Graduation is a momentous occasion that celebrates the end of one chapter and the beginning of the next phase of life. However, the pandemic has thrown a wrench into the plans of high school students heading to college and college grads moving across town or across the country to pursue careers.
Instead, a lot of graduates are staying put at home, while some are even moving back home into their childhood bedrooms. And we understand that many of these grads may prefer to spend the majority of their time sequestered in their rooms. So, we searched for graduation gifts that could help to make their bedrooms more comfortable and functional, as well as items that can be useful when your grad eventually moves out.
Below are the best gifts for graduates temporarily stuck at home, and at the bottom of the article, we’ve also included some advice from experts on how to choose the right presents for your special grad.
The Mr. Ironstone Computer/Gaming Desk with Cup Holder is the perfect way to upgrade her desk space, especially if she loves video games. The MDF PVC laminated cover is waterproof, and the metal frame legs are durable and stylish. The desk can hold up to 110 pounds. The leg pads are adjustable to ensure a level table even on uneven flooring. The desk has a curved design, making it more comfortable, and the 2 cable management holes help to corral those ugly wires. There is also a detachable cup holder on one side, and a headphone hook on the other side.
Especially with her spending more time at her computer desk than ever before, she’d appreciate an upgrade to her setup that not only looks cool but is highly functional as well.
Grads can show their team spirit with this Denali NCAA Team Throw. The plush, hand-stitched blanket is 60” x 72”, and made ofa soft microplush fabric. The innovative fiber technology helps to regulate body temperature, making the throw comfortable in any season. The blanket is available in dozens of school choices, including Auburn, Notre Dame, Penn State, Iowa, Michigan, Clemson, Florida, Syracuse and Ohio State.
Grads can keep their rooms organized (and, eventually start packing) with this C&N Footlockers Storage Trunk. However, it’s not just a storage trunk. It can be used a nightstand or a sit down bench. The trunk is durable, made of thick plywood instead of the usual particle board, and has 3 steel handles, in addition to steel trim. The inside of the trunk can hold up to 150 pounds, the lid has supports to help it stay open when needed. The trunk measures 32” x 18” x 16.5″ and is covered by a lifetime free warranty. It’s also available in almost 20 colors, including red, dark green, light blue, orange, black, navy, gold, white, and purple.
If your graduate spends a lot of time on the phone, charging time makes a difference. The Moshi Otto Q Wireless Charging Pad charges super quickly. It’s compatible with AirPods/AirPods Pro, iPhone 8 through 11 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S10/S9, Note 10/9, and other Qi enabled devices. Using Qi-certified wireless charging, it’s designed to charge much faster than most wireless chargers. The wireless charger also has a foreign object detection sensor, which disables charging if a metal object is detected. One of the best features is the ability to just lay the phone on top of the charger, instead of having to plug it into an outlet. (Note: the Moshi charger includes a USB-C to USB-A cable, so you can connect it to your laptop, etc., but the wall charger is sold separately.)
We’re now spending a lot of time inside, and this can lead to not-so-fresh air. The Wynd Plus Portable Air Purifier is only 9” tall, and weighs less than a pound, so it’s perfect for cleaning personal space. The device was created by rocket scientists at MIT, and uses a medical grade filter to remove dust, smoke, pollen, dander, smog, mold, and bacteria from the air. I received a sample to review, and honestly, I sometimes use it in my car or when sitting at my desk, but it is also perfect for a dorm room. The air purifier includes a detachable air quality tracker which links to a smart phone and provides alerts when the air gets bad.
Whether working or playing, this Acer 27” Full HD Widescreen Monitor is a beauty to view. The super slim profile doesn’t take up much space, but the widescreen LCD with 1920 x 1080 resolution provides crystal clear details for working, gaming, or viewing multimedia content. The contrast ratio is 100 Million:1, and the response rate is 4ms. The monitor has an eco-friendly display, using white LED backlight technology, and includes HDMI and VGA inputs. It’s a great value for the price, and is easy to assembly – which only involves mounting the monitor on the base.
Although it’s a gaming keyboard, the Glorious Modular Mechanical Gaming Keyboard isn’t just for gaming. It has hot-swappable switches for Cherry, Gateron, and Kailh branded switches. However, you can also change the keys to any color or color combination you want to use. The keyboard has a 16.8 million colors RGB backlight feature and multiple effects. There’s also a 3-way cable routing system to manage your wires, and the rubber feet and pads ensure the keyboard won’t slide around. Besides the keyboard, the box also includes a keycap puller tool, a switch puller tool, both a red and a black ESC keycap, a braided USB cable, an angled USB connector, and a manual.
When your graduate does leave the house, this Solo New York Hybrid Backpack will come in handy. It’s a spacious backpack with separate compartments for shoes and dirty laundry, and there’s also a padded compartment that can hold a 15.6” laptop. However, one of the best features is the versatility of this bag. It has multiple carry handles, hideaway straps, and can easily convert from a backpack to a duffel bag. It fact, the bag even has a zip-around duffel opening.
Grads can stay hidden behind bedroom doors for hours. However, this Contigo Autoseal West Loop Insulated Travel Mug fits that lifestyle, and can can keep their beverages hot for 5 hours or cold for 12 hours. The auto seal lid prevents leaks and spills; however, it allows for one-handed drinking with just a push of the button. The mug can fit under most single serve brewers – and also in most car cup holders, so it can go everywhere your grad does. The mug is available in a variety of colors, including deep blue trans matte, radiant orchid, latte trans matte, chard, passion fruit, and black.
One gift that serves double duty is this Serta Rane Collection Convertible Sofa. It’s ideal for small spaces like bedrooms and dorm rooms, since it can easily convert from a sofa to a bed. The convertible sofa is upholstered in polyester fabric and has steel legs. The dimensions of the sofa are 66.1L” x 33.1W x 29.5”W. The dimensions of the bed are 66.1”L x 37.6”W x 15.0”H. In addition to charcoal, it’s also available in java, blue, and black.
These Edifier TWS6 True Wireless Earbuds provide over a day’s worth of battery life, which is great at home or on the go. When I received a sample to test, I wasn’t sure how that worked. However, a single charge provides 8 hours of battery life, and using the wireless charging case provides 3 extra charges. The ear buds also have numerous choices to achieve the right fit, including silicon earbuds, shark fin sleeves, and memory foam tips. Also, since the ear buds are scratch resistant, waterproof, and dustproof, they can even be used when working out. Another neat features is that the sleek, compact design of the earbuds ensures that they can be comfortably worn for long periods of time.
Times are stressful, but it’s easier to sleep better under the Sleepletics Celliant Performance Comforter. The Celliant, which is in both the fabric and fill, turns body heat into therapeutic infrared energy. The comforter is designed to enhance sleep quality, speed muscle recovery, and increase energy and stamina when the user is awake. I don’t have any muscle issues, and I did find that the sample I received helped me to sleep better. Another thing I like is that the Celliant is permanent, so I don’t have to worry about it wash out in the laundry. It’s available in two sizes: full/queen and king, and four colors: tan, blue, chalk, and light grey.
Your graduate could probably use more space when lounging in bed. This Mangata Bedside Caddy with Water Bottle Holder has a total weight limit of 45 pounds. It can hold, for example, a laptop, tablet, mobile phone, glasses, magazines, books, and there’s even a bottle holder on one side and a tissue holder on the other side. The caddy is made of environmentally-friendly felt, and is soft, yet durable. The caddy also has elastic loops on the inside to hold pens and charging cables, and there’s a dual charging cable hole at the bottom.
Consider this Samson G-Track Pro USB Condenser Microphone with Audio Interface for recording, podcasting, and even gaming. It can be used to record vocals and music, and also for livestreaming and broadcasting. Guitars, keyboards, and other line level devices can also be connected. The microphone is bi-directional, with zero-latency headphone monitoring, and headphone level control. When testing the unit I received, I was able to use the included stand to mount on top of my desk. However, it can also be mounted on a shock mount, boom arm, or mic stand.
Security cameras provide a sense of protection for any type of home, and one inexpensive option is this HeimVision HMD2 Wireless Rechargeable Security Camera. It is 100% wire-free, with a built-in rechargeable battery and WiFi. It’s also compatible with the HMS1 Solar Panel (sold separately) which allows the camera to be solar-power rechargeable. The camera can be used indoors, but it’s also weatherproof, so it can be used outdoors as well. When testing out the camera that I was sent, I noticed that the 130-degree camera has 1080P HD resolution and automatically switches to night vison when it gets dark outside – because what good is a camera that only works when there’s light? Also, the two-way audio allows for conversations with visitors (and pets!).
For people who like to listen to music at home without being tethered, these Urban Ears Pampas Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones have optimized acoustics for a rich listening experience, and the Bluetooth5.0 allows wirelessly listening for up to 30 feet. The battery provides over 30 hours of play time on a single charge, and the control knob can be used to skip tracks, adjust the volume and answer calls on the go. I received a pair to review and noted that there’s also an empty socket for sharing music with a family member or friend. The earphones have a collapsible design to save space, and they’re available in charcoal black, almond beige, and field green.
Here’s a gift that is stylish and practical. The Design Ideas Fire Escape Shelf is a fashionable piece of wall art, but it can also be used to hold plants, candles, books, and other items. It’s made of hand-welded epoxy coated steel and is available in either black or red. The unit consists of three shelves, each 12”W x 4”D. The total unit is 24” tall.
What grad doesn’t like music, and this Bose SoundLink Revolve Portable Bluetooth Speaker provides up to 12 hours on a single charge. It’s small and lightweight, only 6” tall and 1.46 pounds, but has a powerful sound. The speaker has a stereo and party mode, and voice prompts. It can be used to take phone calls and participate in conferences. The speaker is compatible with Siri and Google Assistant, as well as the Bose Connect app. And it’s water resistant, so it can be used when lounging around the pool. The speaker is available in triple black and lux gray.
For those days your graduate needs to study or work, but doesn’t want to get out of bed: this Tangkula Bedside Table Rolling Cart makes it possible to do both. The table’s height is adjustable for maximum comfortable, and the lockable, flexible wheels ensure it doesn’t roll unexpectedly. This portable workstation also has a smooth, easy-to-clean surface, and a side basket and bottom grid to store books and other items. It is also good for eating in bed, or working on eating on a sofa. The table’s weight limit is 55 pounds.
One problem with older video games is that the video images often look crappy. However, this Marseille mClassic Plug and Play Graphics Processor is the solution to that issue. It really is as simple as plugging in the processor and then playing a game. The device analyzes incoming video and then enhances, repairs, and upscales it to provide excellent pixel quality. The processor supports Ninendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and even retro consoles.
Satechi makes a variety of sleek, stylish stands for your grad’s digital devices. The space gray foldable table and phone stand can hold smartphones and tablets from 4” to 13” and it adjusts from portrait to landscape to flat orientation.
The silver laptop stand raises the laptop to make it easier to view and type. The back of the stand has a cable management system to keep everything neat and out of the way. And the no-slip rubber grips keep the laptop in place.
Grads can also rest their headphones on the headphone stand, which organizes and stores wires, and also includes 3 USB ports.
The 7-port USB charging station dock allows grads to charge up to 7 different devices, ranging from smart phones to tablets. And when grads are on the go, the air vent magnetic car mount securely mounts smart phones to the vehicle’s air vent.
Since being inside is the new normal, eating and exercise habits may change, and resulting in the need to monitor any potential body changes. The FitTrack Dara Smart BMI Digital Scale measures weight, but it also measures 16 additional stats, including BMI, bone mass, BMR, muscle mass, hydration level, body fat, and obesity degree. One thing in particular I like about the scale that I received to review is that the Bluetooth glass scale is stylish, and the FitTrack works with Apple Health, Google Fit, FitBit, and several other fitness apps. It even track measurements, and can set weigh-in reminders.
People who don’t like to clean can save time and energy with the Tineco iFLOOR3 Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner. It can both vacuum and wash floors at the same time. The machine also cleans a variety of floors, including wood, tile, vinyl, marble, linoleum, and laminate. The powerful suction is driven by a brushless digital motor to clean sticky messes like spilled cereal and milk, while also being ultra quiet. The vacuum is also lightweight and cordless, so it’s easy to maneuver into corners and up and down stairs.
I hate the thought of having to clean my cleaning products, and when I received a sample unit to review, I was elated to discover I didn’t have to clean this vaccu. By simply pushing a button, you can activate the self-cleaning function, and the machine will automatically use the detergent and fresh water to clean the brush roller and tubes. This allows you to keep your hands clean. Both the self-cleaning and charging are done on the compact docking station, so you don’t have to worry about spilling water on the floor. Another neat feature is the digital interface, which displays such information as the battery indicator and self-cleaning icon. The interface also displays a notification when the brush roller is tangled or when the water tank is empty.
