It happens every year, so you'd think you would be more prepared come graduation season — but that's never the case, is it? With Summer on the brain, it's easy to forget the final piece of homework for the year: graduation gifts! Earning your diploma, whether it's for high school, college, or graduate school, is an important milestone that should be celebrated. And a thoughtful, practical gift is the way to go. To help you narrow it down to something that any young adult will appreciate, we asked a few editors to look back and weigh in on the best gifts they received upon graduating that they still use to this day. From personalized jewelry to luxurious linens, these items have proved their worth time and time again — and they all just so happen to be shoppable at Nordstrom. Now that deserves an A+.
A Top-of-the-Line Beauty Tool
A hair dryer may seem like a departure from the traditional graduation gift, but when it's as luxurious as the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer [1] ($399), it's really more of an innovative high-tech gadget than a typical beauty tool. Its smart and efficient design will guarantee it'll be used for years to come.
"This Dyson Hair Dryer has truly been the best gift I've gotten in years. It's a smart pick for busy graduates because it drastically cuts down on styling time. Plus, the sleek design doesn't take up too much space. When you're going out for interviews, the one thing you won't have to worry about is your hair because it will be sleek and voluminous." — Macy Williams, assistant editor, Shopping
A Monogrammed Necklace
A jewelry piece is always a good milestone marker, especially when it's personalized, like a monogrammed necklace [2] ($148). A timeless design and precious metal will ensure it's a keepsake that can be worn forever.
"I have a thing for monograms, and my most special monogrammed piece is a necklace my grandparents gifted as part of my high school graduation present. It not only saw me through all four years of college, but it's also still the number one staple in my everyday jewelry rotation. I'm not usually much of a necklace girl, but the larger diameter is just enough to make a statement without clashing with my other pieces." — Carrie Carrollo, assistant native editor, Beauty
A Beautiful Tote Bag
Rather than gifting a briefcase, an elegant tote bag takes the same practical idea but brings the style. A Gucci Leather Tote Bag [3] ($950) will not only follow her from job to job but is versatile enough to wear in casual settings too.
"At my college graduation, my aunt and uncle gave me a classic Gucci tote bag that could be used to carry my laptop, wallet, and the rest of my everyday essentials. The bag, with its interlocking double Gs, can still be found on my shoulder 20 years later. I love how versatile it is — taking me from the office to dinner with friends. Every time I pull it out of the closet, I think of my relatives and how exciting it was to share my graduation with them." — Rebecca Gruber, vice president, native content
A Cozy Throw Blanket
Graduation gifts often revolve around first jobs, so it's easy to forget another first: first apartments! A beautiful wool Pendleton blanket [4] ($249) will bring the warmth (literally and figuratively) and personality to a new space.
"When I graduated from NYU, I moved into a rather grim, windowless sixthth-floor walk-up (hashtag concrete jungle where dreams are made of). My mother, a queen of gifting, got me a Pendleton quilt that immediately made my dark hovel feel like home. The soft material is lightweight enough to want to cuddle into even on hot Summer days, and you can layer a comforter over it come Winter to stay warm and cozy. It's a unique statement piece that gets lots of attention, and it will truly last forever. I've since moved out of my walk-up, but this girl comes with me wherever I live." — Alaina Demopoulos, editorial assistant, Beauty
A Memorable Fragrance
Smell is such a powerful sense — one whiff and you can instantly conjure up past memories. A scented gift, such as a candle or a fragrance like the Diptyque Do Son Eau de Parfum [5] ($165), will allow grads to re-experience this significant time in their lives long after it's passed.
"I'm a big proponent of using fragrance to mark certain stages in life. I was gifted a beautiful Diptyque fragrance upon graduation, and to this day, when I experience its floral notes, I'm instantly reminded of graduating college and the carefree Summer that followed." — Stephanie Nguyen, editor, Shopping
Personalized Towels
Some of the best gifts are the ones that consider small but significant details. A set of Turkish cotton towels [6] ($38) is useful, sure, but select a thoughtful color and add a personalized touch, and it's something that will be appreciated through the years.
"To this day, I still use the monogrammed towels a friend of mine got me for my graduation. I remember thinking how sweet it was that he took the time to customize gifts for each of his friends. The best part? He made sure to find towels that were blue and white for Penn State!" — Amanda Murray, senior native editor, Fashion
A Luxurious Skincare Set
You may not be able to give the gift of confidence, but the next-best thing? Glowing, radiant skin. The La Mer Glowing Vitality Collection [7] ($245) will help energize her skin for the next stage in life.
"Growing up, I watched my mom use so many La Mer products. After I graduated, she treated me to an amazing La Mer set. My skin has never felt better! Using these superluxe products made me feel like a total grown-up, ready to concur the world (with a fresh face)!" — Krista Jones, assistant editor, Shopping