The Ultimate Graduation Gift Bundle for Recent Grads

Good Store puts the “rad” in graduation gifts. | By Malikai Smith

Graduation is right around the corner, and that means a turning-of-pages is rapidly approaching. Whether the graduate is a loved one or yourself, high school- or college-aged, or heading towards higher education or the workforce, here’s the common denominator: It’s a time of drastic change, and like always, preparation is the key to success.

I personally went the college route many years ago, so believe me when I tell you that a Good Store bundle can be worth its weight in gold to the bright-eyed (and likely woefully underprepared) college freshman.

Why Practical Graduation Gifts Matter

The little microcosm economy that exists among broke college students is a thing of beauty, isn’t it? A late-night bag of chips when the dining hall is closed; A hot cup of coffee on a bitterly cold Sunday morning… We’re talking about legitimate trade value here.

Inside the halls of my college, there were more times than I could count that deals were made or lost based on (otherwise unremarkable) household items. So, let’s talk about how you can build your own bundle for a recent grad to make sure they’re ready for whatever comes next.

1. Coffee: The Essential College Staple

I’m going to start with coffee. How could I not start with coffee? I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again. Coffee is one of my favorite things in life. I’m not unique in that regard, so I think a lot of you will understand why Keats & Co Coffee is the first thing I’m throwing in a bundle.

2012 Malikai? He’s choosing Octavia, because he prefers the flavor of dark roasts. 2026 Malikai? He’s choosing Calypso, because light roasts are still tasty and the higher caffeine content is more conducive to his crippling caffeine addiction…

Anyways, I had an electric kettle in my room in college, and I loved making a hot pot of coffee after a long weekend or before an 8 a.m. lecture. Filling your room or suite with the smell of fresh coffee and sharing with your friends never hurts, trust me.

Easy #1.

2. The Sleeper Pick: All-Purpose Cleaner

The 2nd seed may come as a surprise. A sleeper, compared to a heavy-hitter like coffee, but well deserved: Green Llama All Purpose Cleaning Tabs.

Hear me out. College dorms are going to get dirty, and the people living in them are 18. What percentage of 18 year-olds are going to have a multi-purpose cleaner for when a table is sticky, a toilet is dirty or a drink is spilled on the floor?

Not having to live in filth and squalor makes a nice all purpose cleaner the sneaky 2 seed and the owner of that cleaner the pinnacle of sophistication and foresight.

3. Awesome Socks Are a Guaranteed Win

Next, we’re going to another heavy hitter. A true, timeless juggernaut of the gift world: socks.

Easy #3, and with Awesome Socks Club, you know your grad is getting something special. Their friends will comment on the unique and beautiful designs. Their feet will love the silky fabric. It’s a win-win.

4. Laundry Sheets for Dorm Life

For the last two, I’m sticking with the themes of utility and community.

Socks, you’re probably not going to share, and that’s ok. This is a gift bundle for the grad, and it’s only right that at least one of those gifts is for them.

But the ability of this bundle to improve the life of your grad, their friends, and their day-to-day is at the heart of this bundle, so #4 is Laundry Detergent Sheets.

I asked what percentage of freshmen are going to have a multi-purpose cleaner, but freshmen with laundry detergent sheets? Forget about it.

5. A Stain Removal Stick Will Save the Day

Last but not least: Meliora Soap Stick for Stain Removal.

Freshmen with a stain removal stick for laundry? Your grad is standing alone on hallowed ground.

The sheets and sticks will keep them clean and they’ll be the hero to countless friends who haven’t done laundry in weeks or got something on their favorite shirt.

The Best Graduation Gift Bundle for College Freshmen

You throw all these items together in a bundle, and I promise you, there will be countless times throughout the hustle and bustle of post-graduation life that the recipient of this bundle will stop and thank their lucky stars you were such a considerate gift-giver.

The demands of adult life will soon be apparent to the recent grad, and this bundle is going to be the bridge to smooth the transition from pre- to post-graduation life.