Is it just me, or is May-hem starting early this year? Maybe it’s because I’ve had some travel sprinkled in amongst the craziness and haven’t had a long stretch of time to tackle my growing pile of orders. This is a wonderful problem to have (both the travel and the orders!), so I’m not complaining. I am, however, feeling tardy with this gift guide seeing as how announcements and invitations are already starting to roll in. Let’s jump right in! Disclaimer: as with all of my gift guides, this is a mix of practical and indulgent.

I must start by giving my own little shop a shameless plug. Personalized items are at the top of my list. A new item this year is already proving to be popular, and with good reason: it’s fun AND functional, not to mention a great price point. I’m talking about the scalloped lizard passport cover and matching bag tag. These are sold as a set and are perfect for the grad (or bride) with international travel on the horizon. They come in three color ways and are available here: https://emerybodie-llc.myshopify.com/products/scalloped-lizard-passport-cover-and-luggage-tag

Passport Cover and Bag Tag Set

A frequent flier on any grad gift guide is a laundry bag. After years of embellishing every kind of laundry bag under the sun, I still think the good ol’ canvas drawstring bag is the way to go. These are sturdy, wash well (literally toss in washer and dryer with your load of clothes!) and monogram beautifully. I love giving these to groups because they are affordable. Purchase here: https://emerybodie-llc.myshopify.com/products/monogrammed-laundry-bag

Monogrammed Laundry Bags

One of my biggest sellers last year (for the ladies) was an acrylic frame, monogrammed of course. The scalloped edge is chef’s kiss. I’ve got these back in stock this year and cannot wait to add initials to them. These are great to give with a gift card inside the frame (Uber Eats, Amazon, Visa). Add to cart here: https://emerybodie-llc.myshopify.com/products/scalloped-acrylic-picture-frame-with-monogram

Acrylic Picture Frame

I don’t have very many of these in stock and it doesn’t look like I can get more at this time. Bummed about that, but I think a monogrammed catchall/valet is a great grad gift (high school or college). A handsome spot to stash keys/phone/airpods…who doesn’t need that? Bodie and the hubs each have one of these on their dresser and they’re used daily. Get one here: https://emerybodie-llc.myshopify.com/products/waxed-canvas-desk-tray

Waxed Canvas Desk Tray

Boat totes are incredibly useful for college ladies. They’re perfect for a quick weekend trip, a day on a boat, hauling stuff to and from home, etc. They’re eternally stylish. A monogram is a fun touch. I have several in stock, particularly orange, for all the Clemson ladies. Shop here: https://emerybodie-llc.myshopify.com/products/monogrammed-boat-tote

Boat Tote

Moving on to non-personalized (but just as fabulous) gifts…I broke these down into two categories: ladies only and any grad. Sorry fella, I really try not to discriminate, but you are just not as easy to shop for. First up is the bag every teen (and adult) needs: the Longchamp Le Pliage tote. Emery has the navy one in medium and she uses it all the time. It’s durable, practical, pretty, and a good price for a Longchamp piece. The color options are excellent. Shop Longchamp for your grad here: https://go.shopmy.us/p-54844322

Longchamp Le Pliage Tote

Classic and classy. I am fully on board with this trend. It’s large enough to fit a small Macbook.

I’m sure I’ve shared before that I love a robe. I have several and I wear them all the time. Summer robes, winter robes, short robes, long robes, getting ready robes, etc. My love affair with robes began in college when a robe was a necessity because the bathroom was not connected to my dorm room. We had community bathrooms down the hall, which was actually kind of fun and I didn’t have to clean anything. But I digress. Once I graduated and was back to having my own bathroom, the robe habit stuck. Emery inherited my love of robes. I saw this sunny yellow robe at Victoria’s Secret and it was love at first sight. Who wouldn’t want this? https://go.shopmy.us/p-54847243 It also comes in an equally gorgeous pink stripe.

VS Plush Robe

Grad or not, any girl would love a robe like this!

Where were Hulken bags when I was in college? These bags are a dream: roll like nobody’s business and super roomy. The colors are fabulous and they can be monogrammed! Check them out here: https://go.shopmy.us/p-54887328

What sizes does the HULKEN rolling tote come in?

The HULKEN Rolling Tote comes in Small, Medium, and Large:

• Small: Lightweight, holds 1 grocery bag (up to 33 lbs).
• Medium: Best all-around size, fits 3–4 grocery bags (up to 66 lbs).
• Large: Extra spacious, fits 5–6 grocery bags (up to 66 lbs).

All sizes roll smoothly, have multiple handles, and fold flat for storage

Hulken Bag

I’m pretty sure I’ve shared these makeup mirrors in the past, but Emery has one and uses it every day. I should probably get one for myself since my bathroom lighting isn’t the best. Inexpensive, slim, lightweight and useful…great gift to pair with a gift card. Available here: https://amzn.to/4ub1Z5V

Makeup Mirror

Candles are not allowed in dorms and they are probably not the safest in a college apartment. College kids can be…forgetful. But who doesn’t love the scent of a burning candle? Problem solved: https://amzn.to/4t1HdER. Not only is this candle warmer a fabulous alternative to an actual flame, it serves double duty as a nightlight or desk lamp, too.

As for the candle to put under the light? One can never go wrong with a Capri Blue candle. Volcano is my favorite. The prints are such pretty colors. They’re available here: https://amzn.to/4sXjRjK

Pretty Candles

Now I know I said this section is all about the ladies, but humor me. I think a candle warmer also makes a good gift for a guy, but maybe make it masculine. Guys are STINKY (no offense, but they are) and a nice smelling candle and an attractive lamp might be beneficial in a guys’ dorm. Just saying. Something along the lines of these: https://amzn.to/3OHyqKs and https://amzn.to/3OQgayl.

Masculine Candle Options

Like I said, many guys might not think they want a candle and warmer, but it could be one of those things that they didn’t know they need until they have one.

A Lola blanket is another one of those things that guys might not be super excited about at first, but one use and they will wonder how they ever lived without one. Although in my family, Bodie and my nephew, Hayes, both asked for Lolas before their sisters. Trust me when I say that they are superior blankets and worth the price. They are frequently sold out and often run promotions, so check here (https://go.shopmy.us/p-55012931) regularly to get exactly what you want. We have the medium size and it’s a gracious plenty.

Lola Blankets

We’re finally to the part of the show where I share gifts (I consider them graduate stocking stuffers, if you will) that are desired by all members of the class of 2026. I’ll start with a new personal favorite: a Mac Neo. I purchased my Neo before their arrival in stores and I could not be happier. It is more than enough for most college students (and SAHM Boss Babes). My Neo is super fast, light, and has plenty of storage. The bright citrus color makes me oh so happy. If you were considering a Macbook Pro or Air, I strongly encourage you to look at the Neo. The price tag is much more wallet friendly than it’s Apple counterparts, but it can do almost the same amount of heavy lifting. Shop them here: https://amzn.to/4tX6ykZ

MacBook Neo

Dorm room or not, everyone benefits from an air purifier. This Amazon product has great reviews: https://amzn.to/3QSCDLT

Air Purifier

Another necessity? A fan. Whether for cooling purposes or white noise (or both), fans seem to be on all the kids’ wishlists: https://amzn.to/4t4aUFx. These cuties are less than $10!

Desk Fan

I’m fixing to purchase these for my own house…last Christmas my kids and Ben were gifted portable chargers in their stockings, yet we are down to ONE. I think they’ve been left on airplanes and in hotel rooms, so time restock for summer. A must for any student or traveler. On sale today here: https://amzn.to/4cDwBY7

Portable Chargers

Hot take: college kids are not clean. Those towels they’re taking to the communal shower or the one hanging by their dorm room sink? Not laundered very often. While I don’t have a solution for the body towel problem, I do have an answer for the nasty towel used to dry their face: Clean Skin Club towels. If you want your grad to leave acne behind when they head off to school, click here: https://amzn.to/4egiTf0. These are actually genius to use at home, too, if you want to cut back on laundry.

Clean Skin Club Towels

Another terribly boring but practical item is an extension cord with multiple outlets. Also serves as a surge protector. Do not expect immediate gratitude when gifting this, but upon move in day the recipient will be singing your praises. Become a hero here: https://amzn.to/4t1goka

Outlet Dreams

I truly tried to come up with ideas that I think will help these little birdies leave the nest. At the end of the day, cold hard cash is always a safe bet. Or Visa gift cards. Don’t overthink it! Congratulations to the class of 2026!