I gave my kid with a dog that vest. She scoffed at it but I noticed her fiance didn’t. Hopefully they’ve found use for it.
I use mine.
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H told me yesterday that he needed more presents for me so I happily ordered a new ski jacket I had been eyeing! At least with all of the skiing we do during the season I don’t feel guilty having 2 jackets that I like.
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I mail ordered a Noxgear vest for son a few years ago for Christmas. When we met him for a Nov funeral, I decided to gift it early. Imagine our surprise noticing that the company was in same zip code as our hotel.
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I assume I’m the only one here putting one of these in a stocking…? 
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I love the deano bags for trips to the beach when I have to bring linens and towels and their market totes hold so much, I also use the pop and drop as a laundry tote since they fold flat when not in use and I tuck it behind the hamper. They are pricey so I usually wait for their sales. Bought a few for my kids this year. They’re always “borrowing” mine. 
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Thank you, everyone, for the great running suggestions!
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While the hive mind is brainstorming here, I’d love to take advantage. A nephew is graduating from college this month. He will continue to live with family (very HCOL area), though there’s potential to move out-of-state sometime next year, but probably to another HCOL area (i.e. would be in a very small place). We didn’t do much for his high school graduation, but we’re in a better spot financially now than we were. The thoughts I’ve had:
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Nice pen (or a nice multi-pen), but his mom indicated that he rarely writes anything that’s not done electronically.
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Personalized note cards, even if not used often, can come in handy. And the lack of thank you notes from that household has been mentioned by some family members of a certain generation…
He already has nice luggage (and does enjoy traveling). He also likes vintage items, if that sparks any ideas. Help?
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How much are you looking to spend?
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While these are both nice thoughts…I think getting him something he actually would use…and might want is a nicer idea. I know that many folks don’t like to give cash, but for graduations, we give cash. If you want to dress it up a bit…maybe put the cash in a nice wallet.
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Maybe a nice backpack that can be used for commuting and/or travel?
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An upgrade to backpack or a messenger kind of bag?
If he likes coffee and they don’t already have one, a Nespresso machine? (In my opinion much better than Keurig).
A nice wallet, if he uses one (my kids don’t)?
Clothing that’s more appropriate for work, or a GC to place to buy it?
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Stanley water bottles are a hot gift item this year. They are not cheap at $45 a pop!
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I was thinking about a budget of $100.
Seeing as the writing stuff is more my style than his style, I’m thinking I may do something like this scratch-off map of the world and then combine it with something (or some other things). Appreciate the ideas; keep them coming!
None of the suggestions are grabbing me as something a new grad will really enjoy. Maybe do a $100 gift card to a store or restaurant that he would enjoy?
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I received a scratch off map as a gift and scraping off the country ripped the paper. It was essentially unusable.
I second giving a check.
I agree about the map…my kid keeps track of her (extensive) travels using an online app.
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@arisamp _ The Athleta Rainer tights are great for outdoor winter running/walking.
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I usually give grads a small stocking stuffer type gift (like a snack) and a check. It seems very well received.
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What’s his major/intended career? A nice pen might be good for someone looking to impress like someone in Finance but I don’t know if $100 will get you that or not. I really have not priced them.
Otherwise, yeah, I think money and a nice card is always appropriate for graduations.
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If this is a nephew you’re close to, he may actually like something personal from you. You would know that best. Mark and Graham, Levenger, MLaHart , etc . have nice things. Monogrammed valet(catchall) trays, pens, folios, etc.
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