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Best gifts for graduates under $50 on Amazon

Show your college or high school graduate how proud you are of them with these neat-yet-inexpensive gifts.
Written by Elyse Betters Picaro, Managing Editor

Now that your loved one or friend has accepted their diploma and is entering the workforce full time, consider getting them a gift to either celebrate their accomplishments or help them deal with the imminent task of adulting.

Also: Grads Gift Guide 2019 CNET | Graduate gift guide for 2019 TechRepublic

We've rounded up an interesting mix of fun, useful, and wallet-friendly gift ideas they're sure to love. And the best part is they're all available to buy on Amazon -- so it's easier than ever to quickly get them a graduation present.

Best gifts for graduates under $50

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Echo Dot for $30

Sure, the graduate in your life might think of this as nothing more than a high-tech music player with Alexa at first, but it's also a handy way for them to set reminders about bills, compile grocery lists, and set alarms to ensure they're waking up on time for work.

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Fire TV Stick 4K for $50

Part of growing up means staying home on weeknights and watching Netflix. Help your graduate enter adulthood with their very own streaming device. If they don't have a 4K TV, you can save yourself some money and go with the non-4K Fire Stick.

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Anker PowerCore 1000 Redux for $29

This is one of the best-rated external battery packs available, providing up to 2.5 charges for an iOS or Android device. It offers super fast charging, too, with Anker's PowerIQ and VoltageBoost technology.  It's an inexpensive gift that anyone would appreciate.

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Tile Sport for $20

The Tile Sport is the solution for a new grad who is constantly losing their wallet, phone, or anything else. Just attach it to an item, like keys, and they'll never have to worry about being locked out again. This version is more durable than the other models. You can also save money on two or four packs of Tile devices for the extra-forgetful graduate in your life.

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AmazonBasics Hardside Luggage for $42

What better way to tell a new graduate it's time to move out than with the gift of quality luggage? This wheel-able suitcase is from Amazon, is well-rated, and comes with a hard outer shell to protect what's inside. It has a combo lock, as well.

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Roav Viva for $50

The Roav Viva by Anker is an Alexa-enabled car charger. It has two USB charging ports and is compatible with Android and iOS devices. It supports all Alexa commands and communications, as well, including calling, messaging, drop-ins, and announcements. It's worth the price alone if it stops your loved one from looking at their phone while driving.

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Fire 7 for $40

Amazon's entry-level Fire tablet is a super inexpensive gift that your graduate can find all sorts of uses for, whether they want to manage their calendar with it, do some work-related studying, or use it to relax in their downtime.

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BioLite Powerlight Mini for $40

The Biolite is a charger, headlamp, lantern, and bike lamp all in one. It emits red or white light, has up to a 5-hour battery life, and can even give a phone a quick recharge. Your graduate can clip it onto shirts, bikes, tents, wherever,  when they need more light.

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JBL Portable for $40

The JBL portable waterproof speaker is a fun way to enjoy music while out at the beach or on a holiday with a group of friends. It's rechargeable, durable, and has a 10-hour battery life.

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Eufy Smart Scale for $45

One of the main challenges of adulthood is somehow staying in shape while juggling all your other responsibilities. The Eufy Smart Scale helps by using Bluetooth compatibility to connect with Google Fit, Apple Health, and Fitbit to track weight, BMI, and body fat.

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Eufy Smart Bulb for $35

The Eufy Lumos Smart Bulb lets an owner choose from over 16 million colors with adjustable brightness. It's voice compatible, too, with Google Home and Alexa devices. Gift one to your grad, and they'll love being able to set the lighting mood in their apartment.

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Amazon Smart Plug for $25

The Amazon Smart Plug lets users control whatever is plugged into the outlet -- from anywhere. This way, they'll never have to worry if they unplugged a hair straightener or coffee maker ever again. Plus, it supports Alexa voice commands via an Echo device.

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Mi Home Security Camera for $40

This smart security camera offers 1080p HD video and is the perfect way to keep an eye on an apartment or pets while at work. 

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Skullcandy Ink'd for $35

The Skullcandy Ink'd Bluetooth earbuds are for music fans craving a pair of wireless earbuds to use while on the go. It offers eight hours of battery life, and the flex collar ensures the headphones stay put if out for a run. It has a built-in mic for calls, as well. 

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Field Notes Memo Books for $10

Just because your loved one is out of school doesn't mean they'll never have to write down notes again. These notebooks are perfect for jotting phone numbers and lists. They're cute, well-rated, and for just $10, you get three of these 48-page books.

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Hamilton Beach Programmable Coffeemaker for $30

This programmable coffee maker will make getting up for work a breeze. The graduate in your life can just set the time they want to have a fresh pot ready, and they can wake up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee every morning.

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Pilot Precise V7 Stick Rolling Ball Pens for $13

This is probably the king of rolling ball pens. Get some for your grad, especially if they're a fan of stationary, and they'll never be able to go back to cheap pens again. They'll go nicely with those Field Note books we mentioned earlier, too.

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Anker PowerPort+ Atom III (2 Ports) for $43

Looking for a single, high-power USB-A and USB-C charger for your grad? This one is powered by PowerIQ 3.0, allowing it to output a total of 60W over its USB-A and USB-C ports. It can be used to charge up not only smartphones and tablets but also laptops.


For more great deals on devices, gadgetry, and tech for your enterprise, business, or home office, see ZDNet's Business Bargain Hunter blogAffiliate disclosure: ZDNet may earn commission from the products and services featured on this page.

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