May is fast approaching, and with it, high school graduation. There’s always a lot of pressure to find the perfect gift — after all, it’s a relatively momentous occasion and sometimes cold hard cash just feels too impersonal. But teenagers are notoriously difficult to please. Luckily, this handy gift guide offers something for everyone. Cue “Pomp and Circumstance.”
Lou Malnati’s Gift Card
The number-one thing a Chicago kid misses once they leave the state is a slice of honest-to-goodness deep dish. Make their deepest (dish) dreams come true with a gift card that will cover the cost to ship a Lou’s pie anywhere in the continental U.S. They’ll be thanking their lucky stars … and you. $60 and up
Collegiate Sweatshirt Blanket
The best gift is one you’ll actually use, and a cozy blanket is the perfect antidote to a drafty dorm. Plus, though they won’t admit it, every incoming college kid could use a little comforting. So this blanket will be right up their (mostly grown-up) alley. $45
Montblanc Cruise Collection Ballpoint Pen
For the burgeoning writer-to-be, this gorgeous ballpoint pen can only be a tool of things to come. Get it engraved with a witty quote, initials, or let the ink speak for itself. A serious present for a serious student, this gorgeous pen will surely inspire The Next Great American Novel … or a grocery list. Either way. $225
The Home T
No matter how desperate an out-of-state-bound grad may be to leave the nest, they’ll find themselves wanting to show a little hometown pride at their new school. The Home T’s casual-cool line of super-soft T-shirts, tanks and sweatshirts (You may have seen them on Shark Tank!) comes in styles representing all 50 states plus a number of other countries and territories. Bonus: This gift gives back too — 10 percent of all profits are donated to multiple sclerosis research. Starting at $28
Ray-Ban Foldable Clubmaster Sunglasses
The classic Clubmaster sunglasses are unisex and universally flattering. Plus, they fold, which makes them ultra-useful, since grads are wont to put anything back in a case. They’re timeless, not trendy, so if (IF) your grad manages to hang onto them, they’ll be a fashion staple for many years to come. $230
Jawbone Big Jambox
Even the “big” Jambox is still the perfect size to throw in a backpack and transport from beach to party to dorm. With high-powered Bluetooth speakers and a sleek design (that’s even customizable), the Jambox is without question at the forefront of wireless speaker technology. This might result in a noise complaint or two come September but hey, it’s college. Starting at $199
Subscription Boxes
Send six months or even a full year of fantastic goodies with subscription services. They’re like care packages you don’t have to take the time to assemble and ship. Birchbox is perfect for girls (or even guys!) who love to stay on top of beauty trends. Graze offers an awesome assortment of healthy snacks from sweet to salty. Trust us — by November even the biggest junk food lover will be happy to trade Cheetos for chia seeds. Plus, getting a package in the mail every month is beyond exciting. Find more great subscription boxes here. Prices vary
Stockpile Gift Cards
It’s just what it sounds like: a gift card for stocks. Aside from being incredibly cool, this is a great way to get a grad thinking about their financial future. Pick the stock (everything from Tesla to Coca-Cola) and the dollar amount. The grad gets fractional shares and everybody wins. Buy online or in select grocery stores. Prices vary
A Charitable Donation
Some grads really don’t want — or need — anything. If you know a selfless 18-year-old, make a donation in their name to a charity that reflects their passions. Be it PAWS Chicago for an animal lover, Donors Choose for a future teacher, No Kid Hungry for a foodie or any other number of worthy causes, a heartfelt donation will be remembered long after it’s made … and it can’t be lost in a move. Prices vary
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