Empty nesters are experienced in graduations, yet gift giving is something that takes a lot of time and thought. This graduation gift guide for empty nesters will save you loads of time with graduation gifts they’ll actually use (and love!). Whether they are starting college or moving into their post-grad first apartment, these graduation gift ideas are smart, stylish, and some of the best grad gifts for celebrating this milestone.
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Give the Gift of Tech
We know how important laptops are for college and beyond. Whether you pick a Dell or Apple computer, a new laptop is essential, especially when technology becomes outdated so quickly. Start your grad’s next chapter off with a fresh, new decluttered computer — a useful graduation gift your grad will love!
But music is also a top priority for this generation of grads. Apple’s newest headphone models — Apple Airpods Max — provide crystal-clear Apple audio, active noise cancellation, and easy connectivity between Apple products. Even their latest Apple Airpods 4 has active noise cancellation inside their tiny earbuds.
Get it engraved! Did you know Apple Airpods Max headphones can be engraved? Add a special message, intials or emojis to make it cool and identifiable!
Tech wellness is also all the rage with Gen Z. Think Apple Watch, Oura Ring, or WHOOP devices designed to give a complete picture of your grad’s health! Very cool and a grad gift they’ll actually use (and love!)
The “Carry-On” Suitcase
Quick getaways to visit Mom & Dad are on the horizon. Make it easier for them with a sleek, durable carry-on bag they will love. These carry-ons are perfect for weekend getaways or job interviews in new cities. No doubt, a popular grad gift from parents!
Converitable backpack: Great for grads on the move! Zip around closure reveals a roomy interior for clothing and other essentials. Perfect weekender bag!
Perfect for weekend getaways, job interviews and conferences, Halfday Garment Duffels pack alot of punch in a small space! Half garment + half duffel! A Forbes, Esquire and Gear Patrol favorite!
Athleisure Favorites
Grads love living in comfort and style for relaxed weekends with friends. Gen Z essentials include Lululemon, Vuori, Adidas, Alo Yoga or Free People Movement!
College Memories
Whether your grad is heading to college or leaving it for new adulting adventures, a part of them is always with their alma mater! Your grad will love these college memorabilia gifts full of memories with college friends!
Messenger Bag/Work Bag
Cool work bags are tricky to find, especially one that looks smart while comfortably fiting a laptop and other items. Professional and polished, these picks are perfect for job interviews, yet are bags your grad will actually use (and love)!
City Living Essentials
Big kids in the big city need a lot of things to keep them safe. Apple Air Tags help track bags in case stolen. A She’sBirdie Personal Alarm helps them feel safe while walking city streets at night. Sleek Bandolier phone cases come in so many styles and colors with convertible straps, keeping phones close to deter pickpocketers. They can even fit underneath your jacket!
Chef It Up
New grads need lots of encouragement to create healthy meals! Here are some great ways they can learn to cook up great dishes and keep up their wellness goals. Start with Crate & Barrel for kitchen gifts for your grad that are modern and stylish. For high school grads, they even have a Crate & Barrel Dorm Shop with appliances that fit easily in dorm rooms! Build from there and add in necessities from Amazon, Walmart, Sur La Table, Greenpan, Caraway Home just to name a few!
Greenpan cookware is Bobby Flay and Stanley Tucci approved! Healthy ceramic cookware is a great grad gift, especially when moving into a new apartment!
Too busy to cook? Give them a subscription to Blue Apron!
With this Air Fryer, they can make quick meals with minimal mess!
Did someone say protein shakes? Anytime with this Ninja blender!
Dorm Room Haven
Create a comfy, cozy bedroom space with the perfect grad gift!
Let their personality come out in dorm rooms with fun creative elements from dorm shops such as Crate & Barrel Dorm Shop, Dormify or PB Teen! Such cute designs with everything geared towards making smaller spaces more comfortable. A grad gift they will love and actually use! Not sure of their style? Give them a gift card and let them choose themselves!
Hatch Alarm Clock — Rise and shine gently in the morning with this sunrise alarm clock.
Cozy bedding and comfy pajamas allows new grads to create a bedroom haven where they are comfortable and safe. GIfts from Cozy Earth, Brooklinen, Ugg or Home Goods make great gifts and dress up their personal spaces. A custom plush college throw with their initials and college logo is a great personalized grad gift they’ll actually use (and love)!
Jewelry and Watches
Of course, you can’t go wrong with jewelry for your grad to remember this milestone moment! Chic graduation gifts for grads are always a good idea. They are perfect for parents to give for either a daughter’s gradution or son’s graduation. Best options are subtle, polished pieces that work from 9am to networking to after-work dinner with friends. Consider luxe Chopard, classic David Yurman, or popular Gorjana. You can find more great jewelry gifts for grad under $200 here!
Classic jewelry and watch gifts for grads
Gift Cards
When in doubt, give freedom of choice. Gift cards to Apple Store, Amazon, Uber Eats, Giftcards.com (includes Visa gift cards), Wayfair, or DoorDash are popular and much appreciated!
Digital Photo Frame (WiFi-Enabled)
Digital photo grames are great for displaying memories from home or college in real time! Wifi enabled, these digital photo frames have advanced and is a grad gift they will actually use and love.
Leather Card Holder or Wallet
Perfect for business cards, credit cards or cash! A business card holder or wallet is a grad gift empty nesters know they will use again and again. Consider TUMI, YSL, Burberry or personalize it with Leatherology!
Choose a classic you can personalize:
Toast the Graduate
Custom Engraved Bottle of Champagne
A thoughtful, custom engraved bottle of bubbly to commemorate this graduation milestone for any college or graduate school student!
Cheers To New Chapters
No matter which gift you choose, the most meaningful part is a big hug acknowledging a grad’s accomplishments. A thoughtful present — whether it’s timeless jewelry, a luxe accessory, something for their dorm room, first job or apartment — your gift will remind them of this special moment. This empty nester gift guide will help you find great graduation gifts they will actually use (and love!). Cheers to new chapters, fresh starts, and everything ahead! 🎉
For more great gift ideas, check out our Ultimate Millenial an Gen Z Gift Guide!
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