Celebrate graduates with special gifts this year, especially since commencement may be an unorthodox virtual experience — or canceled altogether. Whether graduates are making the leap from junior high school, high school, college or preparing to venture out on their own, help them transition to their next major milestone with everything from a commemorative pin to a portable speaker. And, when it’s safe to travel again, this list has them covered with a stylish weekend bag, gift cards and dinner, which can be delivered to their favorite friend’s house. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution lists 10 items that will show just how proud you are that the graduate in your life crossed the finish line.
Year-round
Graduates can commemorate their milestone as often as they please with a class of 2020 pin by PinCentive. This metro Atlanta company offers the lapel pins in a variety of colors including orange, green, black and purple. $2.99. pincentives.com
Picture this
Creating yearbook photos (or any photos, really) just became instantaneous. Polaroid Lab creates physical pictures through a portable darkroom system so grads can use their smartphones to print pictures with friends, teachers and more. There's also an embedded hidden AR content feature that can be added to each physical photo, and after scanning, the hidden message is revealed. If you have a minute, literally, check out the YouTube video or Google "Polaroid Lab video" to see how easy it is to use the petite printer. $129.99. us.polaroid.com
By faith
"Morning by Morning," a small book with short devotions for each calendar day helps readers keep the faith. In addition to thoughtful messages and scriptures, the book features gilt-edged pages, a ribbon page marker and a presentation page for both the gift giver and recipient to sign. It's a nice little present that can become a generational treasure. $14.99. christianartgifts.com
Pump up the jam
The BluBoom portable speaker by Triple C can be a nice gift for all ages. The tiny boom box, which is almost 3-inches all around, makes listening to favorite tunes, a commencement speech or soothing meditation music possible just about anywhere since the wireless range reaches up to 30 feet and the battery lasts up to seven hours. $38.99. mountainhighoutfitters.com
Signature style
For grads who may be squeamish about touching other people's things, gift them with the Explorer fountain pen by Pilot. Whether they are taking notes or signing their name on a contract for a first apartment or job, they'll be able to put their personal pen to paper. $27. amazon.com
Personalized book
Parents who saved artwork, assignments and report cards can combine these items into a personalized book from 4ever Bound. After gathering the aforementioned items and mailing it, the company then binds each sheet in a hardcover book with your child's name on so pages can last longer than posting on your refrigerator. Book sizes vary up to 250 pages. $49.95-$89.95. 4everbound.com
Meals, delivered
Food delivery services are practically a staple of life these days. Busy grads can appreciate Purple Carrot's plant-based menu of gluten — dairy-free — easy prep meals delivered to their door. Dinner plans such as lemon zucchini noodles, smoky portobello tacos and vegetable green curry start at $9.99 per serving. Lunch and breakfast plans are also available; prices vary. purplecarrot.com
Easy money
Celebrate your scholar with a little each cash and a place to stash it. Moneyphant by Georg Jensen is the stainless-steel, mirrored version of a piggybank, designed with modern sophistication for grown-up saving. As a surprise, fold a few dollars and insert them in the bank. $89. georgjensen.com
Going somewhere?
When it is safe to go outside and travel, do it in style with a calfskin weekend bag from Made Leather Co. Crafted in Morocco, the handmade bag features an adjustable and removable strap, exterior side storage plus a zip and buckle closure to keep goods safely stored. $385. madeleathercompany.com
Plan ahead
The celebratory graduation trip can still happen, just at a later date. Delta and American Airlines offer e-gift and physical gift cards, so when it's safe to fly the friendly skies, this gift can be cashed in. Denominations start at $50. Delta, delta.com; American Airlines, aa.com
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