Graduation day is rapidly approaching as the class of 2021 is gearing up to take their next steps into the adult world. Soon they’ll be taking spring final exams, handing in term papers, giving their last presentations, and their schools will be preparing for commencement. Once this day hits, it’s hard to believe that four years have already come and gone -- for most it feels like it flew by!
This is a monumental and scary moment for both you and your son. He is finally going to be able to see the past four years of hard work and dedication pay off as he receives his degree. But also, entering the next chapter can cause a lot of uncertainty and anxiousness. However, you will be there to guide him and this moment leaves you feeling like the proudest parent in the world!
Of course you will want to make this day even more special by giving him an amazing graduation gift. One that is commemorative of his college experience, but also useful and can serve a functional purpose moving forward.
We have put together a list of gifts that fall into both of these categories. If your son is starting a new job or internship, continuing his education, moving into a new apartment, or taking a different route -- any of these gifts will fit his situation.
Here is what we’ve come up with:
- Bluetooth Speaker
- Airpods
- Diploma Frame
- Apartment Accessories
- Cookware
- Backpack
- Luggage
- Shopping Spree
- Phone Accessories
- Drinkware
- Cool Socks
Bluetooth Speaker
Most recent graduates ask for a bluetooth speaker as a gift. This is for a number of reasons. First, they are always listening to music and the speaker goes everywhere with them -- their bedrooms, shower, kitchen, while they’re doing laundry, really anywhere.
They also serve multiple purposes -- speak to them and get any result or answer you could imagine. Ask them to set your morning alarm, give you a reminder for something the next day, or ask them a question and watch as they search for the answer.
If you get this gift for your son, rest assured he will love it. You really can’t go wrong with a bluetooth speaker.
Airpods
Next on the list of frequently asked for gifts are Airpods! If you haven’t heard of them -- they are essentially headphones without the wire. They are perfect for making phone calls while not being able to hold the phone to your ear, watching a video in a public setting so no one else can hear it, or just listening to music.
They are functional in a business atmosphere and can serve many purposes. These are definitely worth the money and we think your son will feel the same way.
Diploma Frame
A diploma frame is one of the most common and traditional graduation gifts. Parents love it because they want to see their child’s diploma hanging proudly on the wall. Graduates love it because they can display their accomplishment, and it will serve as a permanent reminder of their college experience and the hard work that went into earning their degree.
Additionally, if your son has secured a new job where he may have his own office space -- a diploma makes a great piece of decor. If he will be working with clients, then they will feel a sense of ease because a diploma displays credentials and assures them that your son is the perfect candidate for the job.
He might also want a diploma frame if he plans on furthering his education, this way when he finishes his final round of schooling, he can hang all of his diplomas together. This shows his progression of his education and helps to establish credibility and authority. One day, each of his frames and certificates will look amazing in an office space.
Apartment Accessories
Moving into a new apartment requires significant planning and preparation. Many items are needed to furnish the space, let alone stock the kitchen, bathroom, and gather all of the small things they might not think of until the last minute.
Helping them out by giving them some big ticket items will take a weight off their shoulders and help their personal finances. This could be a new mattress, sheets, couch, dishes, or anything else they might need.
Additionally, some items that get left out, but end up being essentials are a toolkit, shower curtain, clothes rack if they don’t have a closet, or a shoe rack. Their first round of groceries might also be a great gift and will be greatly appreciated.
Cookware
Following along with our new apartment theme, once all of the major items have been squared away -- it’s time to turn to the kitchen. Most young adults prefer eating out over cooking -- but this adds up fast and some meals are very expensive. So, chances are they’ll start cooking even if it’s something they loathe doing.
Once they find themselves in the kitchen, they’ll need the proper equipment to prepare meals. This is a broad category that covers more than your basic pots and pans. Of course they’ll need those, but you also might want to think about other appliances such as a coffee maker, air fryer, crock pot, Instant pot, or other hands free cooking accessory.
They will also benefit from a knife block, cooking utensils, dishes, or anything they frequently use at home that you’ll think they will be lost without when they move. After all, you know him best and have the best idea of what he will actually get the most use from.
Backpack
If they start going to work or out of the house for an internship -- they’ll need something for transportation. He will need to most likely carry his lunch, a laptop, maybe even a change of clothes, a book, or something similar.
Many guys would opt for a backpack over a briefcase or messenger bag. However, they’ll need to ditch the old college sports backpack and come up with one that looks professional and sophisticated. Take him shopping and let him pick or surprise him with one that he will love.
Luggage
Most 20-somethings do life on a whim -- which means if a spur of the moment opportunity comes up for them to travel, they will definitely take it. Traveling while they’re young is the best time to do it, they will discover more about themselves and maybe even realize a potential career path.
This means that when the time comes, they’ll need luggage to be able to take these travelling opportunities. No, we don’t think they need the whole set -- some people choose to pack for a ten day trip to Paris using only a carry on. So, your best bet is to get this item and if they need something different in the future, they can handle that on their own.
Shopping Spree
They can’t start a new job wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt -- as everyone always says, you have to dress to impress and this is the best way to start a new career. Maybe they have a few business casual outfits they wore to important events in college, but do they have enough to last a full work week?
If the answer is no, they will need to upgrade their professional clothing wardrobe. A few basic shirts, pants, shoes, and accessories like a watch and a nice wallet will get them started. If you don’t want to take any chances guessing your son’s sizes, simply take him shopping and let him pick out a few items. He will greatly appreciate your contribution to his future success.
Phone Accessories
Phone accessories like a case, charger, popsocket, card holder are all great to have.
This is a basic gift that your son can benefit from. It’s always a good idea to have an extra charging cable and a phone case laying around. You might also want to get him a wireless charger or portable charger for those critical moments when his phone needs a quick charge!
Drinkware
This is a great commemorative and functional gift -- we love the school logo in combination with the metal tumbler. Drinkware is essential for any person who lives life on the go. This container will keep his coffee hot all morning and keep his gatorade chilly all afternoon. This is another gift that you really can’t go wrong with buying!
Cool Socks
Last on our list is a pair or a few pairs of cool dress socks. When it comes to a professional wardrobe, there are a few opportunities for him to show off his personality -- but for the most part, this type of wardrobe is pretty standard.
Dress socks are where his personality can really shine. Everyone loves socks with a funny phrase, pictures, or unique design. These make a great additional gift on top of something bigger.
These are all great gift ideas that have been pulled from recent graduates -- so we think your son is guaranteed to love something on this list. No matter what, he will appreciate receiving anything from you!
