When shopping for graduation gifts, always ask yourself whether the gift is useful. We can probably all remember receiving novelty gifts or personalized trinkets that were special and meaningful but not exactly useful in day-to-day life. Form and function should always be considered when selecting your graduation gift.<\/p>","name":"Give something useful."},{"@type":"HowToStep","@id":"https:\/\/www.rakuten.com\/blog\/how-to-pick-graduation-gifts\/#1_BlogPosting_hasPart_HowTo_step_HowToStep","text":"
One surefire way to choose an excellent gift is to find something that aligns with the graduate\u2019s interests or chosen field of study. By finding something they\u2019re interested in, you\u2019re almost guaranteed to pick a gift they\u2019ll love.<\/p>","name":"Think about the grad\u2019s interests."},{"@type":"HowToStep","@id":"https:\/\/www.rakuten.com\/blog\/how-to-pick-graduation-gifts\/#2_BlogPosting_hasPart_HowTo_step_HowToStep","text":"
Think back to when you donned a gown and tossed your cap in the air, and consider what gifts helped you the most. Whether it was something you needed to start your new career or an item to furnish your new living space, try to find something you know they\u2019ll appreciate each day.<\/p>","name":"Reflect on what helped you as a graduate."},{"@type":"HowToStep","@id":"https:\/\/www.rakuten.com\/blog\/how-to-pick-graduation-gifts\/#3_BlogPosting_hasPart_HowTo_step_HowToStep","text":"
It never hurts to simply give a new graduate cash or a gift card to their favorite store. That way, they can use the money for whatever they may need as they head out into the world.<\/p>","name":"Don\u2019t be afraid to give cash."},{"@type":"HowToStep","@id":"https:\/\/www.rakuten.com\/blog\/how-to-pick-graduation-gifts\/#4_BlogPosting_hasPart_HowTo_step_HowToStep","text":"
Every professional needs a stylish watch they can wear to the office or wherever life takes them. You don\u2019t have to spend a lot for a great timepiece. A Timex<\/a> watch like the Fairfield<\/a> can be dressed up or down, and the Transcend<\/a> has a beautiful rose gold case and strap.<\/p>","name":"A stylish watch"},{"@type":"HowToStep","@id":"https:\/\/www.rakuten.com\/blog\/how-to-pick-graduation-gifts\/#5_BlogPosting_hasPart_HowTo_step_HowToStep","text":" Yeti is the gold standard for portable drinkware, and your graduate will be happy to have a Rambler for their new workplace. It\u2019s now basically a requirement to bring your own drinkware to work, with more and more offices trying to be eco-friendly. The innovative MagSlider lid makes the Rambler very easy to clean \u2014 the piece that prevents spilling is magnetic and pops off with ease for a hand-wash or trip through the dishwasher. Yeti products are built to last, so your grad will enjoy their Rambler for years to come.<\/p>","name":"Yeti Rambler"},{"@type":"HowToStep","@id":"https:\/\/www.rakuten.com\/blog\/how-to-pick-graduation-gifts\/#6_BlogPosting_hasPart_HowTo_step_HowToStep","text":" Your grad may be getting luggage from other friends and family, but one piece that\u2019s often overlooked is a proper weekender bag, such as the Voyager<\/a> from Gaiam<\/a>. Weekender bags are made for short trips, and they come in handy quite often while larger luggage may sit in a closet for years. It will probably take your grad a while to build up the vacation time and funds necessary to take a large trip, so they\u2019ll appreciate this thoughtful gift when they\u2019re heading out for a little weekend getaway.<\/p>","name":"Gaiam Voyager Weekender bag"},{"@type":"HowToStep","@id":"https:\/\/www.rakuten.com\/blog\/how-to-pick-graduation-gifts\/#7_BlogPosting_hasPart_HowTo_step_HowToStep","text":" Every graduate is sure to have an iron, but a clothes steamer is an often overlooked lifesaver for new professionals. This simple device steams out wrinkles from clothing in only a few minutes. We can\u2019t tell you how many times a steamer has saved us when we\u2019re running late and realize the shirt we thought was work-ready actually needs some work. The DuoPress steamer<\/a> from the Container Store<\/a> is our top pick.<\/p>","name":"DuoPress Steamer"},{"@type":"HowToStep","@id":"https:\/\/www.rakuten.com\/blog\/how-to-pick-graduation-gifts\/#8_BlogPosting_hasPart_HowTo_step_HowToStep","text":" Give your graduate the gift of easy-to-prepare meals through a subscription to a meal service such as Blue Apron<\/a>, HelloFresh<\/a> or Home Chef<\/a>. It\u2019ll give them one less thing to worry about as they start their new life, and it also doubles as a way for them to gain culinary skills beyond ramen noodles and microwave meals.<\/p>","name":"Food subscription"}]}],"name":"How to Pick the Best Graduation Gift","author":[{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.rakuten.com\/blog\/how-to-pick-graduation-gifts\/#BlogPosting_author_Person","image":[{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.rakuten.com\/blog\/how-to-pick-graduation-gifts\/#BlogPosting_author_Person_image_ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.rakuten.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/16100d3.jpg"}],"name":"Mike 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