Stacks of graduation announcements will soon begin to fill your mailbox. You’ll want to give gifts to the young people in your life who’ve accomplished so much. But what to give? Cash is always appreciated by those who are about to launch, but if you’d like a few more creative gift ideas, we’ve put together some grad gift inspirations for you.
Jewelry is a perfect gift for women no matter their age or occasion. Young women will particularly like the FlexiHoop earrings at Bluebird Boutique. These rhinestone-adorned hoops come in four sizes and three different metals: gold, rose gold and silver. But the best part is their flexibility. Your graduate will never again have to worry about a tugged or snagged earring. $29
The Gorjana anchor pendant necklace is a wonderful way to symbolize how education has provided your graduate an anchor in life, or maybe as a reminder to remained anchored in your family’s values as they move into their future. $50
Stone teardrop earrings available in sunny spring colors might be just the simple yet fanciful gift you’re looking for. $49
3909 W. 50th St.; 952.746.8675; bluebirdboutique.com
It’s a Money Thing! The Girl’s Guide to Managing Money is on the bookshelf at Gather on France. There’s no better time to get your graduate off on the right financial foot. $12.99
College Safety 101: Miss Independent’s Guide to Empowerment, Confidence and Staying Safe makes for a particularly practical gift. $16.95
5041 France Ave. S,; 612.920.1400; gatheronfrance.com
A full range of Vera Bradley fashion accessories await you at Live, Laugh, Love Gifts. These beautifully quilted accessories are a hit with young women, with patterns like Plum Crazy and Jazzy Blooms popular for spring.
A hanging jewelry organizer for the dorm closet. $50
Cosmetic bag. $30
Messenger bag for carrying a laptop and other essentials. $86
The Weekender Bag is perfect for visiting the parents during breaks in their busy college or work schedule. It’s fully washable with handles, a shoulder strap and a slot for layering the bag over the telescoping handle of a wheeled suitcase for longer trips. $98
If you’re looking for a practical gift that she’ll love, the Vera Bradley zip I.D. key ring is perfect. Slip some cash in the zippered pouch or maybe a gas gift card or a gift card to your graduate’s favorite store or restaurant into the I.D. slot, and you’re set! $12
Add a matching lanyard for $12
5019 France Ave. S.,; 952.929.0701; livelaughlovegifts.com
Tumi in the Galleria offers distinctive gift choices for grads heading off to college, entering the workforce or taking time out to travel. A laptop can be slipped easily into a slim messenger bag ($235) or the Benning deluxe messenger bag ($275). For longer trips and travels, consider the Kingsville backpack ($395).
Galleria, 69th and France; 952.920.0682; tumi.com
Smathers and Branson hand-stitched needlepoint accessories make fun and unique gifts for men of any age. Twill by Scott Dayton in the Galleria has a selection of Smathers and Branson gifts that you’ll be remembered for: wallets ($115), credit card wallets ($55) and belts ($165). All of these pieces inspire a whimsical confidence perfect for the artistic, offbeat grad.
3295 Galleria; 952.922.2711; twillbyscottdayton.com
Many grads get gifts of the latest technology. Protect their digital acquisitions with an iPad tablet cover from Brookstone at Southdale Center. Covers range from $19.99 to $130 depending on the style and whether you include a Bluetooth wireless keyboard.
Not sure what size or type of device your grad is getting this year? Whether they have and iPod, an iPad or something in between, most any digital device can play your graduate’s favorite song lists wirelessly with your gift of Bluetooth wireless speakers. They’re portable, practical and perfect for dorm rooms or new apartments. $100–$400
1840 Southdale Center; 952.929.9064; brookstone.com
