Often illegal to have a grill on any kind of apt balcony. Newer apts often provide them in a pool area, but you can’t even have little hibachis on the patio/balcony.
I got D2 a bar cart similar to this at Joss and Main a couple of years ago and it has held up really well and was cute in her small apartment. https://www.jossandmain.com/furniture/sb0/bar-carts-c1859020.html?refid=GX266072482924.Joss+and+main+bar+carts~p&position=1t1&network=g&pcrid=266072482924&device=c&targetid=kwd-441901903918&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwczAxeWw3QIVF6vsCh3MnAWsEAAYASAAEgI-CvD_BwE
If you do give a grill or hibachi, consider adding a fire extinguisher as well.
Lodge cast iron dutch oven
Son may not drink coffee but guests do.
Send a few nice bottles of wine.
- knife sharpener
- cozy blanket or throw
- high-quality pillow
Our kids love their electronic vacuum cleaners. We bought the Roomba brand from Costco. It really picks up a lot and can be programmed to be activated when you’re out and returns to the base. It’s lne of our favorite electronics!
Grilling tools for the communal grill at the pool–a tray, table cloth ('cause those tables are nasty), plastic dinnerware, spatula, etc.
Yes I would not have gotten a grill. We live in a condominimum, and they are strictly forbidden. This particular building only has eight units, and there is no pool.
I kinda hate to pre-send the bar cart pics (or any other pics) for suggestions from him. I feel like so much of what we have given him lately he has known about in advance (the tires and luggage for graduation both fall into this category). I think it would be more fun to receive something as a surprise. I found a bar cart on Amazon that is only around $100. I have no idea how long he will be in this apartment beyond the year lease - hopefully a couple of years, but one never knows. I don’t want to spend too much money - we did just fund four years of college for him! Lol. But neither do I want something rickety. I want it at the price point where if he chooses to abandon it he can do so without guilt - if that makes sense.
^^^ Get the gift card!!! Why potentially throw $100 down the drain when he could use $100 for something he selects! That card will be a great surprise!
I have mixed feelings about bar carts.
They are kind of cool and I know they have been trendy lately but do most of you openly display your booze on a bar cart or elsewhere? We sure don’t. Part of it is probably because I prefer clean surfaces.
I have no problem with my kids drinking. They do. They’re legal. I’m just not sure my first gift choice would be one glorifying a display of alcohol.
And no, I’m not a Dana Carvey-esque Church Lady. 
@abasket - I know, I know. It just doesn’t seem as fun to me to do a gift card. I guess I should research how close they are to certain stores.
@doschicos - I have to admit that thought crossed my mind as well. We have a small bar cart with shelving installed above it in our condo. Actually, the handyman took out the bottom shelf so the cart sits over the wine fridge. We have our booze in decanters, and some nice glass/barware/wine glasses on the shelves. But, I do hear what you are saying - that thought crossed my mind as well - Do I want to be promoting this? Ha ha!
I can understand your desire to give a tangible gift instead of a gift card. I’m the same way when it comes to my kids. In fact, my kids aren’t big fans of gift cards or money as gifts. They find it impersonal from someone close to them. I realize that probably puts them in the minority for their age group.
I think an Instantpot might be good for someone who likes to cook enough to have a full set of spices, but travels a lot. I know my son uses his a lot. I second the idea of a nice cutting board. Our son’s girlfriend got us a personalized one which isn’t as nice as a Boos, but we really liked the thought that went behind it. There are lots of them if you google it. We have a bar cart on our screen porch which is useful for setting food down on or a pretty vase of flowers, but we never use it for booze!
My D loves to make fun cocktails when her friends come over and actually does love her bar cart. D makes a great Pisco sour and an amazing Bermuda rum swizzle! She has girlfriends over quite often for appetizers and drinks and has a couple of really nice wood cheese boards which are also great gifts.
Vacuum!
What about a nice blender/smoothie maker?
I would consider the bar cart an item of furniture and I would be hesitant to buy that as a gift without prior approval.
I think a couple nice food prep knives, cutting boards, and kitchen towels and hot pads would be nice.
ETA: My son loves our quesadilla maker and will be taking it with him or getting his own when he does get his first apartment.
I was actually surprised at how great the bar cart was for son and wife. It’s a 50’s retro throwback which is pretty much the newest old thing recently. Next to vinyl records.
@gouf78 - funny that you mention vinyl records as my D with the bar cart loves vinyl. H bought her a record player several years ago!