Gifts for the Graduate

I just heard about a study that said 4.7 billion dollars would be spent on graduation gifts this year, which averaged out to $98 per gift. If you have a graduate in your life, today we have some ideas on how you can celebrate their big accomplishment. Whether it’s high school, college, medical school, or cooking school; we have something for everyone at many different price points.

My parents weren’t big believers in high school graduation gifts, but I did get a beautiful pair of earrings when I graduated from university. I think the big graduation gestures might be more of an America thing, but I’m embracing it today!

1.  Digital Point and Shoot Camera: From moving on to college adventures or “real” adulthood – a digital camera is the gift that keeps on giving!
2. Stationary: The grad needs something to write all those thank you notes on, right? Thank you’s for gifts, for interviews or to teachers & professors who went the extra mile. Even just a note home to mom… set your grad up to send a note in style with fresh, modern stationary. We love Minted for all of our personalized stationery needs.
3. Professional Pen: When the little details matter, make them the best they can be! There’s nothing more impressive than a pretty pen pulled from a jacket pocket or leather bag to take a note, exchange numbers, or sign HR paperwork. It’s a life-long gift that will (hopefully!) be cherished for years and years.
4. Tiffany’s Key Ring: A token that will bring back memories of this important milestone every time they reach for their keys. Get it personalized with a phrase, monogram or even single, meaningful word.
5. Watch: This is a classic graduation gift that works for men or women. I think it’s made even more classic by the fact that most people check their phones instead of their watches these days, but I believe a beautiful watch never goes out of style.
6. Leather Tote for Her : A bit of a splurge, this is actually a camera bag! It’s soft, real leather and padded insides make it perfect for a lap top, iPad, and all the other daily “stuff” that might get toted on a long commute or from interview to interview.
7. Leather Messenger Bag: The leather bag, also a camera bag  from ONA, is perfect for all the same reasons! The padded insides might make it a camera bag, but it’s perfect for travel, commuting, and getting your lunch to work without damage.  All while looking modern and a touch grown up.
8. How to Become a Grown-Up: This funny, relatable, and lightly sarcastic take on a “How To” book is the perfect gift for a college grad who wears a business suit to interviews but pajamas to the grocery store.
9. The Best of Europe: Tuck this gem in a box with plane tickets, maybe? Wether to plan a trip or inspire wanderlust – this book is perfect for the adventurer – covering the highlights and must-sees and the hidden gems no traveler would want to miss.
10. Oh, the Places You’ll Go: The classic – from Kindergarten graduation to college – with a note of encouragement and support written in the cover, this is a heartfelt sentiment that will be cherished for life. We’ve seen some copies with notes from teachers, friends and even one from a whole extended family. What grad wouldn’t feel special with all that love stuffed between two covers?

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