8 Gifts Your Grad Definitely Won’t Return

Group of happy graduates in graduation regalia, throwing their caps in the air against a bright blue skyIt’s that time of year again: finals have wrapped, plans are in motion, and hats WILL be thrown in the air. Yes friends, graduation time is (finally) upon us. And we all know what that means, don’t we? TIME TO FIND A JOB! Just kidding. Kind of. Before that, your grad will be walkin’ that stage with the biggest grin you’ve ever seen, and though your “love and support” mean the world to them, we’re sure it wouldn’t hurt to get them a little extra somethin’ somethin’. Here are a few ideas for grad gifts that they definitely need (and/or want).

1. Pump The Gas

Times are tough, commutes are long, and gas gets expensive. Any grad with a car is sure to love a tank or two on you. Throw in a card with some catchy phrase, like, “The road goes on forever, and the party never ends.” (Thanks, Robert Earl Keen!)

2. What’s Cookin, Good Lookin’?

Every college grad has seen the worst of times, especially in the form of “dinner.” (Cereal, anyone?) A cookbook for a newbie is something that will definitely be useful when it comes time to, ahem, actually cooking.

3. Pots (and Pans) of Gold

Speaking of cooking, the microwave doesn’t count. A nice set of cookware will serve your new grad well in their post-grad apartment that actually has a stove and oven!

4. Graduate the Red Cup

Many grads have seen their fair share of red cups filled with the college beverage of choice. Up the ante and the adulting with some nice barware and a top-notch bottle of wine to celebrate the occasion.

5. The Gift of Chillin’ 24/7

Has your grad been sharing a Netflix account with twelve other friends, two raccoons, and that random guy that lives across the street in that sketchy house? Do them a favor and get them their own Netflix account. Give those raccoons their space.

6. Memory Capturing Device

No, not an iPhone. For the traveling grad, something equivalent to a GoPro or a DSLR would be ideal to make sure nothing that’s worth snapping (for more than 10 seconds) is missed.

7. It’s All About Who You Know

Though not a physical gift, connections are a grad’s best friend. Know someone who does what your grad wants to do for a living? Introduce them! Something as small as an email address or LinkedIn intro is appreciated.

8. If All Else Fails…

Show them the money.

Another idea? Give your grad the gift of “home.” Help them find their next one on ApartmentSearch.com, where you can browse tons of apartments for rent.