Give Your Grad The Perfect Present

Skip the cash and give the student in your life a thoughtful gift. Here are a few ideas that are practical, tasty and just plain fun.

If there’s a new grad in your family, you’ll want to celebrate and commemorate his or her accomplishments with a cool graduation gift. Sure, everyone loves to receive cash and gift cards, but sometimes a well-thought-out present—whether practical for the future or personalized for the individual—can show how much you care.

Below is our curated graduation gift guide, including items for young students to pieces for those now entering adulthood.

College Grads

• Oh, the places your student will go post-graduation. Whether they’re taking a well-deserved summer vacation or off on their first business trip, any new grad will find Tumi’s International Carry-On luggage stylish and useful.
  *Available at Tumi, Paramus, 201.843.1274
• Retire those twin extra-long dorm room sheets and welcome your grad to the world of grown-up bedding. A luxurious Italian Percale duvet cover, flat and fitted sheets, pillow cases and shams from Hudson Park Collection will give a serious upgrade to bedroom décor.
  *Available at Bloomingdale’s, Hackensack, 201.457.2000
• Your grad will never lose track of time with a new watch. This Tag Heuer Formula 1 timepiece combines both style and sportiness that’s suitable for a variety of occasions: a day at the office, a night out with friends or a relaxing Saturday at the park.
  *Available at Bloomingdale’s, Hackensack, 201.457.2000

High School Grads

• For the young adult who’ll be off to college in the fall, this 15-lbs. reversible weighted blanket by Ella Jayne will keep him or her warm and cozy while offering a comforting “hug” when needed.
  *Available at Macy’s, Paramus, 201.967.1400
• The Little America eco backpack by Herschel Supply Co. is made from durable recycled materials, perfect for carrying books and laptops around campus or toting gear and supplies on a hiking trail.
  *Available at REI, Paramus, 201.226.1560
• The gift of sweets never fails, and perhaps there’s no better snack than a chocolate-covered Oreo. Franklin Lakes-based Lorios makes college-themed cookies for grads filled with school spirit.
  *Available at Lorios, Franklin Lakes.

Junior High Grads

• Students can work and take Zoom calls almost anywhere, and this LapGear lap desk will provide a comfortable surface on any couch, bed or hammock.
  *Available at Staples, East Rutherford, 201.531.9777
• Decorating a locker is a rite of passage for every high schooler, and your teen can fill his or hers with plenty of instant photos thanks to the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Camera.
  *Available at Best Buy, Paramus 201.556.1321
• Give your kid this portable power bank by Zendure and he or she will never use the “my phone ran out of battery” excuse again. It’s the size of a credit card, so it’ll fit in any pocket.
  *Available at Amazon

Pre-K Grads

• Olivia’s Space Academy LEGO set can help build your child’s imagination, and with more than 750 pieces, it’ll keep them occupied for several hours.
  *Available at LEGO Store, Paramus, 201.843.2063
• Your young one may no longer need a night light, but all children will fall in love with this Himalayan Glow USB rechargeable LED moon lamp. The energy efficient light remains cool to the touch and will illuminate any room day or night.
  *Available at The Home Depot, Hackensack, 201.336.3041
• Your little one will discover a whole new world when they use National Geographic’s starter microscope. It comes with prepared and blank slides, tweezers and a guide for your future STEAM lover.
  *Available at Macy’s, Paramus, 201.843.9100

What are you gifting your grad? Tell us your picks on Instagram @bergenmagnj.