gift guide: grads
WHEN MY oldest was about 7, my husband told him casually that it was move-in day at the University. He reminisced about the day his own parents left him at his freshman dorm and said goodbye, leaving him to experience college on his own. When I went to tuck my little in that night he crumbled and SOBBED and told me in no uncertain terms that he DID NOT want to go to college. It sparked some serious anxiety in him about a ritual that wouldn’t come for another decade. I’m only sending my guys off to middle school now, but the thought of dropping them at their freshman dorms already makes ME want to sob.
SENDING OUR children off to learn independence and test out their fortitude Is such a special rite of passage, whether they’re leaving high school or college or making any other big life leap. And with a little forethought you can send them off with a few things that might make the transition a bit easier or at least prettier and more fun, which totally counts for something, right? Good luck fierce freshman and young adults [and their sobbing parents], you got this. Also check out the Gift Guide for Teens + Tweens, Dopp Kits That Will Go Anywhere, Gift Guide to Blankets [one of my favorite gifts] and the Gift Guide to Self Care for Tweens + Teens for more awesome ideas. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo
>> There’s just not space in a dorm room or studio apartment for a hefty collection of picture frames to lovingly display the beautiful faces of everyone you love. So, help your undergrad feel connected to friends and family with a Nixplay Smart Digital Picture Frame. It’s compact enough to fit almost anywhere, including on the wall, and can be easily updated with new photos or short videos instantly from anywhere in the world there’s an internet connection. Anyone you invite can share to it, so if your student’s BFF lives in upstate New York, brother lives in San Diego and grandma lives in Paris, they can all upload photos to the frame anytime via email or through the Nixplay app. It’s seriously magical. It couldn’t be easier to use and is such an awesome way for everyone to stay connected and let your hard-working student know that they’re top of mind. >> $189.99
>> Last I checked freshman dorm rooms were pretty, um, ‘compact.’ You can save some coveted space by sending your frosh with a few cool, soft + very slender Geometry Bath Towels instead of those thick, space-eating ones. They come in both a smooth Luxe style in tons of fun prints OR a plush Waffle style in a really pretty range of solids [LOVE mine], both with matching hand towels and washcloths. Plus, because they’re quick-dry, they won’t develop the nasty stank of a terry towel that got thrown in a corner and forgotten about for days [I’m sure your kid would never do that though, right?]. And if your grad is moving into their own pad, Geometry also has awesome Tea Towels and Not-Paper Towels for their new kitchen. Love love it all. >> from $16
Use code DarcieC15 at checkout for 15% off
>> Help relieve your frosh’s stress, tension and tightness and foster muscle recovery with a super compact Theragun Mini. It’s quiet and powerful and super portable for on-the-road games, matches, races or training and is small enough to tuck into a sock drawer for easy storage. And it comes in 4 perfect colors. >> $199
>> If your grad is about to become responsible for making their own meals, it doesn't get much easier than making legit gourmet meals in one Anyday Dish ENTIRELY in the microwave [including Brownies in 5 minutes]. The Dishes come in 3 sizes, are easy to use, easy to clean and Anyday has a ton of recipes to get them started making proper, well-balanced and super impressive meals in 9 minutes or less. Learn more about why I love this thing here. >> from $30
>> You can’t play nurse to your sick or bleeding child from hundreds of miles away, but you might *feel better* knowing that your fledgling adult has all of the tools they need to take care of themselves when they’re a little under the weather or crash their bike into a stump [or are just a bit *off* for other reasons]. Arm them with a First Aid Tin that houses the basics so they can focus on what really matters instead of trying to track down a few ibuprofen or a bandaid. This vintage-inspired version is super cute and roomy enough for the essentials, but wee enough to be easily stashed. And by filling it up yourself, you get to decide which items make most sense so you’re not stuck with sterilized gauze when you really need Pepto. Now don’t you feel better already? >> $29.99
>> If your grad is leaving their beloved college town, help them commemorate the experience with a personalized University Map highlighting the area. You can choose the color and they’ll even put a little heart on a special building or street address. It’s such a sweet way to remember their time and they’ll have a piece of custom artwork to hang wherever they land next. >> from $38
>> I love my Baggu Travel Cloud Bag. It’s perfect for weekend getaways or quick trips home. It’s lightweight when it’s empty and super roomy. I can fit all of my stuff, including shoes and toiletries in there. It has both handles and a shoulder strap for easy carrying. And the whole thing folds up into a petite little pouch [which doubles as an inside pocket], so it’s easy to store when it’s not in use They also have a Carry-On version perfect for quick flights. >> $78
>> Send your grad off with a stack of photo prints that document the things they love [special trips, friends, family, pets, favorite hangout] so they can make a sweet little photo collage on their wall. Artifact Uprising makes it sooo easy to do straight from your phone with their Everyday Print Set in a wide range of sizes and quantities. Each photo is beautifully printed on pretty, high-quality paper to make a really impressive display. I have a collage of our family memories using 4” square matte prints and it’s one of my favorite little corners of our house. They also have a huge variety of really well-designed Photo Book options that also make precious gifts. >> from $9
>> Keep your grad SUPER hydrated while they study with a Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState. It comes in several sizes from 20-40 oz and some really cool colors. It’s made from recycled stainless steel and is totally dishwasher safe. >> from $30
>> Inspire both calming deep sleep AND some princess vibes on the side with this Kitsch Satin Sleep Set that includes a pillowcase, eye mask and scrunchie. They protect skin and hair while you sleep and just feel super nice even if [especially if] you’re in a crappy dorm room. >> $36
>> Keep your busy grad caffeinated and healthy with Clevr Blends SuperLattes. These oat milk-based blends are brimming with adaptogens, mushrooms, probiotics and superfoods to help improve brain function and boost your mood. There are 6 awesome flavors to choose from [my husband loves the Matcha], including one for supporting Sleeptime. They’re dairy + refined sugar free, responsibly sourced and just need water to blend. The Starter Kit would be a really beautiful gift for anyone who’d like to add a little delicious healthy boost to their daily routine. >> from $28
>> A good pair of headphones is key and Beats Studio Pro hits the mark for both quality and style. They’re wireless, Bluetooth enabled, compatible with both Apple and Android and have up to 40 hours of battery life. They also feature two listing modes, both Active Noise Cancelling [ANC] and Transparency mode, so your student can toggle between settings depending on circumstance [like if they feel like ignoring their roommate]. They also come in 4 pretty, neutral colors. >> $349.99
>> Help your grad keep things super comfy with Beyond Yoga Sleepwear. They have THE softest pieces in a bunch of different styles and colors so you can mix + match your favorites. The only problem will be getting them to change out of it for class. >> from $58
>> Help your grad start and end their day peacefully with a Hatch Restore 2 Sunrise Alarm. It plays science-backed sleep sounds, wakes you gently with light, has phone-free controls and has an optional app that provides meditations, soundscapes and sleep stories. Plus it’s so pretty and comes in 3 colors. I love mine. >> $199.99
>> There’s nothing more important than the safety of your undergrad or young adult. With all of the terrifying statistics out there, you’ll both rest easier knowing that your ‘baby’ is armed with Birdie, a personal alarm that unleashes a deafening 130 db sound and bright flashing strobe light when activated. There’s also Birdie+, a bluetooth-enabled alarm that connects you to an app with even more incredible safety features, including a live rep who will stay on the phone with you while you’re walking to your car. Both Birdie models are designed to be cute, compact and lightweight so they can be easily stashed on a keychain, water bottle, belt loop or bag while out on campus, on trails, in the city or wherever your ‘kids’ roam. There are 12 colors to choose from and for every purchase, Birdie donates 5% of proceeds to a variety of organizations that support women’s safety, shelter or health. >> $29.95
Use code AFLUTTER10 at checkout for 10% off
>> Commemorate your athlete’s high school or college career with an Art Spot Airbrush Custom Ball. You choose the type of ball [football, basketball, baseball. volleyball…], the colors and either a player’s name or a team name and they’ll create a super cool custom keepsake to display in your athlete’s room. Such a fun way to honor a grad’s passion. >> from $65
>> This Cotopaxi Allpa Del Dia Travel Pack is just so cool and super functional, perfect for big trips or a quick weekend back home. It converts from a backpack to a side carry with the simple tuck of the padded straps. The full-wrap opening reveals several compartments for organizing all of your stuff. It’s carry-on compatible and comes with a rain fly to keep everything dry on the go. As part of Cotopaxi’s ‘Gear for Good’ promise to sustainability and improving the human condition, all of the pieces in their bright ‘Del Dia’ Collection are made from industry excess fabric and the individual maker that sews each piece has full creative control over the colors they choose, so each bag is truly unique. On Cotopaxi’s website, you can either choose to be ‘surprised’ by the Del Dia colors they send or choose your own from their stash. LOVE their Hip Packs, too. >> $200
>> Protect all of that shiny tech with a case that looks cool AND does a serious solid for Mama Earth. Pela Cases are completely COMPOSTABLE and will return to the earth when your grad is done with it. They come in a zillion cute prints, solids and clear to please just about anyone. And they can cover your tablet or AirTags, too. Read about why I love them and find other Earth-Friendly Swaps for eco-conscious grads here. >> from $39.95
>> You know I love a Rumpl Puffy Blanket and I think they make fantastic gifts. They’re just super cozy whether you’re in the wild, at a game or in your dorm room. They’re always releasing cool prints and I especially love the RAD artist series, where a diverse range of artists use that puffy rectangle in totally different ways as a perfect canvas. They also have super snuggly Indoor Blankets, too. >> from $99
>> Give your grad the gift of music anywhere they go with this cool JBL Clip 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker. It’s compact, waterproof, portable and has an integrated carabiner for easy travel. And it comes in 12 rad colors. >> $49.95
>> I love my Nodpod Weighted Sleep Mask for taking a moment, the pressure feels amazing. It blocks out light, promotes better sleep and can reduce anxiety and calm headaches. It’s totally machine-washable and scent-free. They also have the Nodpod Body, which a super compact blanket that takes up no space at all. And now a Silk Sleep Mask, too. Ooh lala. >> from $34
>> Courant makes super sleek, functional wireless chargers that blend perfectly into your decor, like the pretty Catch:2. It can charge two devices at once without a bunch of cords to trip on. Just set your phone + AirPods down on the gorgeous Belgian linen or leather pad and carry on while it powers up. Check the list of compatible devices to make sure your grad’s will work before hitting ‘add to cart.’ >> $90
>> > Everyone needs a solid way to drag their toiletries to the bathroom down the hall, on away games or on vacation and Topo Designs’ Dopp Kits are the coolest. They come in a bunch of super rad color combinations, have a flat bottom so it doesn’t roll away and is roomy enough for just about anyone’s ‘essentials.’ Read what I like to put in them for a fantastic gift here. >> $34
>> If you have a more ‘mature’ grad who’s starting their new life in their own space, Caraway Cookware is a fantastic way to get them started with THE best [more than 35k 5-star reviews almost guarantee it] non-toxic tools. The ceramic coating makes it yuck free, non-stick, easy to clean and even to cook with. The Cookware Set comes with a super clever storage system to keep it all organized, especially amazing if you don’t have a ton of space. They also just introduced two Mini’s for smaller jobs or mini kitchens. Anything Caraway makes counts as a spectacular gift, LOVE every piece I own. >> from $85
>> Dry your hair while you carry on with your routine with Dock & Bay’s Turban Hair Towel. It’s a super absorbent turban made with 100% recycled materials and comes in like 40 colors + prints. And it’s perfect for wandering from the bathroom to your room in style [I mean, it’s cuter than a big ol’ terry cloth towel, right?]. >> $21.99
>> Vermont-based Ursa Major is dedicated to super clean, effective skin and haircare products that don’t require a ton of steps. They make no-fuss fantastic, effective stuff for all genders and skin types, designed to get you clean and out the door so you can move on to bigger and better things. But don’t let the ‘simplicity’ fool you - these nature-inspired products are expertly made with powerful, intentional ingredients, so your minimalist routine will be just as effective as any. You could put together a little bundle that would make a fantastic gift for your grads who don’t have time to spend all morning getting themselves ready for the day. >> from $14
>> Keep your student focused and on-task with super satisfying fidgets from Speks. They have a bunch of different really cool versions for your wiggly frosh, like this awesome Crags Magnetic Putty that feels super cool and forms into any shape you want. >> from $15.95
>> Every freshman needs a pair of shower shoes for ALL the gross reasons and they might as well be comfortable and cool, too. Nike Calm Slides dry quickly, are super squishy, come in both men’s and women’s sizes and fun colors. Sold. >> $49.99
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