As graduation nears for students across the country, it’s time for loved ones to invest in some of the most functional (yet fun) graduation gifts for seniors. Today’s high school and college graduates are entering the “real world” with a variety of creative opportunities that didn’t exist just 10 years ago. From photography to design, and filmmaking to podcasting, these Gen Z grads are lucky — there’s simply no better time to be a creative.
Whether you’re seeking a gift to spark creativity or a career-focused present, we’ve compiled the 17 best gifts to buy college and high school graduates this year.
Gifts for photographers:
Canon EOS RP ()
Canon’s lightest and most portable full-frame camera, the Canon EOS RP, launched in early 2019 with a host of top-of-the-line features. Budding photographers can experiment with low-light shooting and the quick, 7-frames-per-second burst for wildlife and sports photography. The camera also gives creatives a chance to dabble into filmmaking, with 4K video and a vari-angle LCD touchscreen. The EOS RP has mobile functionality, meaning photographers can quickly share their work on social — a must for Gen Z.
Olympus PEN E-PL9 Mirrorless Camera ()
Aspiring travel and street photographers can have the functionality of a larger DSLR camera — think 16 megapixels with 3-axis image stabilization — in the PEN E-PL9’s portable, half-pound build. This fixed 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 lens camera gives photographers ultimate versatility in a sleek black, brown, or white body. The PEN E-PL9 can shoot 8.6 frames per second, with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth functions for transferring images between devices.
Sony Alpha A6000 Mirrorless Camera with Lens ()
The easy-to-use Sony Alpha A6000 is perfect for graduates hoping to dip their toes into photography. This beginner camera offers must-have features like a versatile 16-50mm zoom lens and precise auto-focus tracking. The Sony A6000 has a 24.3 megapixel sensor, as well as 11 frames-per-second bursts and smartphone sharing and controls.
Instax SQUARE SQ6 Instant Film Camera ()
While it’s not a higher-end camera, the Fujifilm Instax camera gives graduates a fun and easy way to document the next chapter of their lives. This instant camera captures and prints memories in a 1:1 square format. The variety of modes — including selfie, macro, landscape, and double exposure modes—give photographers the freedom to be creative, with a built-in functionality that delivers top-notch shots. This highly reviewed camera comes in blue, gold, gray, red, or white.
Pelican Memory Card Case ()
Whether they’re traveling abroad or shooting at home, aspiring photographers can keep their work safe with the Pelican 0915 Memory Card Case. This water-resistant hard case can carry 12 SD cards, 6 Mini SD cards, and 6 Micro Memory Cards. Photographers can add a keyring to attach it to camera bags for added security.
Gifts for filmmakers:
Lumix DC-G95 Mirrorless Camera ()
This new mirrorless camera delivers an exceptional filmmaking experience with 4K recording, low-light versatility, and 5-axis image stabilization. The positively reviewed Lumix G95’s LCD flip-out screen makes the camera particularly great for aspiring vloggers. Filmmakers can also switch between video and photography with the Lumix G95’s top-notch 20.3 megapixel sensor, which lets photographers print their images at a large (yet crisp) size.
Nikon Z 6 Filmmaker’s Kit ()
The Nikon Z 6 Filmmaker’s Kit is a must-have for creative graduates ready to take on the world of videography. This top-notch kit has everything an aspiring filmmaker needs to shoot, including the Nikon Z 6 camera, a 24-70mm f/s lens, a gimbal for stabilization, a professional microphone, and more. To help filmmakers focus on their subjects with precision—a must-have for everything from wedding films to documentaries—the Nikon Z 6 Filmmaker’s Kit includes the Atomos Ninja V 5” Touchscreen Recording Monitor, which attaches to the top of the camera to record and clearly display the scene.
To ensure graduates get the most out of their new video gadgets, the kit comes with one year of free access to the Nikon School Online Course, helping budding videographers perfect their skills.
MeFOTO WalkAbout S Aluminum Travel Monopod ()
Whether it’s wedding films or travel documentaries, filmmakers need portable stabilizers like the WalkAbout S Alumium Travel Monopod to keep their footage smooth and steady. The versatile one-pound monopod can reach a 61.6-inch height, although it collapses down to 17.7 inches. The monopod can hold up to 30 pounds; it will support virtually all DSLR and mirrorless cameras and attachments.
Manfrotto Befree Live Aluminum Tripod Kit ()
The Befree Live Aluminum Tripod Kit pairs functionality with portability for on-the-go videographers. Whether your college graduate loves travel and documentary films or vlogs and wedding videos, this tripod will help them easily capture smooth footage at only 3.86 pounds. The tripod packs down to 15.75 inches and will fit into backpacks and carry-on bags.
Gifts for gamers:
ROG Zephyrus MGaming Notebook Computer ()
The ROG Zephyrus is one of the best gaming computers on the market, and therefore a must-buy for any gamer graduates. This portable laptop is a step above its predecessor, with improved touchpad placement and a new Intel six-core processor — not to mention a lower price point. The computer comes with a built-in HD web camera, as well as a backlit gaming keyboard and a raised cooling vent.
Gifts for designers:
Wacom Cintiq Pro Creative Pen and Touch Display ()
This digital art tablet will help aspiring designers create eye-catching, detailed work with the new Wacom Pro Pen 2’s increased performance. The pen, which simulates a pen-on-paper feel, has four times more accuracy and pressure sensitivity than its predecessors. The high-definition (1920 x 1080px) touch screen offers a natural display with a highly efficient workspace.
Top laptops for graduates:
Dell XPS 15 Full HD Notebook Computer ()
This highly reviewed laptop pairs a vivid, 15.6-inch InfinityEdge display with an 8th-generation, four-core Intel Core processor. The XPS 15 Full HD Notebook has top-notch brightness with 16 million colors, making it a great graduation gift for photographers and videographers. The Thunderbolt 3 connectivity ensures quick data transfer speeds for an efficient workflow.
LG IPS Touchscreen Notebook Computer ()
With great speed, a long-lasting battery, and a lightweight build, the LG IPS Touchscreen Notebook will help graduates meet their deadlines whether they’re at home or on the go. Proven durability will also help the notebook outlast shock, dust, and extreme temperatures (to a certain point). For enhanced security, the notebook offers fingerprint ID.
Gifts for staying connected:
Apple Watch Series 4 ()
With graduates going off to college or the real world, the Apple Watch Series 4 will give parents a sense of relief knowing their kids can stay in touch (and safe) whether they’re close to home or a world away. The watch has an emergency SOS function to call 911 or emergency contacts, not to mention a fall detection sensor.
Now, the Watch Series 4 isn’t just for nervous parents; it’s a great tool for staying healthy and active. The Watch Series 4 has a built-in electric heart sensor and music streaming function, ensuring graduates stay in shape no matter where they end up.
Gifts for podcasters and music lovers:
Microsoft Surface Headphones ()
Microsoft’s latest wireless, noise-canceling Surface Headphones will help graduates focus on work, jam out to their favorite tunes, or find inspiration in their favorite podcasts. These positively reviewed, voice-activated headphones can power Microsoft’s Cortana assistant, ensuring graduates stay organized and in-the-know as they enter embark on exciting new careers. Soft ear cups make the headphones comfortable for long stretches, whether it’s seeking silence on an airplane or binge-listening to the hottest new podcasts.
CAD Audio MH510 Personal Headphones ()
Stylish yet functional, the CAD Audio MH510 headphones deliver a high-quality listening experience for music lovers. The headphones have an articulate frequency response with extended lows, smooth mids, and realistic highs, making them perfect for any music-loving graduates. The headphones come in a sleek gold and white design, with soft ear cups for listening comfort.
Gifts for anyone:
Adorama Gift Card (up to $1,000)
Get them the gift of choice with an Adorama gift card, that comes in amounts up to $1,000.00, and is usable in-store or online.
Feature photo by Vasily Koloda on Unsplash
