Ultimate Graduation Gift Guide: Part II

In the first part of our Ultimate College Graduation Gift Guide, you learned to shop for the Traditional, Do-Gooder and Globe Trotting grads. Below, we round out the list of must-have graduation presents at any budget.

ECO-CHIC GRAD

Does your grad not-so-secretly covet Lauren Bush’s signature Feed bag? Does she eat more Kashi than granola? Find the perfect gift for your greenie:

ATM (Under $40)

Up your green grad's cool quotient with a graphic set of five sturdy Envirosax bagsperfect for lugging books, gym clothes and locally grown produce from the green market. Help your grad practice what they preach with the gift of carbon credits starting at $30. Or: choose a DB Clay wallet for your young, hip Al Gore -- they're styled from a sturdy, sustainable material called tope and come in a whole range of cool designs.

Silver (Under $100)

Is your grad setting up his own pad? Even if he can't afford solar planels, he can decorate with sustainable materials from Viva Terra.

Platinum ($150 and up)

Face it: even hemp and bamboo need to be cleaned. Splurge on a Whirlpool steamer so clothes stay wrinkle free and fresh longer without trips to the drycleaner -- a big eco-don’t.

DIY GRAD

For this grad, a dorm room meant chance to decorate and indulge in gourmet cooking on her contraband hot plate. If most of her time was spent building sets for award-winning campus play, you'll want to check out these gifts:

ATM (Under $40)

When your grad can't wait for the "Real World," arm her with a pink Tool Box and the Emergency Roadside Kit (benefitting breast cancer research) so she will be ready for anything! And don’t worry boys, there's a Road Assistance Kit for you too.

Silver (Under $100)

Help this crafty grad pursue her next project with gifts that cater to her specific interests. If she is a budding chef give her Martha Stewart’s Green Grill Pan, a Magnetic Spice Rack, The New Basics Cookbook, and a nice set of knives. For fixer-upers, gift certificates from Home Depot, Ikea, Lowes or the Container Store are great along with an Apartment Therapy book.

Platinum ($150 and up)

To really indulge your DIY grad, opt for a serious appliance like the KitchenAid Stand Mixer or a drill you know they have been eyeing. Or help them improve their skills in an area they love with sushi preparation classes, wine tasting or a home design consultations.

 

THE TECHIE

If your WiFi-searching grad told you about social networking when he was 17, he's sure to love these tech-savvy gift ideas:

ATM (Under $40)

Make sure this grad is never tune-less. A 4-in-One iPod Charging Systemcharges an iPod or iPod nano using multiple sources including battery.

Silver (Under $100)

Bliss Earphones by V Moda promise your grad high quality sound with custom-fitted ear buds that block outside noise.

Ease your grad into the 9-5 schedule with the Peaceful Progression clock. Early mornings are never a breeze, but now they can avoid the blare of a traditional alarm clock. Your grad will be gently awakened by soft light, gradual sound and stimulating aromatherapy.

Platinum ($150 and up)

If money is no object, indulge your grad with a coveted MacBook Air or iPhone. But also consider a Kindle; Amazon’s new wireless reading device can hold hundreds of books and newspapers -- plus you can download new content for free anywhere in the world.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURIST

For the year-round shorts-wearer in your life, consider these outdoorsy gift ideas. It beats working at North Face for the discount!

ATM (Under $40)

For your grad's upcoming adventure, consider giving cash at their favorite store, REI, or a gift certificate for a fun restaurant to try near their next camping destination.

Silver (Under $100)

This grad loves an adrenaline rush as much they enjoy nature’s beauty. So, commemorate their big day with a special experience like a wolf watching adventure or hang gliding.

Platinum ($150 and up)

With a grad this adventurous it is only natural to worry a little bit about their safety. So help them find their way with a Wrist Mounted GPS for outdoor sports and backpacking.

 

Did you miss our guide to buying for the Traditional, Do-Gooder and Globe Trotter Grads? No worries, check out our Ultimate College Graduation Gift Guide, Part I.

Forward this page to a friend

Your Email *

Your Name *

Send To *

Enter multiple addresses on separate lines or separate them with commas.

Your Personal Message *