It’s that time of year, when the cap and gown celebrations also mean sending someone you love, away from home for the first time. So what do you get for the impossible to please Teenager or the young adult about to brave the real world? Don’t waste your money and time on custom picture frames and engraved trinkets that they can’t even re-gift. We researched and probed every possible invention, website and store to find unique graduate gifts that are guaranteed to go to good use for years to come, for college bound grads, post-grads and young adults who are new to the workforce.
To your bright future – Last Minute DIY
Fill a glass lightbulb vase, available at most art & craft supply stores, (Ashland Light Bulb Vase was $1.99 at Michael’s Art Supply) with small bills, rolled up like scrolls. Add a gift tag with a clever quote on the back. We’ve created one for your downloading pleasure here. After the money has been emptied and spent, the lightbulb will make a fun accent on the college dorm desk (or new cubicle)
Double Function Trunk:
The Wheeled Storage Trunk is the perfect gift for the first dorm room or tiny Studio apartment… This wheeled storage trunk is sturdy enough to double as a coffee table, while your budding grad stores keepsakes, important documents or clothing inside. It’s compact enough to store in a closet yet fashionable enough to make a nice modern accent piece in tight living spaces. Dimensions are 30” x 15.75” x 12.25”. Available for $49 at Walmart.com
Bean Bag Lounger:
The Big Joe Colin Dorm Bean Bag Lounger by Viv & Rae is the perfect chair for any college bound (or post-grad) young adult. This multifunctional cozy chair makes a fun and modern addition to any living quarters. The bean bag chair is equipped with a drink holder, a pocket for magazines or books and a carry handle. Made from smartmax fabric, filled with ultimax beans for optimum comfort. On Sale for $41.99 at Wayfair.com
Silver Balloon Doggie Bank:
Whether collecting change for laundry or saving up for a rainy day, this silver, high gloss ceramic balloon dog will make a fantastic gift for any graduate, be it high school, college or post-grad. This Art meets function modern piggy-bank will impress every young adult and a makes for a unique gift for a new apartment or dorm. Dimensions are: 6” x 7” x 10” Available for $50 at Dormify.com
Never Be Late Alarm w/ bed shaker
Give the gift of punctuality with this ultimate alarm clock. The VibeAlert Alarm Clock system comes equipped with a strong bed shaker and buzzer, guaranteed to wake even the deepest of sleepers. Originally designed for the hearing impaired, the VibeAlert Alarm Clock system has a custom settings interface to best fit the lifestyle of the recipient. Available for $93.98 at DormSmart.com
All in One College Survival Kit
This is one of those gifts that will come in handy for the foreseeable future. The Just the Basics Pak comes with everything a graduate will need in a pinch, including a first aid, sewing and emergency tool kits. With over 90 pieces for the unexpected surprises that come along in everyday living, for the first-timer away from home. The easy clip lamp and heavy-duty surge protector, are made for college campus regulation.
Just the Basics Pak Contains:
- 1 easy clip fan
- 1 easy clip lamp
- 1 UL-approved surge protector
- 1 48-piece first aid kit
- 1 22-piece sewing kit
- 1 23-piece tool kit
FREE SHIPPING. Available for $59 at Our Campus Market
Rapid Ramen cooker:
From ABC’s hit TV show, “Shark Tank,” the Rapid Ramen Cooker is the essential cooking tool for College dorm rooms. This Microwavabe dish is designed to fit a block of ramen noodles perfectly. As the go-to meal for the average college student on a budget, the Rapid Ramen cooker is the gift that keeps on giving! Available for $9.99 at Amazon.com
Pocket Stashes:
These amazing little waterproof keyring canisters will come in handy in a pinch, time and time again. Choose from the FireStash, a fully-working tiny refillable lighter, the CashStash which holds emergency bills or the CoinStash to hold laundry quarters. These little pocket stashes are a great gift for the young adult, about to embark on their first journey away from home. Available for $9.99 from Think Geek