Everyday Carry

10 EDC Graduation Gift Ideas for 2020

Authored by:
Jonathan Tayag
Reviewed by:
Bernard Capulong
Founder and Editor-in-Chief
14+ Years Reviewing EDC Products
10 EDC Graduation Gift Ideas for 2020

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These are historic times and few understand that more than the graduating class of 2020. They’re about to receive their hard-earned academic degrees and go out into the world, such as it is. But even in these times of uncertainty, graduation still represents a moment to celebrate achievements with friends and family both near and far. It’s also a great time for giving graduation gifts to show that you care. Whether your graduate is already into everyday carry or not, there’s plenty of gear options out there to add a thoughtful touch to their everyday ensemble. An EDC item as a graduation gift idea has the benefit of actually having lots of utility: the recipient will think of you and your gift each time they use it, and that’s thanks enough. So if you’re looking for some cool graduation gift ideas that will mark this most special of years for your graduate, we’ve put together some of our favorite options here in this guide for you to consider.

Content
Bellroy Tech Folio

Bellroy Tech Folio

Purchase
Specifications
Brand
Bellroy
Model
ETFA-CAR-101
Reviews


Price
$$$$
Chances are as your new grad enters the workforce they’ll need to carry plenty of tech with them. With the Bellroy Tech Folio, they can do it in style. It features a premium environmentally-certified leather construction that adds a touch of class to any office space. It’s available in two different color ways, a creamy caramel brown, and a lower-profile black leather design that matches devices with aluminum bodies. And speaking of devices, the Tech Folio has a dedicated slop for a 13“ laptop, and pockets for all the chargers, cables, and other small items as well as essential pens and stationery. A zippered closure makes sure everything stays inside until it’s needed, and Bellroy backs this product with a three-year warranty for peace of mind.
Nintendo Switch Lite

Nintendo Switch Lite

Purchase
Specifications
Brand
Nintendo
Model
HDHSBAZAA
Reviews


Price
$$$$
All work and no play is a recipe for disaster for new grads entering the workforce for the first time, and the Nintendo Switch is the first and best option when it comes to having a mobile gaming console for EDC. The newer Lite version comes at a cheaper price when compared to the original, and it’s designed for handheld play. With that in mind, it’s 100 grams lighter than the original Switch hardware, but it ditches the detachable Joy-Con controllers and docking ability as a result. For a life on the go, this shouldn’t matter too much, and it’s easy to unwind with it in hand especially on long trips away from home.
Leatherman FREE P4

Leatherman FREE P4

Purchase
Specifications
Brand
Leatherman
Model
1233443
Reviews


Price
$$$
As your new grad moves out and lives on their own, having a multi-tool handy for fixes around the house is essential. The gift of a Leatherman tool is a gift for life, and the FREE P4 was designed from the ground up for a more modern feel that younger EDCers can appreciate. It features a plethora of essential EDC tools including screwdrivers, bottle and can openers, a file, a pry tool, and a combination 420HC stainless steel straight edge and serrated locking blade. All of the tools save for the pliers and wire cutters can be used without having to open the tool up, and the act of opening up the tool can be done with one hand thanks to its unique magnetic system that lets the user flick it into action at a moment’s notice. Any graduate gifted a Leatherman FREE P4 will find it extremely handy in the years to come, and with its 25-year warranty, they can count on it being there for that period of time too.
Santa Fe Stoneworks Ironwood + Turquoise Damascus Knife

Santa Fe Stoneworks Ironwood + Turquoise Damascus Knife

Purchase
Specifications
Brand
Santa Fe Stoneworks
Model
Ironwood + Turquoise Damascus Knife
Reviews
No reviews yet
Price
$$
If you’re looking to make a statement by giving the gift of a heirloom-quality pocketknife to your new grad, check out this beautiful offering from Santa Fe Stoneworks. Unlike cheaper knives that purport to be Damascus but just have etching on their base steel blades to gain attention, this gent’s folder features a 16 layer Japanese stainless steel blade with VG-10 at its core, making for a unique pocketable knife that’s one-of-a-kind. The handle features a smooth ironwood scale with turquoise inlays for a touch of class. But this knife isn’t just for show, a secure lockback mechanism holds the 3" drop-point blade in place during use.
Amazon Echo Buds

Amazon Echo Buds

Purchase
Specifications
Brand
Amazon
Model
Echo Buds
Reviews


Price
$$$
Good truly-wireless Bluetooth earbuds have become a lifesaver in today’s teleworking economy, and giving a pair to your new grad will allow them to walk away from a work video call to get important stuff done while still hearing what everyone has to say. And because these Amazon Echo Buds feature Alexa integration, the recipient can use it to control their phone and other internet connected devices. Obviously, the microphone will also come in handy when they have to speak to someone on the other end of a phone line, and its wide compatibility with both Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows allows for serious versatility no matter what device your new grad decides to use it with.

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Apple iPad Pro (12.9

Apple iPad Pro (12.9", 4th Gen 2020)

Purchase
Specifications
Brand
Apple
Model
MXAT2LL/A
Reviews


Price
$$$$
Speaking of devices, the new iPad Pro line pretty much takes the place of a traditional laptop computer for most computing applications these days. And whether they’re using it for getting things done quickly on the go or they’re using it to relax with streaming or media after a long shift, the iPad Pro delivers on performance without the bulk. This iPad Pro features a 12.9" screen and wifi support, with 256 gigabytes of storage for all of the recipient’s files.
Citizen AW1490-50A Eco-Drive Watch

Citizen AW1490-50A Eco-Drive Watch

Purchase
Specifications
Brand
Citizen
Model
AW1490-50A
Reviews


Price
$$$$
First impressions are key when it comes to success in important meetings and interviews to come, and being on time can make or break your new grad’s chances. If they don’t yet have a watch, consider gifting them this classy Citizen Eco-Drive watch. It has an attractive titanium case and watch band that allows for both dressy and casual wear. And because it’s made out of titanium, it’s both lightweight and less likely to cause skin to react negatively during extended wear, especially when things get hot. The Eco-Drive technology allows the watch to keep on ticking via solar power, and the legible date function helps the wearer keep track of where they are in the month even when the days seem to blur together.
Aer Travel Pack 2

Aer Travel Pack 2

Purchase
Specifications
Brand
Aer
Model
Travel Pack 2
Reviews
No reviews yet
Price
$$$$
Aer’s line of travel bags is renowned in the community for being some of the best bags in the category, especially when one-bag travel is important. In its new edition, it picks up a strong 1680D Cordura nylon exterior, helping it stand up to life’s bumps and scrapes whether they happen during a rigorous work commute or in places unknown far from home. The dedicated laptop pocket fits up to a 15.6" laptop, making it good if the recipient wants to use it as a regular everyday carry bag, but its generous space and versatile organization options make for an efficient travel bag when the time comes.
Kaweco AL Sport Gold Limited Edition

Kaweco AL Sport Gold Limited Edition

Purchase
Specifications
Brand
Kaweco
Model
4712839720672
Reviews
No reviews yet
Price
$$
If your new grad has only used gel and ballpoint pens up to this point, they are in for a treat. Kaweco’s line of fountain pens are some of the most prized in the community for their fine writing action and beautiful construction. This limited edition AL Sport in particular features gold-colored aluminum, and its based on an original 1935 octagonal design. That design choice makes for a comfortable feel in hand despite extended use. And because it’s a fountain pen, it’s definitely a different writing experience than most people are used to today, but once mastered it’s a versatile writing implement that happens to also set the user apart.
MiiR Insulated Growler

MiiR Insulated Growler

Purchase
Specifications
Brand
MiiR
Model
402220
Reviews


Price
$$
Whether the goal is to stay hydrated for an extended period of time with cool water, or your new grad is into craft beer, giving them a MiiR Insulated Growler is a good choice. It features a Thermo 3D double wall vacuum insulation that keeps cold beverages cold and hot beverages hot for longer than a regular water bottle. The interior is all made of 18/8 medical grade stainless steel that’s BPA-free and entirely food safe. The pressure locking clasp helps avoid spills when carbonated beverages (like beer) is filled inside, and the 64oz capacity is a standard growler pour at most breweries for to-go orders.

Jonathan Tayag

Senior Contributor


About the Author
Jonathan Tayag is secretly an information technology and corporate security expert who prefers to moonlight as a creative event and commercial photographer whenever possible. His varied experience and substantial travels have led him to seek, without even thinking about it at first, the best gear for the best use at the best price available. Before the concept of EDC (everyday carry) firmly took hold, Jonathan already spent untold amounts of time optimizing for the best-in-slot pieces of gear, from cameras and lenses to pocket knives, pens, and bags and packs. In November 2015, Jonathan joined EverydayCarry.com and has since written numerous articles and guides to help impart his knowledge to the community as a whole.

Jonathan's photographic works have appeared on numerous online websites, print, video, and television outlets for over a decade. Jonathan's previous clients include Blizzard Entertainment, Red Bull, ESL, Razer, and several other endemic and non-endemic esports sponsors and brands. His work also features heavily in online competitive gaming communities, especially those of the StarCraft and Fighting Game genres. You've likely seen his work if you've spent time in a stream or in-game chat over the years.

Bernard Capulong

Founder and Editor-in-Chief


About the Reviewer
Bernard Capulong is an everyday carry (EDC) gear expert, entrepreneur, all-around nerd, and the founder and editor-in-chief of EverydayCarry.com—the largest online community for EDC gear enthusiasts. Since founding Everyday Carry in 2009, he’s built over a decade of experience in the industry, reviewing and highlighting brands and products, including pocket knives, flashlights, wallets, watches, bags, pens, and much more.

Bernard is known for bringing everyday carry out of obscurity and into the mainstream, having been published or featured in various publications such as GQ, TIME Magazine, The New York Times, VICE, HYPEBEAST, Outside, and many others. He has also played a part in curating, designing, and developing digital and physical products, resulting in successful crowdfunding projects or limited edition collaboration products with established softgoods brands. He stays on the pulse of the EDC industry by attending trade shows, participating in online interest communities, and actively engaging with fellow gear enthusiasts on social media.

In addition to being the editor-in-chief and main social media personality for EverydayCarry.com, Bernard is an avid gearhead and collector in general. His personal collections span technical bags, fountain pens, digital cameras, retro gaming hardware, personal hi-fi audio gear, and mechanical wristwatches, to name a few. Bernard Capulong is a prominent figure and trusted authority in the everyday carry industry with a career dedicated to helping people discover this hobby and stay prepared with quality gear.

Discussion (1 total)

Josh ·
Some great choices. I actually just finished my BA in History at 40 years old (better late than never) and I would enjoy pretty much anything on this list...also, side note for anyone looking for Bluetooth earbuds, the Anker Soundcore Liberty Neos are excellent and are only $33 on Amazon right now. I’ve been using them for months and I love them. One time at the gym (before quarantine) I accidentally left my phone on a stationary bike and went across the gym and did some core exercises for like 10 minutes and the earbuds didn’t skip a beat...I was at least 60 feet away in a gym full of other people using Bluetooth and WiFi...no interruptions and the sound is great! I paid $40, thinking about snagging a pair for my wife at the current price!
1 Reply