Last year, the high school graduation rate in Georgia reached 80 percent for the first time. This spring, more than 100,000 high school students will move on to the next phase of their lives. Graduating from any grade is an accomplishment worth noting, so here are some graduation gift ideas for everyone from the preschoolers who are just getting started to the postsecondary graduates making the move to a life beyond school.
Credit: HANDOUT
Credit: HANDOUT
Couch Bed, starting at $249, couchbed.com: This comfortable seating that converts to a bed brings versatility to any size apartment or dorm. The memory foam mattress is perfect for small spaces and comes in standard twin ($249) and queen ($299) sizes. When not in use as a bed, it folds into a comfy couch with removable, washable covers. CouchBed is CertiPur-US certified and features safe, environmentally friendly materials. A cool gel layer keeps heat to a minimum for optimal sleep temperature.
Kurio Watch 2.0+, $60, Target, Walmart: Give young graduates (6 and older) a starter smartwatch that comes with two bands, including one that changes color on the wrist. A front-facing camera captures selfies and video. The watch also has an activity tracker, music player, alarm/stopwatch, calculator, calendar and motion-sensitive games to get kids moving. Bluetooth allows for messaging with other Kuro Watches and Android devices.
Credit: HANDOUT
Credit: HANDOUT
Faber-Castell N'ice pen, $15, fabercastell.com: Graduates can write in style with the N'ice Pen from Faber-Castell, one of the oldest and largest manufacturers of writing instruments. The pen features a chrome-plated barrel and bright plastic cap in white, lime, coral, plum, turquoise and anthracite as well as three new metallic shades. A twist mechanism extends and retracts the refillable, large-capacity ink pen.
Credit: HANDOUT
Credit: HANDOUT
Coyuchi Cloud Loom Robe, $148, coyuchi.com: Inspired by the brand's best-selling organic cotton Cloud Loom towels, this unisex robe is perfect for graduates. Cotton loomed into single loops makes it thick, plush and just as absorbent as towels, but with a smoother, sleeker look. The robe has a shawl-collared silhouette and an adjustable belt with side pockets.
Credit: HANDOUT
Credit: HANDOUT
"Make Your Own Magic" coffee mug, $20, effiespaper.com: Help remind grads that magic is what you make it with the "Make Your Own Magic" coffee mug. The 11-ounce white ceramic mug features the morning mantra written in metallic gold.
Credit: HANDOUT
Credit: HANDOUT
Ravensburger GraviTrax, $10-$50, Barnesandnoble.com: Young STEM-loving grads can learn all about gravity with the GraviTrax Interactive Track System, which allows them to design and construct race tracks that help them experiment with gravity, magnetism and kinetics while getting their ball to the finish line. The Starter Set and Expansion Sets come with a variety of tiles, levels, tracks and other features.
Hand-shaped personalized metal wire jewelry from Atelier Paulin, prices vary, us.atelierpaulin.com: Commemorate the special moment with a personal message. New to the American market, Paris-based Atelier Paulin specializes in the ancient technique of hand-shaping precious metal wire. Use a word, name or initials to mark the occasion of graduation in argentium, 9K or 14K gold-filled wire. Bracelets for men and women are the signature creation of Atelier Paulin, but you may also choose to create earcuffs, rings, hoops, cuff links and more. Prices vary depending on style and materials used but start at under $100 for rings.
Credit: HANDOUT
Credit: HANDOUT
Diptyque Baies Hourglass Diffuser, $150: Stuffy dorm rooms and dank apartments are no match for this diffuser from Diptyque. An alternative to candles, the diffuser can immediately scent an area of about 200 square feet without heat or electricity. Flip it over to keep the fragrance flowing through the diffuser. If flipped four times per day, it will last about 75 days and can be refilled twice (refills cost $50). The popular Baies fragrance leaves the room smelling of roses and blackcurrant leaves. Get it at Diptyque Boutique, the Shops Buckhead Atlanta, 3010 Bolling Way NE, Atlanta, or online at Diptyqueparis.com.
Credit: HANDOUT
Credit: HANDOUT
Mark and Graham Phone Charging Bracelet, $149, markandgraham.com: Grads on the go can blend technology and style in a lightweight bracelet that doubles as a charger for an iPhone. The stainless steel bracelet is fully charged in 90 minutes and can hold a charge for 30 days. It will charge an iPhone up to 50 percent in about 40 to 55 minutes. The Micro-USB charging cable is included. Available in two sizes and four finishes, the unisex bracelet can also be personalized with an engraved monogram in gold or silver or laser-engraved in black.
Credit: HANDOUT
Credit: HANDOUT
The Original Moka Express, $25-$60, bialetti.com: Getting an espresso fix is no trouble with a coffee maker from Bialetti that makes rich, authentic espresso in minutes. Bialetti is known for its aluminum pot designed with an eight-sided shape to diffuse heat and enhance the aroma of the coffee. The Moka Express comes in 1-, 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-cup sizes.
