Do you have a graduate in your immediate or extended family this year? My 14-year-old is graduating Grade 8 along with several of my closest friends’ kids, marking an important transition to high school. My eldest niece is also graduating university. It’s amazing how quickly the time goes by.
To celebrate this momentous occasion, you’ll want to get the perfect gift. And when it comes to this generation, it’s all about tech. For my son, his top gift choices are WWE tickets and a gaming PC. But there are many great tech gifts that are perfect for graduating students of all ages.
Sponsored & Editor’s Picks
JBL Endurance Run 3 Wired Earbuds
Did you know that wired earbuds are back in style? The younger generation is pushing back against expensive tech and the always-on society and desperately seeking a simpler life. You know, one like we had back “in the 1900s.” Wired earbuds are affordable, sound great, are tough to lose, don’t need to be paired with a device, and never run out of battery life. The latest pairs come with USB-C connectors so they work even with phones that don’t have a headphone jack (which is most of them nowadays). JBL is one of the best headphone brands in the biz, and that includes wired models, too. The JBL Endurance Run 3 wired headphones ($30-$40) connect via USB-C for Hi-Res audio and 3.5mm if you’re connecting to a laptop, tablet, or other device. They offer JBL Pure Bass Sound, an IP65 rating, FlipHook design, and TwistLock comfort fit. Enhanced with EQ presets, customize the sound in real time and use the three-button remote with built-in microphone for hands-free calls.
Apple MacBook Neo Laptop
For a student heading to high school who might need their own laptop for the first time (most elementary schools provide students with Chromebooks), the MacBook Neo screams student. Starting at just $799 (!), it has a 13-inch Liquid Retina display, all-day battery, durable aluminum finish, and the A18 Pro chip. Let’s not forget the super-fun colour options, including Blush, Indigo, Silver, and the fan-favourite Citrus. Perfect for homework, web surfing research, amateur content creation, and entertainment, kids can feel “cool” for having their own MacBook while parents don’t have to spend a fortune on one.
Other Gift Ideas
Apple iPhone 17e Smartphone
If they’ve been asking for a smartphone, the iPhone 17e is the budget-conscious option in Apple’s new line. It has the same A19 chip, 48MP Fusion camera, 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with Ceramic Shield, MagSafe, and Apple Intelligence features. What more can a student, especially one without a job who isn’t paying for it themselves, ask for? It comes in Black, White, and Soft Pink in 256GB and 512GB storage capacities, starting at $899 in Canada. Read my review of the Apple iPhone 17 Pro.
Google Pixel 10a Smartphone
Google’s A series phones are usually great value, especially for students. And the Google Pixel 10a is no exception. A good option for a student going to high school or college/university, it affords access to all the latest AI features, including cool photo editing and capture options like Best Take, Add Me, and Camera Coach. Equipped with a sizeable 6.3-inch Actua display, fast charging, and a durable design, the phone is just $679. Want to upgrade? Read my review of the Google Pixel 10 Pro.
Apple AirTag Tracker
Apple recently upgraded its AirTag for the first time since it launched in 2021, with more powerful precision finding, longer Bluetooth range, and a louder speaker. It’s a thoughtful gift for students to keep in their backpack or on their keys. The more powerful chip can guide them to items even farther away, like a bag they left in the student centre or keys at their friends’ house. Get one for $39 and get them some keychain holders to go with it.
Sonos Play Portable Speaker
The Sonos Play is the perfect portable Bluetooth speaker for listening to tunes in your dorm, taking over to a friend’s house or dorm, or even using outside at the park. Pair two for stereo sound. It has a removable utility loop for easily carrying it around and can run for up to 24 hours per charge. Housed in a durable IP67 rated chassis, it also doubles as a power bank to keep your phone charged. If more than one student has one, you can group them together both indoors over Wi-Fi and outside over Bluetooth. It works with voice services, Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, and the Sonos app. Pick one up for $399.
DJI Osmo Pocket 4 Gimbal Camera
I’m currently reviewing the DJI Osmo Pocket 4, but the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is a favourite tech device of mine that I use often. In my review two years ago, I named it one of my favourite tech devices of 2025 (it made my 2024 favourite tech of the year list, too.) The Osmo Pocket 4 improves on the experience with better quality and higher-res image capture with clearer low-light shots, new intelligent tracking, and Quick Shots via gesture control. Content creating kids will love Slow Shutter Video to create motion blur and Film Tone to recreate classic styles. Whether they’re capturing on the go shots or shooting social videos at home, this camera will be a dream. It’s US$477 on its own but I would recommend the Creator Combo with loads of accessories for US$609 (you may find different combo packages in Canada versus the U.S.) Stay tuned for my review.
Fitbit Air Screenless Tracker
We need fewer distractions, not more. But keeping on top of fitness, health, and wellness is important. The Fitbit Air is a good option since it’s a screenless tracker that fits like a bracelet and passively keeps on top of vitals, exercise, activity, and more. It works alongside the new Google Health app, which replaces the Fitbit app, and with a subscription, they can enjoy Google Health Coach to ensure they’re getting enough quality sleep, proper nutrition, and exercise. They’ll love that it leverages Gemini and works with natural language conversation. It lasts a week per charge, so it’s one less device to worry about charging every night. For basketball fans, go with the special edition Stephen Curry band. It’s just $130 (standard bands are less) and they can enjoy a trial subscription then cancel or decide to continue paying month-to-month or annually, about $13/mo. Stay tuned for my review.
Satechi ChargeView 140W Desktop Charger
The Satechi ChargeView 140W desktop GaN charger offers adaptive charging intelligence for optimal output and has a built-in digital display that shows power in real time. Designed for the desktop, it has a clean, modern, Space Black finish that complements a MacBook Pro, especially. It has four USB‑C ports offering 140W total output power for a laptop, tablet, phone, and other essential accessories all at once. The built-in digital display shows real-time wattage across each port so you can understand how energy is being distributed. It ships with a precision stand to sit vertically to save space or horizontally for cleaner cable management. Get it for US$100.
JBL Endurance Zone Wireless Earbuds
For grads who prefer wireless, there’s the JBL Endurance Zone wireless earbuds, which boast OpenSound Technology that the company says delivers “deep bass, minimal sound leakage, and secure comfort.” They boast an IP68 rating and come with liquid silicone ear hooks and adaptable memory wire to ensure they stay in place so you can move freely. With 32 hours of play time, Speed Charge for quick turnarounds, and clear four-mic call clarity, there’s also full touch control customization via the JBL Headphones app. They’re relatively affordable, selling in Canada for about $220, and come in Black/Gray, Black/Lime, Purple/Grape, Blue/White and White/Orange. Read my review.
Samsung Galaxy A57 5G Smartphone
For a student graduating elementary school and getting their first phone (or first non-hand-me-down phone), the Samsung Galaxy A57 is a good starter option. It has a pared down version of Samsung’s AI experience called Awesome Intelligence and pretty impressive specs and cameras. The mid-range phone has features students can use, like Voice Transcription and Voice Recorder, and convenience features like AI Select for easily dragging and dropping content in multi-window layouts, moving images into notes, and more. Plus, they can enjoy cool photo editing features, like Object Eraser and Best Face. There’s also Auto Trim for easier video editing. Capture images with the triple-camera system, led by a 50MP main sensor. With Nightography, they can get improved low-light photos. The 5,000mAh battery affords up to two days per charge. It’s durable, too, with an IP68 rating. Get it in Awesome Navy.
Sony Bravia 3 II TV
For a grad about to move into their first apartment or, if they’re lucky, house, they’ll need a new TV. Surprise them with the Sony Bravia 3 II TV, an affordable version of the premium brand. Available in sizes starting at 43 inches, it comes with Sony’s XR Processor, combining Sony’s proprietary signal processing with MediaTek hardware. The TV supports Dolby Vision/Atmos and DTS:X along with 4K 120Hz. It has four HDMI 2.1 ports and a newly designed remote. As a Google TV, it comes loaded with Gemini for TV so Gen-Zers can engage in natural language conversations. At just $850 for the 43-inch size, you can get the larger 50-inch for under $1,000 ($980) or go big with a 65-incher for just $1,300.
Sandisk Portable SSD
The new Sandisk Portable SSD provides reliable, portable storage for everyday digital content. Built for those who need a simple way to back up files, store photos and videos, and manage personal data, like students, the drive delivers read speeds of up to 1,000MB/s in a compact, easy-to-carry design intended for use at home, at school, or on the go. With drop protection of up to two metres, they can confidently shove it in their backpack. It starts at US$260 for 1TB, which is much more than the student would pay for themselves (hello, cheap Amazon flash drives!) But this will be the last SSD they’ll ever need. With so much storage space, they’ll be able to keep every file through their years of high school, college, or post-grad. It even includes a five-year limited warranty.
Sennheiser RS 275 TV Headphone Bundle
I reviewed this headphone bundle, and it’s perfect for watching TV if you have thin walls, happen to be a night owl, have a sleeping baby in the house, or maybe live with roommates who have different schedules. Connect these wirelessly to the included BTA 1 TV transmitter and your TV, then toss them on and listen at the volume you want without disturbing your roommate whose studying or sleeping. They can use them as regular headphones, too, connected to any Bluetooth device. They offer up to 50 hours of listening per charge and you can keep them plugged in beside the TV on the included stand so they’re always ready to go. It’s $400 for the whole package. Read my review.
Marshall Milton A.N.C. On-Ear Headphones
For a grad who will be commuting a lot or extending their studies and working in public places, the Marshall Milton A.N.C. on-ear headphones are the perfect pair. As on-ears, they are compact and fit nicely, offering a great seal for active noise cancellation (ANC) that rivals over-ears. They fold up nicely and pack into a carry pouch. With adaptive ANC, you can adjust a slider in the app to control the level of noise cancelling: maybe high for the plane ride home but mid-level for the coffee shop or student centre. They last for up to 50 hours with ANC, 80 hours without it. At $330, the Miltons are decently priced and a great gift for a student. Read my review.
Apple AirPods Max 2 Over-Ear Headphones
Teens love Apple and wearing the AirPods Max 2 is a flex they’ll appreciate. (Do kids still use the term “flex?”) These over-hear headphones offer improved ANC and sound quality and add intelligent features. Powered by H2, you get features like Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and Live Translation. For content creators, including podcasters and musicians, there are useful features like studio-quality audio recording and camera remote. There’s also support for 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio when connected with the included USB-C cable, and a dedicated Game Mode. Loud Sound Reduction helps prevent exposure to loud environmental noise while preserving the sound signature of what you’re listening to, and Personalized Volume automatically fine-tunes the listening experience based on your preferences over time. With camera remote, you can capture content at a distance by pressing the Digital Crown to take a photo and start or stop video recording while using the Camera app or compatible third-party camera apps on iPhone or iPad. Siri Interactions allow you to privately respond to Siri announcements by nodding your head yes or gently shaking no. Get them a pair for $799.
Life360 Subscription
Teens and young adults in friend groups love Life360 as a way to see one another’s locations for safety, while parents and other family members can keep tabs from home as well. The latest addition even allows you to add a pet tracker called Pet GPS so your furry friend joins the fun. Keep tabs on both people and valuables with companion Tile trackers. Try it for free with limited features, including both location and crash detection, or upgrade to the Silver plan for $5.49/mo. with seven days location history, five place alerts, family driving summary, crash detection, and more. Ideal for families is the Gold subscription ($16/mo.) with 30 days of location history, unlimited place alerts, emergency dispatch, 24/7 roadside assistance, individual driver reports, and more. It’s the perfect peace-of-mind gift if you have teens exercising their independence, or going off to post-secondary school for the first time.
Denon DP-500BT Semi-Automatic Turntable
The Denon DP-500BT premium semi-automatic turntable combines the classic sounds of vinyl with Bluetooth streaming, appealing to both a student’s love of modern streaming and desire for “retro” tech. The precision belt drive system ensures stable rotation. A static balanced S-shaped tonearm reduces distortion while an aluminum die cast platter adds weight, smoothness, and accuracy. A pre-installed MM cartridge and built-in switchable phono preamp simplify setup. Connect powered speakers, a traditional amplifier, or listen through headphones; and pair it with Bluetooth speakers, soundbars, or headphones, for a wireless listening experience. At $1,200, it’s great for a post-secondary student living in shared housing, maybe even renting their first apartment.
Wacom Art Pen 2
For grads pursuing creative disciplines or hobbies, the Wacom Art Pen 2 is a rotation-sensitive pen that provides precise, expressive control. It offers 360° barrel rotation, able to respond not only to pressure and tilt but also to the pen’s rotational angle (when used with supported software). Artists can adjust thickness and character of their lines by rotating the pen in hand, the same way traditional artists do with a pencil, flat brush, felt marker, or calligraphy pen to achieve different expressive effects. A built-in nib holder inside the pen barrel stores three spare nibs, and artists can choose from three new nib types: Art Pen 2 Carbon Shaft POM Nibs, Art Pen 2 POM Nibs, and Art Pen 2 Felt Nibs. The pen ships with an Art Pen 2 Carbon Shaft POM nib installed. Wacom Art Pen 2 is compatible with select Wacom devices and sells for US$100.
Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max Wireless Earbuds
I’m currently testing the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max earbuds and they have a feature students graduating into post-secondary education will really appreciate. Along with offering great sound and call quality and noise cancellation, the included charging case has a built-in AI note-taker. It can pick up voices in a lecture or group project brainstorm session, record, then transcribe it for you, even provide a summary. Control everything from a screen on the front of the case while your phone remains safely tucked away in your bag. At $320, they’re a great grad gift for a student ready to take their education to the next level.