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Here’s to the next big adventure! Celebrate his high school accomplishments (and his future collegiate successes) with a memorable grad gift. Make it something he’ll keep forever, something that’ll help him handle the college transition or something that’s uniquely him. Need ideas? Look no further!

UNDER $25

Stuff Every College Kid Should Know, $9.95 at Paper Source

From dealing with dorm room drama to doing your own laundry, this must-have how-to book covers all the tips and tricks he needs to survive and thrive in college.

Pinch Provisions Minimergency® Kit for Him, $14 at Sephora

You can’t be there with him at college to solve all of life’s little problems, but you can prepare him with all the tools he needs to solve them. This Minimergency kit comes complete with essentials like a bandage, pain reliever, extra buttons, a mending kit, dental floss and more.

The Prop Laptop Stand, $16.95 on Canopy

Keep his laptop from overheating while it’s working overdrive during late-night study sessions or Netflix binge-watching sessions. This sleek laptop stand is all he needs to keep his tech running smoothly.

Archi Desk Accessories Pen Cup, $18 at MoMA Store

His dorm room needs to be organized, yes. But why not organize in style? We’re obsessed with this architectural pen cup from the MoMA Store!

UNDER $50

Cards Against Humanity, $25 on Canopy

Best. Game. Ever. Trust us, this is the easiest way to make friends in college.

The Art of Shaving Starter Kit – Unscented, $25 at Macy’s

Keep his scruff at bay while he’s away at college! This gift not only helps him get rid of the scruff itself, but also serves as a gentle reminder that he does still need to groom, even when he’s away at school.

3-in-1 Charging Cord for Various Devices, $26.95 at Paper Source

Saves space, saves time, saves headaches. It’s a must-have!

Cube Clock, $38 at MoMA Store

Remember what we said about organizing in style? Sure, a clock doesn’t qualify as an organizer, but it sure has style – plus, it’s functional. And yes, we’re going to say it (we can’t help ourselves): it puts the ‘fun’ in ‘functional.’

Portable Table Tennis Set, $39.95 at Uncommon Goods

Game on! This portable table tennis will transform any ordinary table into a ping pong arena, and the college freshman in your life will love to get the competition going with his friends.

Kenneth Cole Reaction Cutout Cufflinks, $45 at Macy’s

It’s an old and valued tradition – gift a young man a set of cuff links for his entrée into adulthood. High school graduation is no different, and that’s why it’s the perfect time to give him this cool pair.

Sony Noise-Canceling Over-the-Ear Headphones in Black, $49.99 at Best Buy

If there’s one thing every college student needs come study time, it’s silence. These noise-canceling headphones will help him get work done anywhere, anytime, whether he’s hanging in the library with friends or working while his roommates play Xbox.

UNDER $100

Polo Ralph Lauren Vaughn Leather Sneakers in Tan, $69 at Macy’s

These shoes will last him all four years and beyond, and he’ll look awesome every step of the way.

Crosley Radio ‘Crusier’ Turntable, $80 at Nordstrom

So he’s an old soul. He likes classic rock or considers himself a ‘60s child, so give him a throwback gift that lets him enjoy his favorite records in style!

Herschel Supply Co. Little America Backpack, $89 at Urban Outfitters

College may be a lot different than high school, but that doesn’t mean he won’t need the old school essentials anymore. Essential #1: an awesome backpack. This one does the trick, plus it has plenty of storage for lugging his laptop and textbooks around campus.

JBL Flip 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker, $99.99 at Best Buy

Want to make friends? Play music! It’s the most basic principle of dorm life.

OVER $100

Wooden Watch, $135 at Uncommon Goods

We’re not trying to knock the old “watch for graduation” tradition, but let’s be honest here: it can get a little tired. That’s why we’re spicing things up this year with a wooden watch. Prepare to make all the other watches jealous.

Coca Cola Retro Vending Cooler 18L – 10 Can Capacity, $169.95 at Target

Every dorm room needs a mini fridge, and this is the coolest one on the market. Help him store his cold ones in style!

VIZIO E-Series 32” Class LED 720p Smart HDTV, $239.99 at Best Buy

At the end of a long day of classes and study sessions, all any college freshman wants is to unwind in peace. This awesome smart TV is exactly what he needs to watch the big game, have his friends over for movie night or sit back and relax with Netflix.

GoPro HERO 3: Black Edition, $375 on Canopy

A must-have for every adventurer! Seriously, he’ll want to capture every cool angle and snapshot of his flips and tricks and sights passed along the way, whether he’s an avid mountain biker or a California surfer.

Apple MacBook Air 13.3”, $999 at Intel

Meet the ultimate tool for college students: a light, reliable, durable laptop that’ll help him get through every term paper and lab report. Hello, flawless GPA!


 

Kate is the Associate Editor of Her Campus. Before joining the staff full-time, Kate was the Campus Correspondent for the HC Skidmore College chapter as well as an editorial intern, Love editor, and national contributing writer for HC. In addition to her work with Her Campus, Kate has been a Sex & Love stringer and digital editorial intern for WomensHealthMag.com and an Inner Circle Trendspotter for MTV. Kate graduated from Skidmore College summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelor of Arts in English and French. In her spare time, Kate is usually spotted writing fiction, playing tennis, reading pop culture blogs until her eyes hurt, baking cookies, or dreaming up her next travel adventure.
Hello! My name is Vikki Burnett, and I am a graphic design intern at Her Campus. I am a graduate of the New England School of Art and Design at Suffolk University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic design. Aside from designing for Her Campus, I enjoy horseback riding, painting, hiking, playing guitar, and performing in historical reenactments on horseback.