Apple watch.

I would tell him the laptop that he got in March was his main graduation present.

I got mine a new longboard, and an espresso maker for his dorm room. We also considered a bike, but he prefers skateboarding.

He would never wear a watch, he would probably find monogrammed towels embarrassing to use somehow, and he is happy with one school logo item. But all kids are different.

Normally clothes are the worst gift ever for my son, but for part of his graduation gift I got him a bunch of logo merch from his college. He wore a lot of stuff with his high school (and even middle school) logos on them and he lives in t-shirts and basketball shorts right now. I got a mix of shirts, hoodies, shorts, even boxers. I also went on Etsy and searched “school name face masks” and ordered 3 face masks with his school logo and mascots (all different designs). I also got school branded key chain, lanyard, and license plate cover for his car. I ordered the stuff from a combination of of retailers and the school store. He was pleasantly surprised when I gave him the gift, but I know that he likes it because he has been wearing it non-stop.

I remember my mom took me shopping for kitchen basics. It was fairly unceremonious, but I still have and treasure this saucepan we bought together over 25 years ago. She's long gone, and I think of her when I see it.

Oh, I love the idea of a nice camera! (Ok, that's what I'd want...)

Household basics of some sort that are beyond dorm stuff, maybe? The monogrammed towels are a great idea.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If I can piggyback, also looking for ideas for a girl (kind of quirky, does not like jewelry, which is what I probably would have done).

Our two oldest daughters each received monogrammed towel sets from a dear friend. The towel sets were hands down their favorite gifts from a non-relative.

We gave the girls jewelry from their grandmothers and we gave the boys watches from their grandfathers.

That's what I got in the 90s and I loved it too! I take credit for starting a bit of a trend on my college hall bc a few other girls got them for Christmas that year.

I went to college in the 80s and I would have loved to have monogrammed towels. What a nice gift!

https://www.frontgate.com/resort-cotton-bath-towels/155771?cjevent=fac887e29ace11ea825f08280a24060f&SourceCode=AF5513721&utm_source=Wirecutter+Inc.&utm_medium=Affiliates&utm_campaign=default

These are great ideas. Where did you buy the monogrammed towels? LLBean? LandsEnd? Thanks

2 sons who are now in the mid to late twenties. I bought them each a watch for HS graduation and let them choose the style. I wanted them to have a keepsake gift. They were not into class rings.

A mom of one of my son’s friend group gave each of the boys in the group a bath size towel with their initials embroidered on. Great gift for the dorm room. He always knew which towel was his. College school colors would be a bonus.

Anonymous wrote:I really like Longines watches for a combo of classic quality not too over the top price-wise

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/longines-record-automatic-bracelet-watch-40mm/5276718
https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/longines-flagship-heritage-automatic-leather-strap-watch-38-5mm/4750230

Sorry I just realized you mean a h/s graduate not a college graduate. I might save Longines for college. But if you do like the idea of a watch, Shinola might work for a H/S graduation: https://www.shinola.com/mens/watches.html

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If I can piggyback, also looking for ideas for a girl (kind of quirky, does not like jewelry, which is what I probably would have done).

Our two oldest daughters each received monogrammed towel sets from a dear friend. The towel sets were hands down their favorite gifts from a non-relative.

We gave the girls jewelry from their grandmothers and we gave the boys watches from their grandfathers.

That's what I got in the 90s and I loved it too! I take credit for starting a bit of a trend on my college hall bc a few other girls got them for Christmas that year.

I really like Longines watches for a combo of classic quality not too over the top price-wise

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/longines-record-automatic-bracelet-watch-40mm/5276718
https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/longines-flagship-heritage-automatic-leather-strap-watch-38-5mm/4750230

I know you said no money but that’s what I remembered. My parents never gave me money. I received a lot of gifts over the years but only received checks for graduations and my wedding. It was a big deal to me.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Engraced antique cufflinks.

This seems like such a waste.

Np that’s a wedding type gift. A lot of brides buy these for grooms.