpack, it combines both form and functionality for hands-free hydration, which is perfect for travel, a hike, or even just running around campus.

This lightweight bathrobe is made from Turkish cotton, features a waffle design with two pockets, and comes in a handful of solid colors. This is the ideal gift for the graduate who might not have the time or resources for travel just yet but loves a staycation.

While Vasque is traditionally known for its hiking shoes, the Re:connect series brings the same “on trial” comfort and stability to an everyday wearable shoe. It is lightweight, made of sustainable materials, and the unique internal sleeve fit offers added protection to the heel no matter the terrain.

P.F. Flyers were pioneers in sneaker technology and introduced features aimed at aligning posture, enhancing comfort, and improving performance. These shoes are a great choice for your graduate—knowing they are good for overall physical well-being and underfoot comfort. P.F. Flyers come in different styles, colors, and choices of fabrics like suede, leather, and canvas.

A windbreaker is a must-have for travel or even just walking to and from class on campus. This one from Cotopaxi is made from repurposed materials, which means each one is a limited edition and unique. Plus it folds down into the front zip pocket, so it’s super packable for travel.

Personalized jewelry is a very thoughtful present, and these delicate initial pieces from Hello Adorn are just the thing. You can add symbols, numbers, and letters for a unique (and meaningful) gift for your grad.

A jewelry travel case sounds like the perfect solution for keeping precious pieces safe and organized. This one has plenty of storage options but is still compact enough to fit into a purse or backpack.

Oakcha, the vegan and cruelty-free fragrance house, has an array of luxury fragrances, most under $100. With over 70 original perfumes that use a pure-extract formula for a longer lasting scent, these unique creations are a great affordable beauty gift for grads.

Performance, functionality, and safety are synonymous with Smith Optics, and its sunglass line, Sway, brings all these elements together in fun everyday styles. They are made with chroma pop polarized lenses, which cut glare, and are impact-resistance and smudge proof.

Your coffee or matcha-loving grad will appreciate Kleen Kanteen’s 16-ounce Rise Insulated Tumbler. It has ergonomically designed contours and is made from certified 90 percent post-consumer recycled 18/8 stainless steel. The tumbler fits in most cup holders and comes with a splash-proof flip lid.

This travel umbrella is compact enough to be thrown in a tote bag or carry-on and will be a lifesaver on days where the weather turns out unpredictable. The sturdy, lightweight umbrella shields winds up to 45 MPH and withstands the heaviest rainfall.

If they’re not already breezing through TSA, now’s the time to help them out. Clear now has the option to send a 6-month, 12-month, or 12-month-for-two-people gift card amount. (They may still be able to take advantage of the student discount, though, in which case a Venmo transfer and a nice card telling filling them in on the membership is the way to go.)

This is way more than just a luxury neck pillow. The Pluto Pod was made solely with travel in mind and features a hood filled with performance foam, a flip-down eye mask, and dark black fabric to block out light. Check out a full review of it here.

Stress can wreak havoc on the body. This portable shoulder heating pad is perfect for on-the-go decompression. You’re able to plug it in wherever there’s an electrical outlet, and it’s easily foldable, so you can slide it right into a carry-on.

This four-piece cup set etched with a map of your graduate’s favorite city makes for a great personalized gift for a new bachelor pad or studio apartment.

For the grad who’s always snapping photos, gift them a place to hold all those memories once the dorm room bulletin board comes down. This photo album with journal entry space is ideal for those who love writing and can’t be found too far from their cameras. If you know the model they have, throw in an extra pack of film or two to round out the present.

A nostalgic piece of adventure gear that is making a comeback, compasses are a thoughtful gift for those leaving grad school, especially since this one can be engraved with a touching handwritten note by you. We’re sure the giftee will be surprised to have such a unique piece to add to their gear collection.

A gift-meets-teachable-moment: this roadside emergency kit (one of our road trip essentials), which comes with all sorts of gear to get them through their first flat tire or dead car battery. Think jumper cables, a reflective safety vest and warning triangle to keep drivers safer at night, a self-powered flashlight, a full first-aid kit, and a tire pressure gauge, among other tools.

For those who might be moving further for opportunities and a fresh start, give them the gift of a replica of the golden years. Each 3D print includes streets, waterways, and buildings added by hand. While ordering, you’ll specify what campus you want to capture—while the default is set around the center of campus, and covers a one- to three-square-mile area, you can choose a specific address or landmark if you prefer.

This scratch-off map doubles as decor and is a nifty way to keep track of all the travel they’ve been doing on spring breaks and study abroad programs.