It’s that time of year: graduation season. For some, this is the joyous accumulation of 16 long years of schooling with a hefty salary at the end of the tunnel. For others it’s just another road marker along their many, many years of education on the way to an advanced degree. And for a large majority it is a heart-wrenching day that reminds us that it is now going to be unacceptable to party as much as we currently do and skip responsibilities because the weather is nice, not to mention the end of writing papers on Bob Dylan and his effect on American culture. Sigh.
While it will be hard to find a gift capable of soothing the pain of graduating, every graduate wants you to try…and try really hard. So we compiled a list of the best graduation gifts so that you can make the transition from student to…adult (really?) a little easier.
TECHY
Is your graduate planning on a lengthy commute each day? Or maybe they’re continuing their education and are in need of an easily transportable computer? This mini computer from HP is perfect for grads on the go. It’s sleek, slim and light — perfect for popping in your bag and going. Users can do anything they want on it — watch movies, play games or get work done! $329.99
Four years of typing papers, carrying your computer from class to the library to the dorm room, and spilling coffee on your laptop can make graduation a perfect time to update to a new portable computer. We’re loving this Dell Inspiron because you can personalize its exterior, it has nearly 8 hours of battery life and because it’s so sleek looking! $519
Help your favorite member of the class of 2011 capture her favorite moments in the post-grad word with the Canon Powershot. They’ll take crystal clear photos (the camera has 12 megapixels) of their bright future. $99.99
There have been some major changes to the iPod since your graduate left high school — and it just may be time to treat them to an update. The iPod Nano is fun (such bright colors) and practical for your graduate’s commutes and long nights at work. $149
SENTIMENTAL
Toast to completing four years of college with a personalized bottle of wine, champagne or a non-alcoholic beverage. The bottle will be a gorgeous keepsake to remember the best four years of their life. $75.
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Over four years of college students rack up quite a collection of t-shirts for everything from Greek Week to college concerts. Unfortunately it becomes inappropriate to wear “Beer: The Breakfast of Champions” to work — but that doesn’t mean your t-shirts have to go to waste. Set your graduate up with a quilt made of all their favorite tees or get them a gift card to a website that does this so they can create a keepsake blanket with all of their favorite shirts and sweatshirts.
A collage to celebrate the end of college? Perfect! This gift is great for a graduate who is super-close to you (so you can access all her pictures!!). The one photo created out of all your graduate’s favorite will be something they can keep forever — and isn’t that what you’re aiming for? $49.99
An easy and thoughtful gift for your friend, a personalized frame with your favorite photo will let your collegiette™ remember all the happy memories from college she shared with you! $23.99
College Blanket
Let them bring college to their post-grad apartment with a gorgeous blanket capturing the college campus like this one from Cornell University.
Campus Photo
Is your graduate obsessed with college? Does she bleed her school colors? Treat her to a gorgeous framed photo of one of her favorite places on campus so that she’ll always have a little bit of her alma mater with her.
Mix CD
What song reminds you of Orientation Week from the beginning of your college experience? What about Senior Week? Create a mix CD for your friends that reminds them of their journey from August 2007 to May 2011 — they’ll treasure it as they reminisce about the wonderful four years they had!
THE NEXT STEPS
Grad Lit: Show Me How by Lauren Smith
Show your graduate how to make it in the real world with “Show Me How: 500 Things You Should Know Instructions for Life From the Everyday to the Exotic” — she’ll be prepared for anything that comes her way and that’s the kind of gift every grad needs. $15.42
Leather Business Magnetic Card Holder
What’s more legit than having grown up business cards? A cute holder makes you look stylish and professional when someone asks “do you have a card?” Prepare your graduate for the corporate lifestyle and show her that she’s ready for the next step! $12.95
“The Everygirl’s Guide to Life” by Maria Menounos
Give her some guidance from the beautiful and talented Maria Menounos with her book, which offers advice on everything from beauty to relationships, from career to health. It’s a gift full of advice you can’t put a price on! $11.20
Remind your graduate to be herself when she enters the next stage of their life with this Dogeared necklace. Plus, they’ll get to make a wish when the necklace falls off — and if their wish comes true, you’ll have given them her the best gift of all. $26
Build someone their very own custom charm necklace with a chain, initial charms, birthstone charms, and symbol charms all picked out to suit your graduate. $30-$80 depending on the number of charms. In addition, 5% of your Stella & Dot purchase through Her Campus will benefit the March of Dimes.