Shopping for a recent graduate can be tough. Whether it’s graduation from high school or college or beyond, you never know what they really want, what they need or what they will actually use in this stage of their lives. I remember when I graduated high school, I didn’t want anything. I just wanted to move away from home and get my first taste of freedom. What I didn’t realize was I needed a lot of things to facilitate this new freedom. When I graduated college, I wanted everything because I realized very quickly that I would be thrown into the real world and using the “emergency” credit card where the bill was paid magically would now be frowned upon.
There are endless things a grad might need for their new life. Apartment housewarming gift lists have everything from a crockpot to a new plant. Endless college dorm preparation lists circulate the web. Some of my favorite ideas for dorm room prep are in this blog by my friend, Nicole DelaCruz. So what makes the gift you give special? Is it something monogrammed? Is it something sentimental? Is it something extravagant? What does your grad need?
Here are some gift ideas for your recent grads.
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Luggage-Whether your grad is moving into their first dorm room, first apartment or first someplace else, they’ll need luggage to move around their most prized possessions. I love Victorinox hard case luggage. I’ve used mine for four years plus and have been around the world and back a few times. For the more budget conscious, this Samsonite spinner might be a better choice. Also, this duffle is super affordable and comes highly recommended by blogger Sophie Lee.
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Passport Holder-For travel. Yes, travel will be a thing again. This passport holder is great because it holds a passport and has multiple compartments for foreign currency and other extras. Comes in six colors!
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Tote bag-This Chloe tote is an investment piece. But RIGHT NOW, it’s on sale for almost 50% off! This bag is sleek, stylish and big enough to hold a lap top. For a college bound grad, this can transition from class to out. For the recent college grad, this bag goes from a new job at the office to happy hour with friends. For the boys (girls or someone in between), this bag from Dagne Dover is ideal because it’s a gym bag and a laptop bag in one. There’s a compartment for everything and the neoprene fabric is sporty and easy to clean. Code DADSDAY gives you 25% off.
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Airpods-It seems like everyone has a pair now. For the record, I do not, but hubby does and he’s obsessed. These are lightweight and totally functional for everyday use. So whether you’re calling home or listening to the latest podcast, airpods will fit into your life.
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Headphones-Sometimes trying to get work done is not alway an easy option when roommates are around or if the room is not quiet enough. Noise cancelling headphones should do the trick. These Beats by Dre are wireless and a higher end splurge, but worth it in the long run. I still have mine from three years ago. If you’re looking for a deal, Apple has educational pricing for students. Apple usually runs a promotion in the summer where they give you a pair of Beats headphones with the purchase of a computer. I’ll be on the lookout for when it comes.
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Jewelry-Any new grad would love some new sparkles. One of my favorite jewelers, Stephanie Gottlieb, has a website that lets you shop for gifts via price point and occasion. You can find something for everyone! Maybe a matching piece of jewelry for friends…something special to remind you that you can all achieve your goals if you put your mind into it.
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Iced Coffee Maker-Almost every grad needs coffee flowing to keep up with their new life. This cold brew iced coffee maker is easy to use and a perfect gift for an on-the-go coffee lover…especially one that is on a budget. Those $5 coffees add up!
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Coffee Tumbler–The Yeti will keep all your caffeinated needs warm for hours. And this comes in a multitude of colors to match anyone’s taste.
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Reusable Straws-Teach your new grad to save the environment a little bit at a time.
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Nutribullet-One of my go-to appliances. In addition to what I usually use it for, I’ve now added baby food puree-er to my list of things the Nutribullet is good for. Easy breakfast, add your favorite fruits, some veggies, your favorite juice and some ice and you’re ready to go. For my of drinking age grads, add alcohol, mixer and ice and you’re good to go.
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Wine opener-The Rabbit is the one and only for me. This updated version has one ear making it a more space conscious option.
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Brita Water Pitcher-When your grad is heading toward new adventures, it’s important to stay hydrated.
xoxo
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