PC: @livsowlery54

As we sit back and watch all our plans getting cancelled for the next few months, I can't help but to feel sorry for the major life events many people are having to skip out on. With many of my peers graduating college this semester, this was one of the events I was most disappointed to hear about being canceled or postponed. Graduating from anything, whether a university, college, or a certification course, is grounds for major celebration. So I started thinking of ways I can still make this milestone special for my graduating friends and realized there's no better feeling than receiving unexpected gifts in the mail! Plus, via mail is sort of the only option we have right now while social distancing and all - you know the deal. I also set a spending budget since this is a financially sensitive time for many people, including myself. Then the search began for the best affordable gifts for 2020 graduates. I narrowed down my top choices and curated a list of 6 gift ideas that I think would work perfectly for anyone graduating this semester.

1. Travel Bag

With hopes that the world will eventually be in a better state and travel will once again be an option, I think a commuting bag is a great choice for any recent grad. This can be used for that graduation trip they've been waiting on, the city move to their new job, or even just as a weekender bag while they spend their last summer break bar hopping with friends - and according to Twitter, this is also commonly known as, the "spennanight" bag lol.

1. Beis Travel - The Weekender | 2. Calpak - Hue Duffle | 3. Herschel - Novel Duffle Bag

2. Wireless Charging Tray

One of the coolest tech-friendly gadgets I've discovered recently are charging trays. Not only are these convenient and easy to use, but can be a great decoration accent in any room. They usually come with a side for wireless charging for any of your devices and a tray for small accessories like your keys, everyday jewelry, or wallet.

1. Catch Wireless Multicharging Dock | 2. Catch:3

3. Adulting Book

After finally getting a chance to put down the academic books and pick up reading for enjoyment, any recent grad would appreciate a coming-of-age, adulting book. Many of these books are filled with witty humor and real life scenarios of post-grad life. Whether for refreshing entertainment or for answers to some of life's questions, this genre of books would make a perfect gift for any young adult.

1. The Defining Decade | 2. What You're Really Meant To Do | 3. The Beautiful Chaos of Growing Up | 4. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

4. Speaker

There's no exaggeration in saying that a speaker is an essential item for nearly everyone these days. From bumping your favorite music to keeping up with your latest podcast of choice, a speaker can be used in various ways. Most are convenient to use via bluetooth and even compact enough to travel with. Definitely a grad approved gift!

1. Echo Dot 3rd Gen | 2. Bose Soundlink Micro Bluetooth Speaker (Currently on sale!) | 3. JBL Flip 5 | 4. Bose Soundlink Color Bluetooth Speaker II

5. Coffeemaker

I've never been much of a coffee drinker myself but after witnessing a handful of my colleagues using the caffeinated drink to push through a couple of brutal all nighters, I can totally understand why coffee culture is a thing. With the taste war between Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts still widely at bay, it's safe to say a coffeemaker would make a tasteful gift.
(And after growing up in New York with a Dunkin Donuts on every corner, its team Dunkin all the way for me!)

1. Kalorik 10 cup Retro Coffeemaker | 2. Bodum Pour over 8 cup Coffeemaker | 3. Cuisinart 14 cup Programmable Coffeemaker | 4. Keurig K-Mini Single Serve

6. Planner

Student life may be over for recent grads but the grind doesn't stop there! There are still job related tasks, personal goals, and day to day life responsibilities to maneuver. Staying organized isn't just a school skill, but a vital life skill and owning a planner is the first step to getting there. You can map out your work related meetings and projects, schedule out time to apply for jobs, jot down your to-do lists for the day, and even make notes to not forget your siblings birthdays. Committing to using a planner can really change the pace of your days and push you to be more productive which is why it's the most appropriate gift for any graduate.

1. Erin Condren LifePlanner | 2. Papier Weekly Planner | 3. Lemome Academic Planner

And to wrap things up, I want to send a huge congratulations to the graduating class of 2020! You guys reached a major milestone and should be immensely proud of yourselves. Wishing you the best of luck as you embark on this new chapter of adulthood 🎉