Before you know it, the spring semester will have come and gone and we will have another college graduation on our hands -- the class of 2021! While this academic semester has been anything but normal, the plans for spring graduation have not yet been announced by most colleges and universities. 

The possibilities are still up in the air, though we think, if the opportunity is possible -- most students would prefer a traditional graduation over a virtual one. However, no matter the outcome of this year’s graduation ceremony -- both options are equally as important and a virtual graduation should not be made to feel inferior. 

At the end of the day, regardless of the ceremony -- the most important aspect to reflect on is your accomplishment and being able to say you graduated from college with your diploma in hand. Afterall, students attend college to better their future and attain the best possible job prospects. With your bachelor’s degree officially achieved, you can start thinking about career goals and the future. 

A graduation ceremony is a traditional right of passage event that students enjoy participating in -- parading across the stage to receive your diploma is one of the best feelings. However, the same goal is still in mind -- receiving your diploma. Therefore, at the end of the day, the main achievement is your degree. 

So, this is a time to reflect on your college experience, be proud of the hard work, the papers, exams, presentations, research, and studying that went into earning your degree. Even though the ceremony may seem like the most important aspect, in a few years it will be a distant memory and the thing you will be most proud of is being able to put your college education on a resume. 

In lieu of the uncertainty, we think all people who know a college graduate this year should try to go above and beyond with selecting the best graduation gift possible. Your graduate will appreciate the extra love and support during these difficult times. 

Helping them celebrate their accomplishment with a wonderful gift is something they will always remember. Therefore, we have put together a list of the best college graduation gifts for him. 

That's right, this one is focused on the boys! Let’s get started:

• Diploma Frame 
• College Gear/Grad School Gear 
• Drinkware 
• Cookware 
• Wallet 
• Money 

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Diploma Frame 

We think a diploma frame is one of the best graduation gifts any student can receive, not just guys! A diploma frame is more than a way to display your bachelor’s degree -- it serves as a permanent reflection on your education, the hard work, fun times, unforgettable experiences, and all the aspects that made your college experience uniquely yours. 

Graduating from college is no easy task, because if it was, then everyone would do it! College isn’t the best path for everyone, so you should feel proud that you were able to go and finish with your degree -- because not everyone gets that opportunity! 

Plus a diploma frame is more than just a frame. Suppose your dream is to have your own office one day -- well a diploma frame (or multiple frames) hanging on the wall helps to establish your credibility. Your clients will want to see your education background to give them reassurance that you are the right person to be helping them with their needs. 

Similarly, a diploma frame can make others feel happy as well. Many people go into a student’s graduation -- parents or guardians, college professors, high school teachers, and other family members or friends who supported you through your college experience. They will want to see your achievement shown off -- especially if others helped you financially, they will feel a piece of appreciation seeing your diploma. 

For all of these reasons, we think that a diploma frame is one of the final rites of passage for college graduation. If you buy a diploma frame for your student and they seem apprehensive -- just remind them about the pride they should take in earning their degree, along with the credibility and happiness it can bring others!

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College Gear/Grad School Gear

We would be willing to bet that at one time or another, a student visiting the bookstore said they wanted to get some school gear, but didn’t. Of course students always make a mental note for what they would like to have, but due to little time, finances, and constantly having something going on -- buying school garb often becomes an afterthought unless it’s bought for them as a gift. 

This is why we think school gear makes a great graduation gift, especially for guys. Extra t-shirts, sweat pants, hoodies, and zip-ups are a guy’s dream. The school logos or letters are just an added bonus! 

If you think they might not wear clothing from their alma mater -- have no fear, we can assure you that guys and girls will still show off their school pride even after graduation. 

However, if you still worry about the frequency of them wearing school gear -- if you know they are enrolling in a graduate program, you have a new opportunity! With the hustle and bustle of the graduation season when students have so much on their plates, they will not prioritize picking up clothing for their next chapter. 

So, if you know where they are headed to further their education, consider buying them gear for their new path as a graduate student! We can assure you they will love it. 

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Drinkware

School themed drinkware makes a great gift for two reasons. The first is because your student will likely be moving forward with their next chapter. This means moving out of the house and into a new apartment or dorm -- meaning they will need to furnish it and buy new cookware, and of course drinkware! The second reason is because everyone likes personalized glasses that mean something to them, it makes a cold beverage that much more entertaining. 

We suggest this set of two iced beverage glasses. That way they can enjoy the school logo and have an extra glass for guests! These glasses are made in Germany by one of Europe’s oldest glassworks. They are 16 ounces each and easy to hold, scratch resistant, and dishwasher safe. 

If you don’t think this is their perfect drinkware set, consider other options like a set of four wine glasses, stemless wine glasses, or a set of two tumbler glasses. These make perfect new apartment gifts as well! 

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Cookware 

While we’re on the topic of drinkware -- let’s continue with cookware. Any students who will be moving out and into a new apartment for a new career, or further schooling will need to buy all the necessary cookware. 

Purchasing pots and pans, silverware, plates and bowls, on top of other items like a crock pot, air fryer, instant pot, etc. can become extremely expensive very fast. So, we suggest purchasing one of these bigger items as a gift for them. 

They will greatly appreciate you lessening the burden of everything they need to gather for their new apartment. If you’re not sure which item to select as a gift -- we suggest the cooking items that buy workers or non-cooking students would get the most use out of during the week. Items like a toaster oven, air fryer, instant pot, or crock pot are all easy to use and can prepare a meal with little hands on activity. We would also suggest a coffee maker or keurig for those who need their daily caffeine intake!

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Wallet 

If you want to give a gift that they will get a lot of use from -- consider purchasing a school wallet. Wallets are an everyday item that most men carry with them everywhere. Wallets are also a pretty standard graduation gift that you really can’t go wrong with.

Functionality meets school spirit with a new wallet. This gift will go a long way especially if they are in need of a new one or an upgrade from childhood wallet to adult wallet! All stages of life require new items -- so this is great in terms of being for graduation and adult life. 

A Sophisticated Watch for Graduation

Because every guy needs a nice watch!

Now that college is done and your guy is off to start a new job or continue his education, he’s going to need a sophisticated watch to do so! Consider picking him up a watch that boasts the logo of his new alma mater and that adds a touch of class to any outfit. Although a lot of people simply use their phones to tell time nowadays, a nice watch is still a must-have accessory for men. 

Upgrade His Wardrobe or New Space with a Gift Card

Help your guy grad update his wardrobe or furnish his new place

Graduating college means you’re entering the adult world. And that means getting a job or pursuing higher education goals. Whichever your guy grad is doing, they’re definitely going to need a wardrobe upgrade to nail those interviews, impress their boss, or get that fellowship at their new graduate school. Consider picking them up a gift card to Banana Republic or Bonobos where they can get anything from chinos, to suits, to jeans, or polos. 

If they’re moving into their first apartment after graduation, they will likely need new home decor and linens. Give them a gift card to a store like Macy’s so they can pick up nice sheets or bath towels for their new space.

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But You Can’t Go Wrong with the Gift of Money 

Cash is always a great graduation gift!

Even though money may seem like an impersonal gift -- trust us, it’s not! Money lasts a lifetime, while gift cards can expire if not used fast enough. Therefore, it is the best of both worlds. 

With money he can buy whatever he may need for the future. That way you don’t have to stress about picking out a gift they will use and also enjoy having. Money saves you from headaches and allows them to use it freely. 

College graduation can be a difficult occasion to shop for since it is such a monumental achievement and huge change in a person’s life! But don’t stress about the right or wrong thing to get for the college guy in your life -- focus on what they need for their adult life and what they will find useful! At the end of the day, they will appreciate the gesture and knowledge that you were thinking of them during this time.