By Kate Lawless | Photo from MD Duran via Unsplash
It’s been a tough school year, especially for our loved ones who are finishing up their senior years in high school or college. These soon-to-be-graduates have experienced a pause in the last year on many coming-of-age experiences, such as prom, football games — and likely a (modified) graduation ceremony.
Show them you’re proud of what they’ve accomplished by capping off their high school or college career with a cool gift. Today’s graduates are itching to expand their horizons and try new things, so these ideas will tell your graduate that you’re excited to see them experience all that life has to offer as they begin adulthood.
Food Subscription Boxes
Gifting a meal box subscription from HelloFresh or Blue Apron (or any other meal box company) can help your grad get into the routine of cooking and teach them new skills. Newer services like Universal Yums and Try The World send your grad a box of international, gourmet foods and snacks each month so they can expand their palate and experience a little bit of a new culture — even while living at home.
Road Trip/Camping Equipment
The Great American Road Trip is back in style this summer and many graduates are hoping to explore their home state, visit national parks or drive to far-flung cities and beaches. For your COVID-conscious grad, a road trip is safer and cost-efficient, and a surefire way to create memories with friends. A hiking backpack, sleeping bag, tent or a National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass or campsite pass, are all great gifts for an outdoorsy grad looking for their next adventure.
Work From Home Essentials
Many college graduates are starting their careers remotely at the same desks they’ve been taking virtual courses at for the last year. The transition from school to full-time work is difficult enough without having a new environment or structured way to meet your new team, so helping your grad upgrade their work space will give them an opportunity to make their home office space match their new lifestyle and career. A laptop stand, art prints, office chair or even a desk can help grads feel excited to start this next chapter of their career and motivated to get to work.
Flowers and Plants
We all know the stereotype that Gen Z is obsessed with succulents! So embrace that and gift your grad a hanging houseplant or an herb garden starter kit. They can grow their own ingredients as well as infuse a timeless, peaceful vibe into their space. Houseplants even cleanse the air! Especially when working from home, having plants to tend to can be a great part of your grad’s daily routine and lend their space a fresh, healthy feel.
Skillshare Subscription
Skillshare is an online platform that allows students to take classes about things they love. Some students may still be figuring out what they want to do next, or, are excited to have more time to pursue a hobby. A Skillshare subscription can help your grad learn about photography, sewing, baking and much more!
Use a Travel Registry
For those who are taking (or want to take) a graduation trip, a travel registry site can help fund the trip. Sites like travelregistry.co allow your grad to pick out travel activities and gift-givers can select which ones to pay for, similar to a wedding registry. You could cover the cost of a night at a hotel, meals, tickets to museums or concerts, or even buy them a round of drinks in a new city.
