Graduation season is here, so if you’re looking for the perfect gift to help the recent grad in your life get a head start on their new adventure, we’ve rounded up 14 useful gifts that also have a major wow factor. All are proof that just because a gift is practical, doesn’t mean that it can’t be cool. Take the Barisieur coffee maker and alarm clock. What could be better than waking up on time to a freshly brewed cup of coffee at your bedside? If your grad is planning a move in the near future, send them off in style with Mark & Graham’s colorful, personalized carry-on luggage. The brand also makes monogrammed vegan leather lanyards that are the perfect way to carry a COVID-19 vaccine card just in case it’s needed. If you’re looking for a highly coveted gift, bikes are finally coming back in stock. Public’s sporty V7 city bike is the brand’s most popular and affordable model. Pair it with one of Thousand’s super-cool helmets and they are set to head off into their bright future.
Here are a few ways to let your recent college grad know just how proud of them you are.
(B8ta)
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No, you’re not dreaming. That’s the sound of bubbling water and the smell of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air as you contemplate waking up. The Barisieur coffee maker and alarm clock lets you start your day with a freshly brewed cup of joe without leaving the cozy confines of your bed. Barisieur even has a built-in mini milk fridge to keep everything you need within reach. The clock’s display dims as the night goes on, and there’s a built-in USB charger for your phone. Just set Barisieur to start brewing five minutes before the alarm and stay in bed a little longer. $445, b8ta.com
For the vaccinated, vegan grad on the go
(Mark & Graham)
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Grads who are traveling can keep their vaccine card protected in Mark & Graham’s monogrammed vegan leather lanyard cardholder. $12.99, or $24.99 with personalization. markandgraham.com
For the grad who loves to cook
(Caraway)
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Caraway’s colorful ceramic-coated cookware set is the perfect gift for the graduate who’s setting up their first apartment. The seven-piece nonstick set comes in navy, white, sage green and terra-cotta. $395, carawayhome.com
For the grad who needs a little advice
(Amazon)
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In “How To Be Yourself,” author and cultural commentator Simon Doonan helps you find — and flaunt — your creative vision. With provocative wit, Doonan walks you through every aspect of life from fashion and socializing to love, work and family. $12.95, amazon.com
For the grad who like to keep it fresh
(Click and Grow)
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Click and Grow’s Smart Garden 3 is an indoor garden that cares for itself and has dozens of plant pods to choose from. $99.95, clickandgrow.com
For the grad who likes to stay connected
(Mark & Graham)
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Mark & Graham’s monogrammed leather charger roll-ups hold small essentials in pockets inside. Just roll it up and secure it with the leather tie to keep organized on the go. $29.99. markandgraham.com
For the grad who needs a new ride
(Public)
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Public’s sporty V7 is the brand’s most popular and most affordable multispeed diamond frame city bike. Standard features on the lightweight bike include dual-pivot caliper brakes with quick release to let you stop on a dime and fenders to keep your clothes clean and dry whether you’re heading to work or late for a date. V7 in antique brown, $599.99, publicbikes.com
For the grad who needs a hug
(Beraby)
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Bearaby’s hand-woven weighted Cotton Napper blanket is cozy, chunky and delightfully heavy. $249, bearaby.com
For the eco-conscious grad
(LOCI)
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LOCI’s sustainable vegan sneakers are made from recycled ocean plastic, bamboo and natural cork, and are perfect for business casual attire. $160, lociwear.com
For the grad on the go
(Mark & Graham)
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Mark & Graham’s monogrammed polycarbonate Terminal 1 carry-on luggage comes in eight color combinations, features a TSA-approved personal lock and comes with a lifetime warranty. $159.99. markandgraham.com
For the grad who appreciates style and safety
(Thousand)
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The minimalist design of Thousand’s lightweight Heritage bike helmet is inspired by the vintage moto lids of the ’50s and ’60s. They are designed for urban cycling with features that include a one-handed magnetic fastener, a built-in visor and a secret pop lock for securing your helmet. Pick one of the brand’s bold colors and add their cool stickers to customize it. $89, explorethousand.com
For the grad who looks at the bright side
(Areaware)
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Give your graduate a start on furnishing their first apartment with Chen Chen and Kai Williams Yes Mirror Mask wall mirror. $80, areaware.com
For the grad who’s in a morning rush
(Uncommon Goods)
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Making a great breakfast just got a whole lot easier. Whisk some eggs and pop this handmade ceramic Egg on a Bagel Maker into the microwave for eggs cooked into the perfect shape and size to layer onto a sliced bagel. $25, uncommongoods.com
For the overstressed grad
(Lord Jones)
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The job hunt can be daunting, so help them to de-stress with Lord Jones High CBD Formula Bath Salts, $65, lordjones.com
