Genius gift ideas for grads heading off to college

By Brittany Anas

Shopping for a college-bound graduate? They’re likely bankrolling right now with cash, checks and gift cards, so make your present stand out with a little something extra. We’ve got ideas that are equal parts fun and smart … just like the college experience itself.

10 ideas that put the ‘rad’ in grad gifts

Everyday five year memory journal: Let’s preface this by saying we hope — for the sake of everybody’s wallet — that your students finish in four years. We love the idea of this simple journal because it gives a space for them to chronicle a highlight from each day — perhaps beginning with their freshman year and ending with their first year out in the “real world.” Each page includes the date, followed by five blank spaces, making it easy to make year-to-year comparisons. (Urban Outfitters, $16.95)

Piggy bank + rolls of quarters: Long gone are the days of free laundry service at home. Give them a piggy bank — like this floral one or a more masculine chalkboard option — and fill it with quarters that can be used in the dorm’s laundry room. Oh, and before you send them off to college, make sure they know that liquid fabric softener isn’t the same as detergent. We learned from experience. (Target, $12.99 – $14.99)

Stylish flats: They’ll be doing tons of walking on campus, so send them off with a good, stylish pair of flats. A major trend that will carry into the fall is espadrilles, light canvas shoes with braided fiber soles. Go designer with a pair of Tory Burch red-striped espadrilles (Saks Fifth Avenue, on sale for $80.50) or go more casual with a mauve pair of espadrille lace-up sandals (Old Navy, $19.94)

Locks: This idea, of course, falls into the practical category. Put together a gift basket full of locks — one for a bike, another for the recreation center’s locker and another miniature safe to store valuables and cash. This miniature safe can be unlocked with a smart phone. ($29.95, Convenient Gadgets & Gifts)

A cute set of pajamas or lounge wear: Whether she’ll be rolling out of bed to get to the dining hall for breakfast or pulling a late night studying in a common area, comfy and cute lounge wear is a dorm necessity. The Pink brand from Victoria’s Secret is a depot of cuteness, with soft sweats and tanks.

Vintage task lamp: Dorm rooms can be a lil’, dare we say, institutional. Help your grad add some personal charm to his or her desk with a stylish desk lamp. (Pottery Barn Teen, on sale for $79)

Online movie or television subscriptions: A one-year subscription to Hulu or Netflix will allow your new college student to stay current on his favorite shows or watch his favorite movies during free time. (Subscriptions start at $7.99 a month)

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