The Top 7 Technological Graduation Gifts

Whether a student is graduating from high school or finishing a collegedegree program, graduation day is always a huge moment that should be met with celebration. While most graduates will be happy with any kind of gift, leaning toward a technological slant is a good way to make sure you're getting them a socially relevant and “cool” item that they'll love to use and show off to their friends. If you've been having trouble deciding on a graduation gift for a friend or family member, here are seven great gift ideas that rely on the power of technology.

1. An eGift Card for Custom Diploma Frames

Although the gift itself isn't exactly a technological marvel, an eGift card that can be used to buy diploma frames will be a perfect fit for any graduate. Most students will want to hang their diploma or degree on the wall after graduation, yet it's common for people to put off buying a frame until the last moment. Instead of getting them a frame that they may or may not like, give them the ability to choose their own custom frame to preserve and showcase their diploma or degree with an eGift card.

2. A Robotic Floor Cleaner

Most graduates intend to move out of their parents' house soon, if they haven't already. Thus, it makes sense to give them an automated robotic floor clear to help keep their dorm or apartment clean. The Ecovacs Deebot is one example of a highly popular, low-profile cleaning robot that's both energy-efficient and effective. Other cleaning robots to consider include the Eufy RoboVac, Roomba, Neato BotVac, and the Dyson 360 Eye.

3. A Bluetooth Speaker

What graduate doesn't like music? Today's wireless Bluetooth speakers pack a surprising amount of loudness into small, portable frames that can easily interface with any mobile device. Top choices in this department include the JBL Boombox, UE Boom, Bose SoundTouch 20, JBL Flip4, and JBL Charge. Another great aspect about this gift is that you can find one to match any budget, with prices ranging widely from around $30 to $200.

4. An eBook Reader

Most graduates are happy that they no longer have to carry around heavy textbooks, so why not accompany that relief with an eBook reader like the Amazon Kindle? With one of these handy devices, they'll be equipped to browse and read millions of books on-the-go. If you know the recipient is frequently active, you may want to opt for a more durable, waterproof option like the Kindle Oasis. However, if you're on a budget, you could go for a more affordable, less feature-rich alternative like the Fire HD Tablet.

5. An Alexa-Compatible Smart Device

Let's face it, most graduates need gifts that are going to make their hectic lives easier to manage. Having an Alexa-compatible device is a lot like having your own digital personal assistant—you ask it questions and tell it to do things. There are many kinds of devices that are compatible with Alexa, from smart watches and fitness trackers to home camera systems and smart home devices. Some of the most popular Alexa-equipped smart devices include the Amazon Echo Spot, Fitbit Charge, and the Samsung SmartThings hub.

6. A 2-in-1 Laptop/Tablet Combo

Can't decide whether to get them a table or a laptop? Go for a 2-in-1 combo and you can't go wrong.  Getting one of these for a graduate is one surefire way to make sure your gift is used and appreciated on a regular basis. These devices, which are also referred to as convertible laptops, are quickly gaining momentum in the PC market and are expected to become more popular than standard laptops within the next five years. Give your graduating friend or family member the gift of optimal computing flexibility with a popular 2-in-1 like the HP Spectre, Asus Chromebook Flip, or a more premium option like the Microsoft Surface Pro.

7. A Fitness Band or Watch

Studies have shown that high school graduates and college students are more likely to stay in shape than the average person across all demographics. Thus, giving a graduate a fitness band or watch seems like a fitting gift idea in most scenarios. Whether they're already a fitness freak or are looking to lose a few extra pounds before moving on to college or entering the workforce, a fitness watch can help them track and meet their exercise and athletic goals by leveraging technology. Some of the best options to consider include the Apple Watch, Samsung Gear Fit2 Pro, Garmin Vivosport, and Fitbit Inspire HR.

Why Not Ask Them What They Want?

While you can't really go wrong with the ideas above, simply asking the graduate what they want is perhaps the best way to make sure you're getting them the perfect gift. Ultimately, as long as you put some thought into it, they'll probably be happy with whatever you choose to buy.