Are you stumped on what to buy for the graduate whose announcement just landed in your mailbox? Wondering what kids like these days, or whether those iTunes gift cards stuffed in the back of your gifting closet are still relevant?
If you know someone graduating high school or college next month, and you’d like to gift something more personal than cash, try one of these thoughtful options.
Monogrammed Bath Towel
Is your high school graduate headed off to a college dorm? Make the experience of sharing a bathroom a little easier with a quality bath towel. No one does it better than Land’s End (and Southern Living has the receipts.) Woven from 100 percent Supima cotton, these towels come in a variety of colors. Have it embroidered with something personal, either their monogram or one of 115 icons ranging from an American flag to their pet, sports equipment, or favorite flower. (A bath towel starts at $39.95, plus more for embroidery. Currently on sale with code LINEN.)
Hiking Guide
If your graduate is moving for college or a new job, help him or her get to know the area with a guide to the best hikes in the region. Falcon Guides has a “Best Hikes” book for destinations all around the country.
Related, you could gift an annual National Parks pass. (My former colleague Tristan Justice suggested this in a Christmas gift guide a few years ago, and it’s brilliant!)
Filtered Water Bottle
Here’s a MAHA-friendly gift — a water bottle with a built-in filter so your giftee can drink clean water on the go. ClearlyFiltered publishes its testing, which shows its filters removed contaminants like pesticides and phthalates at a nearly 100 percent rate. Comes in 20 oz or 32 oz sizes, and in 12 colors.
Stationery
Nothing says “I’m a real adult now” like not having to raid your mom’s stationery drawer when you need to write a thank-you note. Minted has lots of options, like this bordered monogram style or this notched-corner option. Both run $27 for a set of 15, $39 for a set of 25, or $47 for a set of 35.
Disposable Film Camera
Your grad is sure to have memories with new friends he or she will want to capture, but in our digital age, few photos ever make it off our camera rolls. A simple disposable film camera only costs $14.99 (or $28.98 for a two-pack), and it’s a trendy way to ensure they’ll have photos to decorate their dorm walls and keep forever. When the camera is used up, it can simply be dropped off at a CVS to get the photos developed.
Grocery Subscription
Opting out of the university meal plan, or graduating from one? Make the transition into cooking for one a little easier with a gift card to a grocery subscription service like HelloFresh. Not only will the pre-measured ingredients make meal prep a breeze, but the recipes are also helpful for young people looking to expand their cooking skills beyond frozen pizza and ramen.
Your Favorite Cookbook
If your giftee is already proficient at cooking real meals, another thoughtful option is a copy of your favorite cookbook. Need inspiration? Go with a classic like The Joy of Cooking or something fun like Seriously, So Good from my favorite recipe blogger, Carissa Stanton.
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Cast Iron Pan
Another great gift for a college grad saying goodbye to dorm life and hello to a real kitchen is a cast iron skillet. It’s hard to beat Lodge on quality or price! (They’re also made in the USA.)
Spikeball
One of my husband’s favorite afternoon activities in college was a pickup game of spikeball with his buddies. Pack it up and take it anywhere — to the beach for spring break or just to a grassy park on campus.
Pajamas
Pajamas are a great option for young ladies headed off to live with roommates or in a dorm. (Not that guys can’t enjoy pajamas too — but depending on the grad, he may care less about a cute matching set.)
This long-sleeve collared set comes as a shorts version ($84) or one with long pants ($94), and this Swiss dot tank set ($84) is perfect for warmer locations. Both are 100 percent cotton from Petite Plume. For something more affordable, try this rayon set from Aerie, in the color of the summer. (Pants are currently on sale for $29.97, tank for $14.97, and shorts for $17.97.)
Devotional
Wherever your graduate is headed, a devotional will be a welcome companion, and it doesn’t get any better than Charles Spurgeon’s morning and evening devotions. This version is bound in leather and wrapped in a gift box.
Alternatively, Alabaster takes some of the most beloved books of the Bible and packages them in magazine-style editions with lovely photographs, like this book of Psalms. Choose from ESV, NLT, or KJV.
Gift Cards to a Local Coffeeshop
Whether they’re headed off to college or about to start a new job, the grads in your life will put thoughtful gift cards for local coffee houses to good use. Pair it with a mug that reminds them of home or some coffee syrups for brewing at home. I like Monin, since their syrups are made with cane sugar instead of corn syrup.
The Notebook
I’ve recommended notebooks from Appointed before, and for good reason — they’re timeless and make everything from journaling to grocery lists so much more fun. Gift this versatile, made-in-USA notebook, or this undated monthly planner. Pairs well with an elastic pencil pouch like this one, which can slip onto a notebook cover for easy access.
Luggage
I still stand by this backpack I recommended in last year’s Christmas gift guide. The “large” option is small enough to count as a personal item on most airlines, but unzips on three sides so it can be packed (and unpacked) like a suitcase. Perfect for the high school grad who’s about to be flying home for Christmas and summer breaks. I like the beige with brown trim, but it comes in a variety of colors, including black for no-fuss guys.
Tarnish-Free Jewelry
If a class ring isn’t quite her style, try something timeless — and tarnish-free — like this delicate signet ring from Hey Harper. Not sure of her ring size? This simple chain necklace goes with everything.
Elle Purnell is the elections editor at The Federalist. Her work has been featured by Fox Business, RealClearPolitics, the Tampa Bay Times, and the Independent Women’s Forum. She received her B.A. in government from Patrick Henry College with a minor in journalism. Follow her on Twitter @_ellepurnell.
