It’s nearing that time of year: diplomas, graduation gowns, tearful goodbyes, new frontiers.
And you need to find a fun, thoughtful, personal and perfect graduation gift. No worries, we’ve got you covered!
But a word to the wise … many of these gifts are “custom made” for your special recipient, so you should order early to ensure its arrival by the big day.
Beautiful custom decoupage picture frames
These can be personalized with high school name and colors, college name and colors, or even sorority name and colors. I order at least five “New Trier” frames every May. Try:
Country Classics
Glenview
Marye-Kelley Decoupage
www.marye-kelley.com
Collegiate purses and snuggies
Collegiate clothes, mugs and room accessories
Available at:
Campus Colors
Highland Park
Popcorn bowls, plates, picture frames, and mugs:
Available at:
Yellow Bird Stationery and Gifts
Wilmette
Home Decorators Collection
High school or college sport belt key chain
Available at:
Country Classics
Glenview
Stitching This, Stitching That
Wilmette
Online at Kam Sew Unique: kamsewunique.com
High school porcelain ring dish
Available locally at: Ellen’s on Elm
Winnetka
Midwestern/Chicago T-shirts
Know a high school graduate going out east or west to school? Are they proud of their roots? Then have them take a little piece of Chicago with them. Festa T-shirts show everyone you meet where you come from and that you’re stoked to be from Chicago; great conversation starters for the new kid in town.
Festa
www.shopfesta.com/home.php
Personalized Towels, Robes, Spa Wrap and/or Laundry Bag
You’d be surprised how many towels get lost in those college dryers. Avoid all the mix-ups with personalized towels and laundry bags. This is a great gift and practical.
Monograms Today
Wilmette
EJ Mirage
Lake Forest
Initial Choice
Lake Forest
Country Classics
Glenview
Stitching This, Stitching That
Wilmette
Personalized Photo Mouse Pad or Mug
Give your graduate a special photo mug or mouse pad. Use a graduation photo, sports photo or a photo with a special friend, pet or event.
Available online at:
kodakgallery.com
snapfish.com
Personalized stationery
You might get a letter home if you give your graduate personalized stationery. Sheets, cards, or note pads with names, nicknames, initials or monograms.
Available at:
Custom Designs/Note Cards by Betsy Carothers
Betsy lives on the North Shore and her cards are the nicest I’ve seen anywhere.
All She Wrote
Winnetka
Mark My Words
Glenview
