10 Local Gifts for the Recent (or Soon-to-Be) Graduate in Your Life

Graduation marks a significant milestone in someone’s life, and finding the perfect gift to commemorate this achievement can be a delightful challenge. We’ve curated a selection of local offerings that are sure to leave a lasting impression and make any graduate's transition to the next chapter magical.

— by Alie McArdle, Contributing Writer (and the brains behind This Little Life. Follow her work @thislittle_lifeblog!)

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Image Source: Clay Ground

Pottery class from Clay Ground

Pottery is a fun and creative way to spend time, and for the grad in your life, keep this tidbit in mind: giving the gift of making something by his or her own hand results in a great keepsake throughout life’s transitions, when it’s nice to have a reminder of what focus and hard work can do. 

>> Buy it here <<

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Image Source: @scentsofserenity

Spa treatment at Scents of Serenity

Late-night studying and navigating the balance between school, work, and play while trying to maintain sanity — it all takes a toll. Gifting the grad a spa treatment is just what the doctor ordered after a long stretch of working hard. They’ll love you for it. 

>> Buy it here <<

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Image Source: TAOU

Yoga class pack from TAOU

A good ol’ stretch does wonders for your well-being, especially after working hard to make it to the end of the school year(s). TAOU offers class packs, making this a great gift for mind-conscious and body-positive grads, in partic. 

>> Buy it here <<

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Imagee Source: @reservoirdistillery

Bottle of whiskey from Reservoir Distillery

If the new graduate is over 21, sharing a bottle of fancy whiskey is a time-honored tradition. It symbolizes transition, celebration, and friendship.

Pro-tip: Snag some branded glassware to create a gift package.

>> Buy it here <<

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Image Source: La Lyra

Perfume or soap from La Lyra

La Lyra is a Richmond-based shop with handcrafted soaps, perfumes, insect repellents, and more created in small batches. For the organic, environmentally-conscious grad in your life, this is a great pick!

>> Buy it here <<

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Image Source: @planthouserva

Plant from PlantHouse

Shopping for a plant lover? Celebrate their achievement with a PlantHouse gift card — a perfect choice for recent graduates who need to deck out a new apartment!

>> Buy it here <<

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Image Source: @rvapaddlesports

Whitewater rafting experience from RVA Paddlesports

Gifting experiences is perfect for creating memories that last forever, especially when they’re as memorable as whitewater rafting! Treat your grad to some adrenaline-filled fun to begin the next chapter with some adventure. 

>> Buy it here <<

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Image Source: @wickandsiprva

Candle-making experience from Wick & Sip Candle Lounge

Candles make a home comfy and aromatic — two things that make moving into a new living space a little less overwhelming. Give the grad a candle-making class from Wick & Sip Candle Lounge. Grads over and under 21 can appreciate this gift, by the way — the spot serves both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages!

>> Buy it here <<

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Image Source: @maymont_rva

Membership to Maymont

With lush and well-kept landscaping, workshops and concerts, giving the grad a membership to this Richmond gem emphasizes the beauty of the natural world and experiencing its wonder outside of his or her new working hours.

>> Buy it here <<

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Image Source: @sunandselene

Handcrafted jewelry from Sun & Selene

Jewelry is always appreciated. And at Sun & Selene, they create handcrafted pieces right in their Richmond studio, making them perfect for a local grad! Shop rings, necklaces, bracelets, and more. 

>> Buy it here <<

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Keep shopping:

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