COVETED GIFTS FOR THE STYLISH GRAD

BY LAURIE BROOKINS

With diploma in hand, your favorite grad will be ready for the next adventure with any of these chic and timeless gifts. 

Thom Browne

Crossing the stage in cap and gown to receive a high-school or college diploma is an incredibly momentous occasion, one that’s undeniably deserving of a gift that celebrates the graduate’s hard work and accomplishments. Expectations can run high in graduation presents, but thankfully it’s easier than ever to peruse an array of much-needed items from the world’s most celebrated brands. 

Whether you choose a gift that feels iconic and timeless, like a status watch or piece of designer jewelry, or you opt for something that is imbued with an air of practicality for home or travel, your graduate is sure to love anything that’s selected with their personal taste in mind. If they’ve been talking about their post-graduation plans — and of course they have — then you already have a sense of what might help them transition into the next phase of their life with ease and style. With that in mind, we gathered a dozen gift ideas perfect for a wide range of graduates — no matter whether they’re spending a summer traveling before heading off to college, diving into a much-anticipated internship or starting their post-college career, any of these sought-after gifts is sure to be welcomed and gleefully appreciated. 

SOUTH COAST PLAZA

THE GRADUATION EDIT

Cartier

Santos de Cartier Watch

In 2018 Cartier reintroduced its iconic Santos watch — which first debuted in 1904 — and while originally designed for men, it quickly became apparent that the model’s square case and graphic Roman numerals made it ideal as a unisex timepiece. Among the latest in the Santos de Cartier family is this large model in steel, featuring a blue striated dial and matching bezel. The 39.8mm case houses an automatic movement and comes with two straps: one in steel and another in blue rubber, each easily changeable via Cartier’s proprietary “Quick Switch” system.

Level 1, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.540.8231

Thom Browne

Plain Weave Suiting 4-Bar Classic Sport Coat

Kick off his post-graduation wardrobe with one of the hottest names in men’s fashion: Thom Browne. The slightly shrunken styling and 4-bar tonal stripe detailing on the left sleeve of Browne’s Plain Weave Suiting 4-Bar Classic Sport Coat feel thoroughly modern, while its charcoal-gray weave ensures it feels crisp, timeless and versatile. Made in Italy of 100-percent wool.

Level 2, Saks Fifth Avenue Wing
714.410.8485

Hermès

Allback Backpack  

Neutral-toned canvas and calfskin combine to create a backpack that exudes a sleek, modern vibe. Featuring a leather handle that gets better with age, this piece includes a zipped main compartment, interior back compartment large enough to stow a laptop, two exterior back pockets, a hidden side pocket with a snap hook for keys and leather cord closure, and the legendary house’s signature “H” leather patch.  

Level 1, Nordstrom Wing
714.437.1725

Gucci

GG Embossed Tote Bag

Your grad will make a good impression at that new job with an attaché that’s chic, polished and on trend. This GG Embossed Tote Bag, crafted in caramel-hued leather and embossed allover with Gucci’s iconic double-G emblem, is perfect for carrying a laptop and other necessities, either by its top handle or the signature green and red striped shoulder strap. The cotton linen lining includes one open pocket and one zipped pocket.

Level 2, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.557.9600

Louis Vuitton

Horizon 55 Rolling Luggage

A graduation is undeniably a rite of passage, and one popular gift in particular likewise feels like a ceremonial moment: the first important piece of luggage. Give your grad a piece they’re sure to own forever, Louis Vuitton’s Horizon 55 rolling carry-on, crafted in the house’s iconic Monogram coated canvas, accented with cowhide leather trim and featuring top and side leather handles and four compact wheels. A nametag also enables this piece to be personalized.

Level 2, Nordstrom Wing
714.662.6907

Prada

Saffiano Leather Wallet with Shoulder Strap

Versatile and chic, it’s a sure bet she’s been coveting Prada’s Saffiano leather wallet with detachable chain shoulder strap. Whether heading off to college or embarking on her career, she’ll love tucking this iconic piece into a tote bag or backpack, or carrying it alone on its included gold chain or adjustable wristlet. Crafted of black calf leather, this wallet features a magnetic closure and the Prada logo in gold metal lettering.

Level 2, Jewel Court
714.338.2200

Tiffany & Co.

Knot Ring

Fashion and a splash of edge are combined in the Knot collection by Tiffany & Co., creating pieces that feel both youthful and classic. This Tiffany Knot Ring is crafted on an entwined length of rose gold embellished with round brilliant diamonds set at precise angles to maximize each stone’s brilliance. It’s a perfect piece to wear year-round, especially as the knot symbolizes a connection between the giver and recipient.

Level 1, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.540.5330

David Yurman

Cable Edge Bracelet in Recycled 18K Yellow Gold

Gen Z believes passionately in sustainability, which makes this David Yurman cable bracelet an ideal gift. From the brand’s Cable Edge collection, which blends modernity with Yurman’s iconic cable styling, this Cable Edge Bracelet is crafted in recycled 18-karat yellow gold, is engravable and easy to wear thanks to its box clasp, while its classic styling makes it perfect for stacking or wearing alone.

Level 2, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.444.1080

Mikimoto

Akoya Cultured Pearl 18 Inch Two-Piece Set

Another timeless and elegant piece your favorite grad is sure to own forever: Mikimoto’s iconic 18-inch necklace of exquisite Akoya pearls, sold in a set that includes a pair of pearl stud earrings. With pearls currently topping wish lists, thanks to stars from Julia Garner to Harry Styles wearing them on red carpets, this ultra-classic set, which includes a necklace clasp and earring mounts in 18-karat white gold, looks effortlessly fashionable with a T-shirt and jeans or a sleek black dress.

Level 1, Nordstrom Wing
714.424.5440

Saint Laurent

Oval Curved Hoop Earrings

To classes, the office or out with friends: She’ll wear these Saint Laurent Oval Curved Hoop Earrings every chance she gets. Crafted in brass with contrasting cream enamel borders and post closures, these Italian-made earrings measure 76mm x 41mm and are engraved with “Saint Laurent Paris.”

Level 2, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.429.0101

Z Gallerie

Mykonos Tray

Artistic grads are always eager to imbue their personal spaces with décor that’s both chic and highly personal — fold in the current craze for mid-century modern design, and this Mykonos Tray from Z Gallerie is a smart choice. This mirrored-glass tray with gold-finished rim is 23.6 inches in diameter, perfect for holding everything from fragrances and makeup brushes to stylish glassware a grad is eager to display.

Level 1, Macy’s Home Store Wing
714.850.1081

CB2

Watt Articulating Polished Nickel Floor Lamp

Whether they’re decorating a dorm room or their first apartment, grads appreciate two key elements in home décor: style and the ability to fit into small spaces. This Watt Articulating Floor Lamp in polished nickel is designed by Jannis Ellenberger to fit beautifully in tight spaces with its small footprint, while its three articulating arms, finished with black enamel-like shades, can be positioned at a variety of angles to create a custom lighting design.

Level 3, Crate and Barrel Wing
949.308.7100



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