Graduating from college is a big accomplishment, and it's an even bigger transition. More than 1.5 million grads will be entering the job market this year, and they will be looking to enter this next phase of life in style.
“The party's over, and now it's time to show the world what you learned and to use it to make your mark," says Dr. Gilda Carle, a business and life coach and author of Amplify Your Media Presence, Amplify Your Brand. “College gave them the steak, and now they have to sizzle.
"They need to impress their elders by embracing the attitudes and responsibility that come with adulthood."
It is time for all graduates, Dr. Carle says, to realize they are their own brand, and that they need to market themselves as such. She insists that success will come to grads who are willing to adapt to an adult world that requires more refinement than the average toga party.
The party's over, and now it's time to show the world what you learned and to use it to make your mark. College gave them the steak, and now they have to sizzle.
Dr. Gilda Carle, Business and life coach
“They need to understand they need to sell their unique skills and be willing to learn from those who have more experience and worldly knowledge than they do," she says.
Graduates also must acknowledge they're in a transition period. That means displaying a willingness to develop the necessary social and professional skills to fit in among an older and more mature crowd.
“It's more than just about knowing you want to get to the top of the ladder," Dr. Carle explains. “It's about making a good impression on every rung — whether in your personal or professional life."
But Dr. Carle is quick to point out that graduates also deserve time to enjoy their accomplishments, before they make "the climb." "A degree is an official document granting every graduate the right to celebrate their achievements!" she says.
Hard work merits great rewards, and we've gathered some of the best gifts for graduation to ensure the celebration of the most advanced degree.
Best college graduation gifts for 2024
Bag up their bathrooms
College is history, so make sure the aspiring professional's hygiene is primed for the White House rather than "Animal House." This embroidered and canvassed toiletry bag will help them keep their grooming essentials close and organized in an environment that makes their old dorm bathrooms look like disaster areas.
Introduce them to mature munchies
Harry & David’s scrumptious “Fruit of the Month” collections serve up monthly shipments of fresh fruit packages and artisan cheeses, along with decadent chocolate and fruit paired with award-winning wines. These premium experiences are sure to keep them from running home to raid the fridge.
Start her off with style
Lighten the load for a young woman's journey into the working world with a hand-stitched, fully padded denim crossbody bag. The spacious and stylish unique design will allow her to carry the necessary tools of any trade, including iPads and other tablets, and comes complete with both an inspirational message and easy-wash instructions.
Help them find their zen
Calm post-commencement stress disorder (PCSD) syndrome and the shock of trading frat parties for loan payments with a calming array of gifts for relaxation. The soothing selection includes a wellness fountain, meditation bowl, and even a Gandhi quote necklace.
Enlighten them
Get them to toss out the strobes and lava lamps, and shine a new light on living like an adult with the soft glow and arresting aromas of candles. These come in a array of delicious scents, including peach, pear, and orange blossom.
Plant the seeds of home décor
Help the grad replace the traditional crop of dorm fridge mold and fallen laundry foliage with beautiful plants ranging from domestic gardenias to exotic olive bonsai trees. All arrive in unique and attractive bases that give their living space a decidedly adult presentation.
Share the sweet smell of success
Launch the college grad into adult life with a clean slate with bath bombs and scented soaps. With scents like luxurious lavender and stunning citrus, these sweet-smelling graduation gifts instantly raise the bar on their personal hygiene and put potential employers on their scent!
Give the gift of entertainment know-how
Being an adult means hosting grown-up gatherings for colleagues and romantic partners. Give them the recipe for success by sending them back to school with Alice’s Table, online collaboration seminars offering tasty tips in crafting advanced floral arrangements and restaurant-quality food and drink.
Not just another brick in the wall
Give any grad the best kind of hang-ups with a string of stylish and unique wall décor offerings. There’s everything from artistic macramé dreamcatchers to personalized wood bar signs to sports-themed word art.
Bling out the best in them
Help the new grad upgrade their accessories with beautifully crafted, and personalized, designer jewelry. These pieces, from necklaces and bracelets to watches and money clips, will put the perfect finishing touches on their presentation for the ballroom or the boardroom.
Get them a fine wine degree
Here's a graduation gift that will help them smooth out the sharp edges. Not many employers want to hear the lowlights from their latest and greatest keg stand — but letting the higher-ups know you're a connoisseur of fine wines sends the signal you're cultured and refined. A wine subscription will place their palates in a fine finishing school.
Raise their bar exam score
They're out of school, so now it's time to take on the bar! Give the gift of a graduate degree in adult entertaining with a wide array of barware and entertaining gifts, ranging from the American pale ale beer making kit to a mason jar-style shot glass serving set, and more. They're guaranteed to keep guests' spirits up!
AUTHOR
Mike Hammer is a veteran journalist and editor whose byline has appeared in a broad landscape of top media outlets including Rolling Stone, USA Today, Maxim, Spin.com, Adweek and the New York Daily News.