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Grads might not have walked to “Pomp and Circumstance” this year, but you can still recognize their achievements with the perfect gift. Statistics show most adults spend between $100 and $125 on graduation gifts. While cash is always welcome, there are more memorable — and helpful — gifts that can help your favorite new adult navigate life, have fun, and set themselves up in their own home.
1. The latest smart home technology
Whether they are planning to settle into a dorm or their first apartment, everyone needs a voice-activated home assistant to help. Even if they have one, they’ll appreciate the latest version with the newest — and coolest — skills. The Echo Show 8 features HD video display, stereo sound, and more — like the ability to call parents and grandparents with a simple command.
Find it: Amazon
2. Turn their bike into indoor exercise equipment
Many young adults use a bike to get around, whether on campus or to their new city-based jobs. Help them turn their primary mode of transport into indoor exercise equipment with this bike stand. They can train and stay fit, even when the weather isn’t cooperating. Plus, it’s a handy way to store their prized possession.
Find it: Amazon
3. Headphones to impress
Headphones are more than just a way to listen to music or podcasts privately. These days, wireless headphones are part of a person’s outfit. That means every grad wants the latest and greatest. These wireless Beats headphones will impress their friends and still let them finish that call with grandma or grandpa on the sly.
Find it: Amazon
4. Coffee to make their barista jealous
Coffee and new grads are almost synonymous. Any gift that serves them quality, easy coffee in the dorm or apartment will be a winner. Try this Nespresso coffee maker from Bosch, which brews tasty, gourmet coffee even a barista would approve of. All they need are Nespresso pods and water to create a brew that will help them study — or party — all night.
Find it: Amazon
5. Keep them safe and prepared
Every parent and grandparent worries when their kid or grandkid steps into the world on their own. Worry a bit less with a first aid kit that will keep them ready for any emergency, whether they are on the road, camping, or hanging at home. Hopefully they never need it, but they’ll thank you for thinking of their well-being.
Find it: Amazon
6. Blending with the best of them
Most young adults are health conscious and all-in on the smoothie craze. Whether they are training to stay fit, on a diet, or just want to have their own personal Jamba Juice at home, this Nutribullet/blender combination is sure to keep them healthy. It includes a single-serving cup and a multi-serving pitcher, so they can entertain friends (and you can pretend they aren’t using it for mixed drinks).
Find it: Amazon
7. Travel accessories for… someday
Almost all young grads are eager to see the world. While they can’t travel at the moment, they’ll be excited to own a quality, stylish luggage set that has them ready to go. This luggage set includes TSA-friendly locks (and looks good, too).
Find it: Amazon
8. What’s old (in cameras) is new again
Despite having a camera at their fingertips, young adults are having fun with older technology like this Fujifilm Instax Mini camera. It takes fun, quick photos of friends that they can then actually have in print – instantly. There are plenty of fun accessories in this set, too, like a case, filters and ways to decorate and hang their masterpieces.
Find it: Amazon
9. A new laptop for the next chapter
Chances are your grad used a trusty laptop to get through high school or college. But most computers only have a shelf-life of a few years before their owners are itching for the latest technology, slimmer size, and a bigger screen. Wow them with this Dell laptop that is consistently rated one of the best around.
Find it: Amazon
10. The prime gift is … Prime
Amazon Prime does it all. Between two-day shipping, original programs and movies, free Kindle books, and music, Prime is the gift that keeps on giving. Gift your grad a year of Prime to keep them entertained and ready to online shop for anything they might need.
Find it: Amazon
