Most students graduating in 2020 will do so without the commencement ceremonies, parties and other pomp and circumstance that typically makes it such a special time. Though it's unclear exactly what the next few months will hold, they'll likely be hunkered down at home with the rest of us, waiting for "normal" life to resume.
Eventually, however, most graduates will find their way back into the time-honored traditions -- whether they're moving into a college dorm room, their first apartment or back in with their parents. Regardless of what the next step entails, or exactly when it comes, this batch of gifts, ranging from the practical to the traditional, is as appropriate for sheltering in place as it is for going out into the world. Take a look.
If your graduate needs a new phone, this is the one: Classic iPhone design crossed with modern Apple brains. Starting at $399, the brand-new iPhone SE delivers killer battery life, a great rear camera and cutting-edge speed -- all at an incredibly affordable price (for an Apple phone, at least). That noted, if you're looking for something even less expensive -- or your grad prefers an Android -- check out the Moto G Power, the Google Pixel 3A or another one of CNET's top grad-friendly picks. Read our Apple iPhone SE (2020) review.
Yes, some restaurants are open for takeout, and others are opening with evolving social distancing guidelines. But home-cooked meals are still the safest bet, and an Instant Pot can open up all kinds of new possibilities. Perfect for any kitchen -- or, eventually, dorm room -- the Instant Pot does more per square inch than any kitchen gadget on earth. It's a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker and contraption that can also handle sauteing, steaming, warming -- and even air-frying, if you buy the right attachments. And they're easy to use and clean, fully programmable and dishwasher safe. Read our Instant Pot Lux 6-in-1 V3 review.
The complete culinary starter kit for living on your own. Mark Bittman's foundational text does exactly what it says, providing instructions on how to make everything from hummus to chicken salad to brownies. It's authoritative, well-written and comprehensive information every kitchen novice needs.
Whether your student is traveling, working or heading back to school, a high-quality backpack strikes a note that's optimistic and practical. Peak Design's tasteful, streamlined bag comes chock-full of removable dividers that let you configure the main compartment however you want. It's got large zippered panels, tons of storage pockets and a padded laptop compartment. And the whole thing is weather-sealed and water-resistant.
And if you're looking to really splurge, we love the Rhake VX waterproof backpack, which is very expensive but worth every penny. The two-layer weatherproof construction is airtight, the ripstop fabric is lightweight and as tough as nails and the magnetic buckles are a pleasure to open and close. See the best laptop backpacks.
The mall may be closed, but your graduate will eventually need a wardrobe upgrade. Stitch Fix makes it easy with a monthly delivery of curated clothes, shoes and accessories delivered right to your graduate's door. Then can try them on, keep what they like and send back the rest in a prepaid USPS envelope. Stitch Fix gift cards, which can be printed, emailed or snail-mailed, are available in denominations from $20 to $1,000.
The MacBook Air is once again easy to recommend for college students and grads alike. The brand-new 2020 model starts at $999 -- though it's often on sale for less -- and has a contemporary processor, beautiful display and excellent keyboard. One world of advice, though: Spend an extra $100 on upgrading to the Core i5 version. Read our Apple MacBook Air 2020 review.
Every graduate needs a versatile pair of shoes that can straddle the line between work and play. Well, look no further: These are waterproof, stylish and supremely comfortable.
A blanket that's a balm for stress, insomnia and anxiety? Yes, please. Baloo's cotton weighted blanket and french linen duvet cover is big enough to cover the top of a queen mattress and comes in two varieties: 15 pounds for $169 and 20 pounds for $189. See the best weighted blankets of 2020.
If your graduate doesn't already have these, they probably want them. The ultracompact, lightweight AirPods Pro feature a noise-isolating design that fits most ears securely and delivers top-notch performance for making calls. (If your grad has an Android, check out the Jabra Elite 75t instead.) Read our Apple AirPods Pro review.
Give your graduate all of the benefits of an e-reader without the distractions of a tablet. For most people the Paperwhite is hands-down Kindle choice. That's why we awarded it a CNET Editors' Choice. Just wait until it goes on sale for $100 before you take the plunge. Read our Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2018) review.
It can take years to acquire all of the tools needed for a household. This 60-piece kit will give your graduate a leg up by equipping them with everything they'll need. You get an 8-volt drill, a hammer, a level, a tape measure and a bunch of wrenches and screwdrivers -- all neatly packed into a handy carrying case.
If a complete tool set is overkill, this combination cordless screwdriver and flashlight covers the basics. It has an adjustable pistol grip and includes both standard and Philips head bits. It's powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and the LED light can be toggled on and off independently, so it's good as a standalone flashlight, too. All for less than $30.
A decent video-chatting setup
For the foreseeable future, nearly all communication will take place online. Whether your grad is chatting with friends or interviewing for a job, upgrading their video-chatting setup will go a long way. Good webcams are in short supply -- but anyone in the class of 2020 should know how to use a tripod, a bright light, a good mic and their phone's HD camera to assemble a setup that's ready for primetime. (And here's CNET's detailed run down of how to put it all together.)
It's time to beef up your graduate's home entertainment options. Roku's excellent video streamers can turn any HDMI-equipped TV into a gateway to online entertainment bliss, featuring Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, YouTube, Sling TV, PlayStation Vue, HBO Now and literally hundreds of other streaming channels. The $60 Roku Streaming Stick Plus -- an Editors' Choice -- delivers 4K and HDR video in a compact package for an affordable price. Read our Roku Streaming Stick Plus review.
YouTube TV is the premier cable TV replacement with an easy-to-use interface, a generous DVR and a comprehensive channel lineup. At $50 a month, it's not cheap -- but it's hands-down the best of the lot. Read our YouTube TV review.
Now that nearly all of our shopping happens online, Amazon Prime is a must-have. A membership offers your streaming video and music services, unlimited cloud storage for photos, 5GB of space for documents and videos, free PC games, discounts at Whole Foods and more. Prime membership costs $119 for a year (or $39 for three months) -- but even moderate Amazon and Whole Foods shoppers will get multiples of that in value. Learn more about Amazon Prime.
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