They grow up so fast, don’t they? Even though you probably still imagine them as that adorable 4-year-old pedaling down the driveway on their bicycle, they have to leave the nest at some point. So in honor of this momentous occasion, we’ve found some fabulous graduation gifts to outfit your grad’s new college desk in style.
LET THERE BE LIGHT
Desk lamps are a must for those wee-morning hours spent finishing papers and cramming for tests. The Wabi Sabi Shop usually has a great selection of desk lamps from brands like Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn and Ikea that are popular with the college-going crowd (prices vary, we found them for $10–$15). The Wabi Sabi Shop sells unique items on consignment so you can find fabulous top-of-the-line pieces for 35–45 percent of the original price. Available at The Wabi Sabi Shop, 10100 6th Ave. N.; 763.404.8499; wabisabishop.com
ADD SOME PIZZAZZ
Make sure your grad has a few friendly faces on their desk at college with this crystal teardrop picture frame. The sparkle is sure to add some pizzazz to any neutral-inspired dorm room. $18.99. Available at Bachman’s, 10050 6th Ave. N.; 763.541.1188; bachmans.com
Everyone needs a friend for those lonely hours spent memorizing biology terms. Sure to add charm and wisdom to your grad’s study space, this cast iron owl is the perfect desk accessory for those who want a little something more than books and papers to define their space. $10.99. Available at Bachman’s.
We love this not-so-subtle reminder to, well, call your mother. With this call-your-mother plaque, your grad will never have an excuse to not call home when they ace that economics exam or are in desperate need of Mom’s homemade chocolate chip cookies. $34. Available at Patina, 7814 Olson Memorial Hwy., Golden Valley; 763.546.1497; patinastores.com
Late nights spent studying (or out on the town) require a healthy dose of caffeine in the morning, so a travel mug is a graduate must for those early mornings spent running to class. We love the Superman mug at Patina for any comic-book lover out there or the Flame mug—designed by Jonathan Adler—for the design-loving grad. $13.95 –$14.95. Available at Patina.
For the tech-loving grad, this honeycomb iPad cover will help keep their iPad safe and in style, all at the same time. This design by Jonathan Adler is bold and fun, with a front cover that folds into a stand with two viewing positions. The cover fits third-generation iPads and the iPad2. $39.95. Available at Patina.
GET ORGANIZED
Yes, this may be nothing but a very giant paperclip, but we think it’s the perfect way to organize those letters from home, flashcards, Post-Its or whatever else your grad has lying around. $21.99/pack of three. Available at Bachman’s.
The power of a little organization in your life should never be underestimated. And with the help of these adorable file folders and portfolios, you can add a pop of color to your study area. We also love the coordinating page markers to keep track of important pages while studying for that big exam. File folders and portfolios, $7.95–$12.95; page markers, $3.95. Available at Patina.
The life of a graduate can be hectic, so this to-do notepad from Patina is the perfect way to keep all your thoughts in one place. Your grad can divide their list into tasks, errands, notes, and correspondence with this handy organizer. $6.95. Available at Patina.
