Go-to Grad Gift Guide

By Brytin Staab

Grad season: college students begin their adult lives, high schoolers take the next step, and the promise of warmer weather is upon us.

Whether you’re family, friends, or the significant other of a grad, we’ve put together a tried-and-true grad gift guide for all budgets and tastes (and no, it’s not a coffee mug or a gift card).

Blue Light Glasses ($30-$75+)

With work-from-home being our current reality and working with technology being our new constant, Diff blue light glasses and their top-notch quality will help protect your grad’s eyes. Bonus - the company donates a pair of reading glasses to charity for every pair you purchase. Shield your eyes from computer screen glare and be philanthropic! Peepers is another great, more economical option!

Chanel No.5 ($80-$130)

Essential for any working, graduated girl is a signature fragrance. A classic perfume is also a lovely touch for evenings out and many other functions and events. For the girl who doesn’t know much about perfumes, you can’t go wrong with Chanel No.5. It’s a sworn, simple scent that’s withstood the test of time. We’ll soon be releasing, “TC Girls’ Favorite Perfumes” with more recommendations so be on the lookout!

A Beautiful Coffee Table Book ($50+)

Perfect decor to brighten her apartment, and always think of you. Coffee table books always look chic, but bonus points if you have a personal connection or memory to its contents.

A Sturdy Tote ($100-$245)

Big business magazines recommend a Dagne Dover tote for a reason. Constantly improving their design, Dagne Dover has created a compartmentalized, high-quality, and functional tote perfect for the office. For the more whimsical graduate, TC suggests a fun oversized tote that can work on the streets NYC and the beach— think Isabel Marant and go check out Shopbop and Intermix!

Pearl Studs (varies)

I’ve been wearing pearls every day since I was 16, and there’s no better jewelry staple for the office or just for casual wear. These vary in price point, depending upon whether the studs are real or fake pearls, but they’re versatile, chic, and professional— like the conservative girl.

Bar Accoutrements ($40 - $200)

Gone are the days of ordering overpriced drinks at podunk college bars. Now, grads have the opportunity to become their in-house bartender. The graduated girl can become a mini mixologist with this gift, concocting libations from the Old Fashioned to the tropical Mai Tai. Bar sets are great for entertaining and add beautiful decoration to any apartment. Post-grad opens the doors for mastering new skills, like the perfect cocktail! Likewise, a proper ice bucket is the perfect addition to that first apartment, even if her studio can only host three girls at a time.

Nespresso Coffee Machine ($149+)

If there is one thing any budding professional enjoys, it’s a well-brewed cup of coffee. But paying $6 at Starbucks every day for a latte is unsustainable for the grad who’s trying to budget her own money. The solution? Gift her a Nespresso that averages $1 per cup! It’s a great way to encourage drinking (quality) coffee from home. For the experimental barista, the machine often includes many fun accessories, like a milk frother, for crafting more sophisticated coffee beverages.

Hello Fresh Subscription ($21+)

Let’s be honest, going from dining halls and college apartment cooking to real-life meal prep and budgeting is difficult. HelloFresh perfectly portions out all the ingredients for some fabulous recipes and at a reasonable price.

Fun Drinking Glasses (varies)

You can get these almost anywhere. Williams Sonoma, Anthropologie, and just about every store that carries kitchen or home items will offer beautiful wine, cocktail, and water glasses as well. It’s a great way to help a grad build their kitchen collection and is something they can enjoy for many years and occasions.

Wine and flowers ($10+)

This combo is not just for the romantics on Valentine’s Day. Flowers brighten up everyone’s day, and your grad will remember you every time they look at them (hopefully with a glass of your wine in their hand too). Easily the simplest gift on this list, don’t overlook how intentional and thoughtful it can be.

Photo Via The Graduate on Pinterest