Graduation season is almost upon us, and as you’re getting ready to close out one chapter with your grad and begin a new one, it’s a good time to start thinking about a gift to congratulate them on their incredible accomplishments. Whether you know a student finishing high school or college, these gift ideas will carry them from one journey to the next. See our graduation gift guide below.

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1. Noise-cancelling headphones will help block out loud roommates, chatty coworkers, or anything else that distracts them from getting *ish* done.

2. A wireless charging station for all of their techy gadgets will be the gift they use time and time again. Why does everything always need to be charged?!

3. Jewelry is a sentimental way to celebrate the grad. This compass necklace or bracelet will serve as a reminder to follow their own path.

4. A book of lessons, wise words, and funny anecdotes will inspire, instill joy, and provide a little motivation.

5. This inspirational makeup bag, filled with all her favorites and maybe a gift card or two, would make a great gift!

6. A weighted blanket will keep them warm, help reduce anxiety, and replicate a warm hug from mom when she’s miles away.

7. The tassel was worth the hassle! These funny socks would make the perfect addition to a DIY graduation gift basket.

8. And if they’re a coffee lover, this mug is another basket filler that will get tons of use.

9. A tool kit is a must!! This is one of those gifts that they don’t know they want but will be grateful they have when they’re in a pinch.

10. This phone wallet is super convenient. Pop it on the back of your phone, tuck your cards and cash in, and boom…out the door you go.

11. This themed gift box comes with an “adult merit badge” coffee mug, 400 different fun facts, and a motivational book—a little bit of everything!

12. A 3-piece luggage set will get a bunch of mileage. While they make think it will be for all of their exotic adventures, their broke selves will really be using it for all their trips back home so they can do laundry for free.

13. Who doesn’t love a sweet treat?? This tin of delicious cookies will be gone in the blink of an eye, but the sugar high will keep them going for hours.

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Nicer weather is upon us and that means a lot more outside time with my kids, which they live for! They especially love playing with outdoor chalk, so I always keep at least one container of it stocked in our garage. Recently, my 5-year-old specifically requested we bring out the chalk and get creative, and that was a no-brainer for me…chalk play it was! See our creative learning with chalk play below.

I happened to have a ½ box of the 192 count Scented Chalk Sticks by Scentos, so I grabbed those and headed outside on our deck with the kiddos! They love drawing pictures and writing their names, adding on to each other’s designs, and letting their imaginations run wild – it usually always ends up being an easy 30-45 minutes of creative busy time.

My 1st grader and Kindergartener actually really enjoy it when I incorporate what they are currently learning in school and apply it to their chalk fun! For example, I will take their current sight words/trick words and write them in different colors to make a learning game out of it for them! I started doing this last year when we realized my one daughter struggled with her sight words and learning to read. This activity with the chalk really helped her and she was excited to play while learning. I even take photos or a video and send them to their teachers…they love it and praise the “extra” practice!

I love this form of play with the kids not only because it is done outdoors, but because it ignites creativity and personality, and it is just plain and simple fun! It can be done with math and other subjects as well. The options are endless!