Gift Ideas For Grads!

Happy Hump Day, friends! I hope your week is going well so far. I’ve been hunkered down prepping for our next GxHSP Collection shoot, and I’m so excited to bring some happy color and style to your Summer! I know we’re all looking forward to the season… with fewer schedules and hopefully a little more normalcy.

Our mailbox is flooded with graduation announcements, so I know the break is near!! Grad gift ideas have been the top request in my inbox, so I consulted my two teens, and together we came up with the best gift ideas for both guys and girls. They both agreed they’d love to have any of these arrive at their doorstep. And considering the year these graduates have had, I think they all deserve something extra special.

Girls //

one. Laptop Case // Those computers are dang expensive… these padded sleeves keep them safe and are super cute. Choose from TONS of patterns and colors, and make it special with their monogram.

two. Monogram Wristlet // We live for monograms around here, and this wristlet is not only darling, put super practical, too. It fits all the daily essentials… school ID, credit card, dorm key, car keys, and is small enough to slip in a backpack! Just like the laptop sleeve, it’s fully customizable with patterns, colors, and monogram styles.

three. Hanging Photo Garland // Displaying photos of friends and family is an easy way to bring a little bit of home into their dorms and apartments! This one is stylish without adding 25 pushpin holes into the wall.

four. Towel Wrap // Communal bathrooms require some strategic accessories, number one being a towel wrap! The velcro ensures you can be hands-free to grab your toiletries, plus no accidental slips! The monogram makes it a more personal gift, too.

five. Monogram Wall Sign // Girls go all out decorating their rooms, and this monogram wall decor is perfect for their door, over a bed, or just about anywhere to add extra style.

six. Toiletries Caddy // Another bathroom necessity, this large bag will hold all of the essentials and then some! It has sturdy straps and several pockets to fit everything from shampoo to body lotion to a toothbrush, and is made of quick-drying material.

seven. LED Strip Lights // There’s not a teen who doesn’t love these LED lights in their room. As my kids say, ‘It’s a mood.’ The peel-and-stick adhesion doesn’t damage walls, and you can connect multiple sets to circle the perimeter of the room! There’s a remote to customize the colors, too.

eight. Earrings // Kendra Scott is always a gifting go-to, and these huggie charm earrings are so darling! Every girl loves receiving the little yellow box!

nine. Monogram Reading Pillow // Add a little cute and comfy to her bed with a sturdy reading pillow. They make studying, homework, and TV-watching so much more comfortable, and the colors and monogram make the room feel cozier.

ten. Makeup Case // When every square inch is minimized and accounted for, this makeup case keeps all her makeup compact and organized. The sections are fully customizable to suit her needs.

Guys //

one. Monogram Slim Wallet // This sleek wallet is easy to throw in a backpack or a shorts pocket without feeling bulky. The leather and monogramming are a special touch!

two. Corkcicle Water Bottle // Show some school pride and keep your water cold at the same time! My son still uses the same Corkcicle he received for graduation two years ago!

three. Shower Bag // While guys don’t have a fraction of the toiletries that girls have, they still need a convenient way to get it back-and-forth to the bathroom! This bag fits all of their essentials, with a zipper closure and strap for easy transport.

four. Shower Sandals // I know, I know… these sandals are definitely not cute, but they’re all the rage! They wear them in the shower, and all over campus! #why

five. Personalized Journal // This handsome journal can work as a loose agenda or planner, a way to take long-hand notes during class, or even as a diary of sorts! It looks great, and you may be surprised at how often your dude will use it!

six. AirPods // AirPods are always going to make their way onto my gift guides… they are just such a no brainer! The kids listen to music constantly, and these provide great sound, with no wires. My son actually slept in his to tune out the dorm noises.

seven. Wireless Speaker // Not only is this speaker waterproof and portable, the charge lasts for up to 20 hours and you can also take phone calls on it! It’s compact, but packs a powerful sound. This will be a dorm hall pleaser for sure.

eight. Dorm First Aid Kit // Your 18-year-old may think this kit is overkill, but they will be thanking you as soon as they need a bandaid and a dose of ibuprofen! It packs up nicely to fit under the bed or in a drawer, and comes in handy more times than they’ll admit.

nine. Wireless Charging Station // If you’re an Apple family like we are, then this wireless charging station is the perfect gift! Keep everything organized and in one place for easy charging of all your devices, all with a single cord.

ten. LED Strip Lights // Dorm rooms are a bland blank space, and it’s tricky to make them feel warm and homey… especially with guys who won’t let mom really decorate, ha! These lights add an instant ‘mood’ (his words) and were a huge hit. Both my kids have a set in their rooms at home, too. It’s a no-fail gift!

eleven. Backpack // This is a Sugarplum family staple! We use them for trips and hikes, and both my kids use them for school, too. It has tons of pockets, a protected laptop spot, and is the perfect size for toting across campus.

Just Add a Gift Card //

We can come up with great gift ideas all day long, but the thing they all want most is cash! These small gifts are a great little something-something to accompany the money or gift card.

one. Outlet Expander // Between phones, computers, lamps, fans and more… the dorm never has enough outlets. This gadget has four universal outlets plus three USB ports… so they should really be set! It’s sleek and compact, too.

two. Keychain Wallet // College kids need their keys and IDs on them at all times, so this handy keychain wallet is the perfect gift! The wallet and ring are detachable, plus it comes in several colors.

three. Devotional Book // College life is challenging… these short and simple devotions will give them a little encouragement.

four. Academic Planner // I don’t know how else to do it… keeping a planner with all assignments, tests, and events seems like the best and only way to stay organized! My son was never an agenda guy, but ordered one by the second week of freshman year!

five. 2021 Bracelet // This is a stylish and sentimental accessory to commemorate their graduation year!

six. Sound Machine // Dorms and college kids are loud, with varying schedules and bedtimes. Mr. College Guy wouldn’t have made it out of the dorms without his sound machine!

seven. Keyring // I love the sweet encouragement and reminder of how much they’re loved.

eight. Laundry Bag // Whether they’re carrying it down to the basement or home for you, all kids need a laundry bag. This one is not only roomy, but has straps for easy carrying. Plus an exterior pocket to hold the soap!

nine. Planner Notepad // This notepad is a fun daily tracker for to-do’s, assignments, even your water intake! This doesn’t need to be reserved for just grads!

ten. School Shirt // If you know their school destination, freshmen can never have enough spirit gear!

I hope this has been helpful in finding the perfect gift for all the grads in your life. Because more than ever, this class of 2021 needs to be celebrated!! Do you have other ideas to add to the list? What things do you love to give, or did your graduates appreciate most?

If you’re prepping your little bird to fly the next, my Dorm Room Essentials post might be helpful. Find it HERE.