Despite all the challenges and craziness we've seen in 2020, students in the Class of 2020 will still be graduating. Though the circumstances and procedures surrounding graduation may be modified due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, it's still an event that can be made even brighter with a gift or two. We've gathered some ideas based on feedback from grads.
Nintendo's latest console hardly needs an introduction, and it remains ever popular years after its initial launch. They're tough to find in stock thanks to stay-at-home orders driving increased video game sales, but it'll make for a gift that keeps on giving if you can manage to get your hands on one.
Slightly cheaper alternative: Nintendo Switch Lite
While it lacks the video output capability of the "regular" Switch, the Lite version is a full $100 cheaper and makes more sense as a portable device. As a bonus, these are much easier to find in stock both online and on store shelves.
If your grad loves coffee, this Keurig brewer brings incredible convenience that allows regular caffeination for the always-pressed-for-time college student. K-Cups can be found pretty much anywhere and come in a variety of styles and flavors. We recommend selecting one that's more compact for easy transport and storage.
Graduation, whether it's from high school or university, represents a seismic shift in lifestyle. Though digital cameras have become ubiquitous through smartphones, this Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 camera adds a touch of flair for capturing memories and mitigates the risk of accidentally deleting poignant photos while purging data to free up space.
An e-reader is a great gift idea for anyone who loves to read. Since high school or university graduations typically accompany a physical move from a familiar place, it may not always be possible or practical to transport hundreds of pounds worth of books. Amazon's renowned Kindle brings access to a practically unlimited library and offers enough battery life to go through it all.
Living away from home requires an adjustment period, and it's often more difficult than not for most grads. An Instant Pot is an extremely versatile addition to any space, enabling quick and easy cooking of all types of meals. It's a thoughtful gift that remains useful years after the graduation ceremony is in the rear view mirror.
Whether used for keeping drinks cool while spending summer with friends or for keeping coffee hot for a long day of classes, a Hydro Flask is a gift that any grad would be grateful to have. These come in a variety of color, size, and lid options, so there's definitely one that best fits your grad's personality or preferences.
Not to encourage procrastination or placing distractions in front of your grad, but there's always a time and a place for entertainment to keep spirits up. The Fire TV Stick plugs directly into an HDMI port; beyond Amazon's own Prime Video service, the interface also supports Netflix, Disney+, HBO, and YouTube, and is fully Alexa-compatible.
Everyone knows Alexa at this point, and the Echo Dot is the easiest and most affordable way to introduce smart speaker functionality to any space. It can be used as a standalone device; alternatively, it can connect to a plethora of Alexa-enabled devices and serve as a hub to control a smart home.
A smart watch is an attractive gadget due to its versatility, and they go a long way towards helping your grad keep a hectic life organized. The Apple Watch is the obvious choice for iOS users; Android fans have a wider range of options, but our recommendation is the ever-popular Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2. This way, there's less of a chance of missing an important interview call - or worse yet, a call from Mom.
