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This leather bag
All Handbags Rouched Tote
This leather bag
All Handbags Rouched Tote
Pros
- so long-lasting
- removable and adjustable shoulder strap
Cons
- pricey
They probably have a million of those reusable totes, but it’s actually way more sustainable to just have one that’s more durable that they use every day. Also? This bag looks sleek and professional making it perf for any occasion.
An Amazon Gift Card
Amazon Gift Card in a Graduation Cap Box
An Amazon Gift Card
Amazon Gift Card in a Graduation Cap Box
Pros
- fast and easy
Cons
- not a personal gift
When in doubt!! It’s safe to say most college graduates or students want money. This gift card, which comes in a cute graduation cap box, makes it perfect for the occasion.
Glowing Review: “Great graduation gift for those not sure what the new graduate wants. Better than gifting money since you know where they’ll be spending it.”
A Clever Card Game
Uncommon Goods Things They Don’t Teach You in School Game
A Clever Card Game
Uncommon Goods Things They Don’t Teach You in School Game
Pros
- inspires conversations
Cons
- not for competitive gamers
Cue alllllll the jokes about learning things in school that you’ll never need to know. This card game is full of 400 random facts to add to that list (and it’ll draw out your grad into chatting about their lives).
Glowing Review: “We had such a blast playing this game! Great party game. I’m not even sure if we were following the rules but we had a good time ‘learning.'”
The First Piece of Their Office Wardrobe
Simple Retro Ann V-Neck Puff Sleeve Blouse
The First Piece of Their Office Wardrobe
Simple Retro Ann V-Neck Puff Sleeve Blouse
Pros
- versatile and timeless
Cons
- handwash only
If they’re headed to an office, help kick off their grownup work wardrobe with a classic white button-down shirt. This blouse by vintage-inspired brand Simple Retro is versatile to style with trousers, jeans, and skirts. And the puff sleeves and pretty pearl buttons give it an extra flair that feels unique and special.
A Book to Deal With Post-Grad Life
Adam Smiley Poswolsky The Quarter-Life Break-Through
A Book to Deal With Post-Grad Life
Adam Smiley Poswolsky The Quarter-Life Break-Through
Pros
- practical and sensible
Cons
- lots of anecdotes
This book gives solid career advice and attempts to answer the age-old question: “How can I have a job I love that also pays my rent?” A question for everyone, but especially in your 20s!
Glowing Review: “As a lost millennial who is in the middle of changing industries, Adam’s book was insightful in providing different perspectives to find my own direction without being limited to the corporate ladder…I would recommend this book for 20-30 year olds who are unhappy with their career path and are willing to self-reflect in order to change their life.”
A Unique Graduation Ring
Senia Invidia Customizable Ring
A Unique Graduation Ring
Senia Invidia Customizable Ring
Pros
- fully customizable
Cons
- since it’s custom, you need to allow 5-7 weeks for production
Class rings are cool and all, but this luxe ring set makes the idea look 1000 times chicer. You can have the year they’re graduating commemorated in roman numerals for a special yet subtle way for them to remember (and proudly wear) their achievement. Senia’s ring set is fully customizable, and you can choose between a variety of 14k yellow, white, and rose gold bands and 14k white gold hardware with diamonds.
a grown-up lunch box
Monbento Bento Box with Compartments
a grown-up lunch box
Monbento Bento Box with Compartments
Pros
- versatile
Cons
- small
They might have had the flexibility to eat wherever during college, but if they have an office job lined up, they’ll be rlly thankful for this practical lunch box set—which comes with three removable containers.
Glowing Review: “This bento is very sleek and beautifully designed, I have already received some curious questions and compliments about it. After receiving this bento it has already encouraged me to bring lunch from home more and spend less money on eating out. I already have started a Pinterest board for bento lunch ideas, I’m so excited.”
A Sleek Card Holder
MaxGear RFID Credit Card Holder
A Sleek Card Holder
MaxGear RFID Credit Card Holder
Pros
- durable and light
Cons
- only holds six cards
A thin case in a trendy rose-gold shade is perfect for holding business cards. You know, for all that networking they’re about to do.
Glowing Review: “I’ve dropped it many times and it still opens and closes like its supposed to. Most of all I love the size of it. I can fit it in my coat or pant pocket very easily. Helps me not have to lug around a big wallet. It has 6 card compartments…Very nifty little thing, and I get a lot of compliments on it.”
A Monthly Planner
Indeme 2022-2023 Planner
A Monthly Planner
Indeme 2022-2023 Planner
Now 32% Off
Pros
- multifunctional
Cons
- a bit small
Nothing says “getting my sh*t together” like penciling post-grad plans and goals into a cute graphic calendar. They’ll look, and feel, so adult!!
Glowing Review: “On the inside there is a detachable ruler and plenty of note space. It’s big but not so big that it takes up too much space; it’s the perfect size. It has space for extra important dates i.e., wedding dates or birthdates. There is a phone book section that I think is adorable…I got all my main goals written down with dates and the inside of planner is for the little details and steps needed to reach those goals.”
A Scrapbook
Veicevol 256 Pockets Mini Photo Album for Fujifilm Instax
A Scrapbook
Veicevol 256 Pockets Mini Photo Album for Fujifilm Instax
Pros
- stores tons of pics
Cons
- plastic sometimes wrinkles
Finally! A place to put all those party pics and polaroids from the good ole days. This photo album comes with 256 mini photo sleeves that are the perfect size for instant photos.
Glowing Review: “I love this album. So much room and is a good deal for the price. The album is sturdy and the pages aren’t thin so they’re durable. Very happy with this product. Please make more colors 😁.”
This Laptop Desk
KLEAR Laptop Bed Tray Desk
This Laptop Desk
KLEAR Laptop Bed Tray Desk
Pros
- multifunctional
Cons
- needs to be plugged in
Anyone who’s WFH would love one of these adjustable laptop stands. They can use it when they’re lying in bed or on the couch, then convert it into a stand-up desk when they need to stretch their legs.
Glowing Review: “Don’t know why I didn’t buy these previously. It’s so convenient working from bed with this table. Will have to buy another one because now my daughter loves to take it from me and use it for herself.”
A Nice Leather Journal
Leatherology Medium Wrap Journal
A Nice Leather Journal
Leatherology Medium Wrap Journal
Pros
- luxe-looking
Cons
- small
Time for the new grad to put the spiral notebooks to rest and switch to a nice leather-bound option for note-taking at the new job.
Glowing Review: “Great quality journal for my needs! The leather is soft and supple but feels like it can handle a lifetime of use. Fine craftsmanship and the embossing looks fantastic.”
Pros
- multiple different sizes
Now that they’ve graduated, they’ll have to make some mature decisions in their future. One of which? Settling on their signature scent that is lightyears away from the $10 body spray they had throughout school. We recommend this one from Who is Elijah with floral and musk notes.
A Place to Store Keepsakes
West Elm Marble Vanity Boxes
A Place to Store Keepsakes
West Elm Marble Vanity Boxes
Pros
- sleek and heavy
Cons
- unlined
A keepsake box for storing their graduation tassel, stole, medals, and other mementos is absolutely, unexpectedly great. If you really feel like going all out, slip a little gift card inside, too.
A Funny Card
CatBoneDesign Michael Scott Graduation Card
A Funny Card
CatBoneDesign Michael Scott Graduation Card
Pros
- ships fast
Cons
- thinner than cardstock
Just wanna send ’em some cash in the mail? Pick out a funny card to go with it!
Glowing Review: “Got this for a high school graduate who loves The Office. Chose her school colors. Great quality. Would recommend.”
This Laptop Cover
Chic Geeks Light Gold Silk MacBook Case
This Laptop Cover
Chic Geeks Light Gold Silk MacBook Case
Pros
- comes in lots of colors and designs
Cons
- not available in every size
A new protective case for their work laptop would be such a nice touch (and a stylish way to start a new gig). This one’s made of strong polyurethane leather and has a pearly finish.
Glowing Review: “Literally had my computer out for 30 seconds and everyone around me was commenting on how beautiful this case is! Well made and fits perfect!”
These Gold Barware Pieces
West Elm Chelsea Barware
These Gold Barware Pieces
West Elm Chelsea Barware
Pros
- super-shiny
Cons
- sold individually
Buy this luxe cocktail shaker, ice bucket, tray, wine cooler, angled jigger, and tongs separately, or make a little bar cart gift set with the whole collection.
A Professional-Looking Commuter Bag
Senreve Alunna Bag
A Professional-Looking Commuter Bag
Senreve Alunna Bag
Pros
- vibrant colors
Cons
- pricey $$$
Upgrade their flimsy backpack with a sleek leather one. This one comes in a buncha colors and converts from a crossbody to a backpack, perfect for when they need to quickly change from a day at the office to a fun night out.
Glowing Review: “It gives just a pop of color to your outfits and fits everything I need, and still have room just in case I want to add a bit more.”
Pros
- fast and flexible
Cons
- gets expensive
Any recent grad could absolutely use a meal subscription box that not only teaches them how to cook but also comes with everything they’d need to whip it up.
Glowing Review: “The food is definitely fresh. The recipes are easy to understand and taste great! There’s a lot of great variety with the meals as well…I also like the flexibility of only needing to order two meals a week but if you want more you can. We’ve been ordering from here over a year now and will probably continue to do so.”
A CUTE CARRY-ON
Coolife Luggage Suitcase Piece Set
A CUTE CARRY-ON
Coolife Luggage Suitcase Piece Set
Pros
- durable
Cons
- zipper can occasionally stick
For those post-grad travelers in need of a luggage refresh, these lightweight carry-ons have a hard case and a locking pad to protect their valuables. Oh, and it’s so stylish.
Glowing Review: “I needed a new carry-on luggage around the 20/21 inch size to fit in most overhead compartments on planes…It is so useful to pull out your laptop while going through airport security. Luggage is also very lightweight and very smooth with the double wheels. The luggage also has more pockets and storage then any carry-on luggage I’ve ever seen. After research[ing], I don’t think anything can compare.”
Associate Shopping Editor
Daisy Maldonado is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan who loves writing about her favorite fashion staples, beauty picks, and digital culture. When she’s not writing, you can almost certainly find her shopping (she knows her credit card numbers by heart) or obsessing over celebrity news. Although she’s acquired an extensive closet over the years, her favorite item she owns is a Harry Styles Love On Tour hoodie she purchased at his concert in Manchester. Daisy’s work has appeared on Refinery29, The Daily Beast, E! News, Allure and more. Keep up with all of her chaotic travels, NYC life and fashionable moments on her Instagram.
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