15 Grad Gifts Under $200 Any Guy Would Appreciate

Clothing, Denim, Jeans, Fashion, Footwear, Bag, Hand luggage, Textile, Electric blue, Font,

(Image credit: Design by Travis McHenry)

published 1 June 2018

After your brother, friend, or cousin makes it across the graduation stage, it's inevitable he'll head in one of three directions: the career route, the backpacking route, or the "let me live" route. Whichever path he takes, there's a present to mark his accomplishment that's useful and affordable. Ahead, a roundup of the best picks under $200 that he'll truly appreciate.

The Techie

Ultimate Ears, $149

SHOP IT

This bluetooth speaker equipped with Alexa voice control is a necessity for waterproof shower jams or his next pregame.

The Style Guru

Levi's, $98

SHOP IT

If he didn't own a denim jacket in college, he's been missing out on the one closet item that's actually acceptable to recycle three times per week. (No, that ripped frat tank doesn't count.)

The Grooming Expert

Aesop, $150

SHOP IT

Now that he's an actual #adult, up his skincare game with this five-for-one grooming kit. It includes face cleanser, hydrating cream, shaving serum, spray-on moisturizer, and lip cream.

The Runner

Adidas, $85

SHOP IT

Every guy needs a versatile pair of kicks that he can wear to the gym, on the commute to work, and on the weekends.

The Accessorizer

Warby Parker, $95

SHOP IT

If he says he doesn't need a new pair of sunglasses, he's lying.

The Host

West Elm, $79

SHOP IT

Red solo cup? Never heard of her. If he's into fine wine (or liquor or booze in general), he'll love this brass and marble deco bar set.

The Multitasker

Native Union, $50

SHOP IT

Introducing the millennial wallet: a sleek iPhone case equipped with a card-holder. He'll never lose his credit card or ID again.

The Businessman

Ted Baker London, $70

SHOP IT

Whether he's in the process of interviewing or already snagged his first post-college job, a dress shirt is always comes in handy.

The Traveler

Away, $195

SHOP IT

When he wants to retire the classic backpack and go for a more sophisticated, polished vibe, look no further than Away's "Everywhere Bag." It's equipped with multiple pockets and an umbrella holder.

The Partier

W&P Design, $24

SHOP IT

Champagne cocktails at 30,000 feet? Only the best for the graduate. If you're heading out of state for his graduation celebration, you might as well get one for yourself too.

The Northerner

Acne Studios, $150

SHOP IT

If he's going to wear shorts in 30 degrees, at least attempt to keep him warm with a beanie. This one perfectly describes how he's feeling (no matter how many times he tells you he's fine).

The Sports Fanatic

NBA Store, $85

SHOP IT

Give him an excuse to go to a basketball game (and make him take you with him) with a new jersey supporting his favorite team. You can even have it custom-made.

The Candle Hoarder

Tom Ford, $98

SHOP IT

This gender-neutral candle will keep his apartment smelling fresh and clean with its mix of African incense, labdanum, rich woods, and vanilla bean.

The Lover of Luxury

Rivieras, $78

SHOP IT

Nothing screams "fresh out of college" like a brand new pair of slip-on loafers that he'll live in all summer (and until he's 80).

The Fisherman

L.LBean, $169

SHOP IT

Behold: a transportable spin/fly fishing combo kit when he wants some alone time to reflect on his long-gone college days.

Rachel Epstein is a writer, editor, and content strategist based in New York City. Most recently, she was the Managing Editor at Coveteur, where she oversaw the site’s day-to-day editorial operations. Previously, she was an editor at Marie Claire, where she wrote and edited culture, politics, and lifestyle stories ranging from op-eds to profiles to ambitious packages. She also launched and managed the site’s virtual book club, #ReadWithMC. Offline, she’s likely watching a Heat game or finding a new coffee shop.