By Carolin Lehmann
/ Essentials
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Whether they're graduating from high school, college, grad school or beyond this spring, the grads in your life deserve praise -- and gifts -- for their accomplishments. If you're not too sure what to get them, a gift card is always a good bet -- and Amazon has tons of options.
Top products in this article:
Starbucks gift card, $25 and up
Below are great gift card ideas -- plus gift card deals! The members of the Class of 2022 will be sure find these gift cards to Apple, Amazon, Grubhub and more useful in their post-grad lives.
Amazon gift card
Your favorite grads can get almost anything they need for their next phase withan Amazon gift card. Load this card (that comes in a fitting, graduation-cap gift box!) with an amount between $25 and $2,000.
Apple gift card
Do your grads want a new MacBook laptop, iPhone, Apple Watch or other Apple product for their next step? Then gift them an Apple gift card. Load an amount between $25 and $400 on this card, and watch for the magic happen. The card can be used to buy the latest Apple tech hardware, as well as apps, software, music, movies, subscriptions and more.
Ulta gift card
Upgrade your grad's beauty stash withan Ulta gift card. Gift with an e-gift card, or send a physical gift card via the mail. You select the amount you want to put on it.
Gap Options gift card
Whether they're heading to high school, college or starting a new job, your favorite grads will likely need new clothes for their next chapter. With this versatileGap Options gift card, they can shop at Gap, Banana Republic, Athleta and Old Navy. Get it via Amazon, and load it with any amount between $25 and $100.
Gap Options gift card, $25 and up
Bath & Body Works e-gift card
Choose any amount between $25 and $100 to load on a gift card from Bath & Body Works. With gift card in hand, your grad will keep smelling fresh, even while using the dorm showers.
Bath & Body Works e-gift cards, $25 and up
Grubhub e-gift card
Late-night study sessions call for late-night grub. Choose an amount between $25 and $100 that you'd like to put onthis Grubhub e-gift card, so your grad won't have to go hungry.
Grubhub e-gift cards, $25 and up
Cold Stone Creamery e-gift card
Choose the amount you want, from $25 to $100, to put ona Cold Stone Creamery gift card. The result makes for a sweet gift. And right now, when you buy through Amazon, save $10 when you spend $50 or more on this gift card by using the code COLDSTONE22 at checkout.
Cold Stone Creamery e-gift card, $25 and up
Want to give your grads an even bigger treat? If you're a Sam's Club member, you can! In addition to getting access todiscounted gasoline, a Sam's Club membership lets you in on a great Cold Stone Creamery gift card deal: Members canget $30 in Cold Stone Creamery gift cards for just under $21.
$30 Cold Stone Creamery gift cards, $21
Not a Sam's Club member? Sign up below.
Sam's Club membership (1 year), $45
Starbucks gift card
Keep your grad caffeinated witha Starbucks gift card. Choose from three card designs and denominations up to $100.
Starbucks gift card, $25 and up
Happy Dining gift card
Give your grad a break from the college cafeteria. The lucky object of your gifting can use this gift cardat the Cheesecake Factory, Red Lobster, McCormick & Schmick's, Cracker Barrel, Buffalo Wild Wings and P.F. Chang's. Put $25 or $50 on it. When you click on the Amazon link below, you'll see you can get gift cards with other restaurant options from that page, too.
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As an expert in consumer products and gift guides, particularly in the realms of health, fitness, furniture, apparel, and books, I can provide valuable insights into the article titled "Essentials" by Carolin Lehmann, published on May 6, 2022. It's worth noting that CBS Essentials is created independently of the CBS News editorial staff.
The article focuses on graduation gifts for individuals completing high school, college, grad school, or other educational milestones. It suggests gift cards as a versatile and thoughtful option. The highlighted gift cards include:
-
Amazon Gift Card:
- Amazon offers a wide range of products, making it an ideal choice for graduates.
- The gift card comes in a graduation-cap gift box and can be loaded with amounts between $25 and $2,000.
-
Apple Gift Card:
- Suitable for those who aspire to purchase Apple products like MacBook, iPhone, Apple Watch, etc.
- The card allows users to buy Apple tech hardware, apps, software, music, movies, subscriptions, and more.
- Amounts between $25 and $400 can be loaded onto the card.
-
Ulta Gift Card:
- Ideal for upgrading a graduate's beauty stash, offering flexibility with e-gift or physical card options.
- Users can select the desired amount to put on the card.
-
Gap Options Gift Card:
- Versatile for graduates heading to high school, college, or starting a new job, covering Gap, Banana Republic, Athleta, and Old Navy.
- Available on Amazon, with amounts ranging from $25 to $100.
-
Bath & Body Works E-Gift Card:
- Ranging from $25 to $100, this gift card allows graduates to keep smelling fresh with Bath & Body Works products.
-
Grubhub E-Gift Card:
- Convenient for late-night study sessions, providing an amount between $25 and $100 for food delivery.
-
Cold Stone Creamery E-Gift Card:
- A sweet gift option with amounts from $25 to $100, featuring a special discount when buying through Amazon with the code COLDSTONE22.
-
Starbucks Gift Card:
- Keeps graduates caffeinated with denominations up to $100 and three card design options.
-
Happy Dining Gift Card:
- Offers a break from the college cafeteria, usable at various restaurants like Cheesecake Factory, Red Lobster, McCormick & Schmick's, Cracker Barrel, Buffalo Wild Wings, and P.F. Chang's.
- Amounts of $25 or $50 can be loaded onto the card.
Additionally, if readers are Sam's Club members, they can access a special deal for Cold Stone Creamery gift cards—$30 in gift cards for just under $21. Non-members can sign up for a Sam's Club membership at $45.
Carolin Lehmann, the author of the article, is highlighted as an expert in health, fitness, furniture, apparel, gift guides, and books for CBS Essentials. She regularly tests new products and mentions some of her current favorites, including Stanley cups and Alo Yoga workout sets.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive guide to selecting gift cards for graduates, covering a variety of interests and needs in their post-graduation lives.
