Graduation Gift Ideas You Can Shop Locally in Old Town Alexandria
What’s the old saying—when one door closes, another one opens? That line feels especially fitting for this post, for two reasons.
First, we’ve put together a Grad Gift Guide in collaboration with our upstairs neighbor, Old House Provisions. If you haven’t met Drew yet, you should stop by. Last August, we closed Yellow Jacket, and I know some of you (emphasis on some) still miss having a men’s store in town. Well, a few months ago, Drew opened Old House Provisions right above The Hive on Cameron Street. His shelves are stocked with hard-to-find brands that focus on craftsmanship and quality. He’s passionate about how things are made and only chooses pieces that stand the test of time. In short, he’s got really great stuff.
Second, graduation is a time when new doors open. As the parent of a grad myself, I know how exciting it is to imagine the adventures and opportunities that lie ahead for high school graduates. That’s why this felt like the perfect time to show how easy it is to do all your grad gift shopping right here in Old Town.
Drew and I picked some of our favorite gifts—at all different price points—for the grads on your list.
For Her
Anything Anna Beck
I don’t think there’s a brand we carry that appeals to a wider range of ages than Anna Beck. It’s probably the number one brand I get texts about from former employees who are now in college and still want to place an order. Everyone loves Anna Beck. If there’s a piece you’re looking for and we don’t have it, we’re always happy to special order it for you. You truly can’t go wrong.
Kris Nations Earrings
Another crowd favorite: Kris Nations. We just unpacked a fresh delivery—perfect timing for grad season. With tons of styles, great price points, and the cutest packaging, they make an ideal gift.
MZ Wallace Large Metro Tote
The best travel bag—hands down. I’ve had mine for over 15 years and it still looks brand new. It’s perfect for weekend trips, and I always use it as my second carry-on when flying. It fits a surprising amount and is a game-changer if you’re trying to avoid checking a bag.
Think Royln Makeup Bag
Everyone needs cute, functional makeup bags. These three-piece sets hold all your makeup, lotions, and potions—perfect for dorm life, travel, or the beach.
Freda Salvador Slip Pouch
As a mom to a 17-year-old, I know the younger crowd just wants something small to hold an ID, a card, and maybe a lip gloss. The Freda Salvador Slip Pouch is a stylish upgrade from the Lululemon version that's starting to wear out. College feels like the right time for something a bit more elevated—and this one’s perfect. It comes in several great colors, too.
Sawyer Jacket by Anine Bing
Barn and utility jackets are making a big comeback. If you're looking for something extra special—or maybe a group gift—the Sawyer Jacket from Anine Bing is a favorite. It’s a timeless piece that works for both fall and spring, and Anine Bing is definitely a hit among college girls.
For Him
Original Madras Trading Co. Pajama Suit
A Pajama suit is a great gift for a man because it’s a thing they probably don’t know they need but can hardly go without once they have a pair. Most guys just wear boxers to bed without a second thought, but one night in this handloomed Original Madras Trading Co. pajama suit will have him questioning what else in life he’s missing.
For the giver looking for something more substantial, unique, and striking, the Cohérence Robert P Jacket in blue water-resistant wool/linen/mohair is just the thing. Inspired by a vintage jacket worn by photographer Robert Doisneau and designed from the textile to the buttons by one man, Kentaro Nakagomi, this piece has everything anyone would need to make it their everyday, rainy day, travel jacket, beach jacket…you name it. The sizing is easy too, due to the raglan sleeves being quite forgiving.
Let’s be honest, all guys are the same. That’s why we love to differentiate ourselves with accent pieces with ambiguous meanings. For example, when your man dawns this Dehen1920 x Old House Provisions shashiko/natural selvedge denim cap with house logo embroidery, he will immediately feel more interesting and mysterious. There’s also a number of caps from Drake’s that are sure to get curious glances from onlookers.
RIPA RIPA Swimsuit An Italian tailored swimsuit like these from RIPA RIPA is another easy way to elevate a man’s essentials. It’s time to get rid of those Quicksilver trunks from his 14th birthday pool party.
Novelty socks like the Organic Cotton/Linen socks from Yahae are another easy way to give men a unique feeling of crispy, airy comfort. Most men wear the same cotton/synthetic blend socks, likely bought from Costco. No shame in that, but this leaves an opportunity to dramatically change their perception and have a special pair for special occasions that they always associate with you.
For the utility-driven men (which is to say, all men), Craighill never disappoints. They make objects that turn mundane everyday actions, like pulling out a credit card from the Summit Card Case, into moments of appreciation for thoughtful design.
We hope to see you on Cameron Street soon, come visit The Shoe Hive/The Hive and Old House Provisions.
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