MISC

On September 8, 2022, Queen Elizabeth II passed away at the age of 96.

The passing of the Queen is a historic event that will surely reverberate and resonate well beyond the shores of Great Britain and the Commonwealth. Her reign of 70 years was the longest in British history, and her constant presence gave generations of Britons, as well as millions of people around the world, a sense of stability, continuity, and reassurance in times of both peace and turbulence.

Though her passing may have been inevitable, to millions of people in the United Kingdom and around the world it seemed unimaginable. Even as a young princess she was in the royal spotlight, and with her coronation on June 2, 1953, Queen Elizabeth II stepped onto the global stage and into history. Her image is recognized around the world, and now her memory and her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of her devoted supporters and followers.

The memorial services, international tributes, ceremonial commemorations, and outpouring of public grief will surely be extraordinary. In due time, of course, the focus of the world’s attention will eventually shift to the succession to the royal throne of Charles, Prince of Wales. 

Prince Charles has been heir to the throne for all of his 73 years, and when he becomes king, his eldest son, William, will become the next heir apparent. But the line of succession is long, and it continues to change as families grow and succession laws are revised.

Using information from the official website of the British royal family and various media sources, Stacker has compiled a list of 20 members of the royal family and their respective positions in the line of succession.   

#1. The Prince of Wales

Title: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales

Full name: Charles Philip Arthur George

Father: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

Mother: Queen Elizabeth II

Relation to Elizabeth II: Son

Born: Nov. 14, 1948, at Buckingham Palace, London

Seventy-three years is a very long time to wait to assume the reins of the position for which you have always been destined, and Charles has been waiting in the wings since the day he was born. Over time, his popularity has seen highs and lows, and his personal life has generated multiple cycles of scandal, scrutiny, and sympathy. Never was this more true than during his marriage to Diana, Princess of Wales, and its eventual unraveling. He has been both lauded and criticized for some of his public work and personal initiatives, and he has long expressed a desire to slim down the monarchy. When he finally does ascend to the throne, his second wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, whom he married in 2005, will be known as Queen Consort.

#2. The Duke of Cambridge

Title: Prince William of Wales, Duke of Cambridge

Full name: William Arthur Philip Louis

Father: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales

Mother: Diana, Princess of Wales

Relation to Elizabeth II: Grandson

Born: June 21, 1982, at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London

Prince William is second in line to the throne. As the first child of Charles and Diana, the quiet prince was always destined for the spotlight and has never known life outside the royal fishbowl. He has held a special place in the hearts of Britons and royal followers since he was a child, and that emotional connection was only strengthened during his parents’ very public divorce and the tragic death of his mother in 1997. In the years that followed, William emerged as a thoughtful and reserved young man with an understandable disdain for the tabloid media. His 2011 marriage to Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, was watched by billions of people around the globe, and when William eventually ascends to the throne, Catherine will become Queen Consort.

#3. Prince George of Cambridge

Title: Prince George of Cambridge

Full name: George Alexander Louis

Father: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge

Mother: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge

Relation to Elizabeth II: Great-grandson

Born: July 22, 2013, at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London

As the eldest son of William and Catherine, Prince George of Cambridge now stands third in the line of succession. Like his father and grandfather before him, he is surely aware of his destiny at this point in his young life, though his parents have worked hard to keep their children grounded with a less formal and rigid lifestyle and a greater sense of normalcy than past royalty have experienced in their upbringing, much like George’s grandmother Diana did for her sons, William and Harry.

#4. Princess Charlotte of Cambridge

Title: Princess Charlotte of Cambridge

Full name: Charlotte Elizabeth Diana

Father: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge

Mother: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge

Relation to Elizabeth II: Great-granddaughter

Born: May 2, 2015, at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London

For William and Catherine’s second child, Princess Charlotte, a legal change in succession law passed in 2011 helped secure her position in the line of succession. The Perth Agreement determined that all governments of the Commonwealth realms would amend their laws to replace “male-preference primogeniture” (in which males precede females) with “absolute primogeniture” (in which gender plays no part). Thus, when her younger brother was born, Charlotte retained her position as the fourth in line.

#5. Prince Louis of Cambridge

Title: Prince Louis of Cambridge

Full name: Louis Arthur Charles

Father: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge

Mother: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge

Relation to Elizabeth II: Great-grandson

Born: April 23, 2018, at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London

Some might suspect that the youngest of William and Kate’s children might be destined for a more comfortable and less stressful role than his older siblings. However, in the royal line of succession one can never assume anything. Just ask Louis’ great-great-grandfather, King George VI, who was never expected to inherit the throne. He had planned to live a quiet life as the Duke of York with his family, but when his brother, King Edward, famously abdicated the throne in order to marry an American divorcee, the course of George’s life was forever altered, as was that of his daughter, the future Queen Elizabeth II.

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#6. The Duke of Sussex

Title: Prince Henry, Duke of Sussex

Full name: Henry Charles Albert David

Father: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales

Mother: Diana, Princess of Wales

Relation to Elizabeth II: Grandson

Born: Sept. 15, 1984, at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London

At birth, Prince Henry was fourth in line to the British throne and often referred to as the “spare” to his brother, the heir. Better known as Harry, the prince exhibited a rebellious streak and a sense of independence—not unlike that of his mother, Diana. In recent years—despite strained relations with his brother and father, the 2020 drama the press deemed “Megxit,” a relocation with his family to California, a tell-all book in the works, and he and his wife Meghan’s now-infamous Oprah interview—he remains in the fold. This may be due in part to the very strong relationship he always enjoyed with the queen.

#7. Master Archie Mountbatten-Windsor

Title: None

Full name: Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor

Father: Prince Henry, Duke of Sussex

Mother: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

Relation to Elizabeth II: Great-grandson

Born: May 6, 2019, at Frogmore Cottage, Windsor, England

Being raised in California, 3-year-old Archie may not yet understand his position within the complicated structure and traditions of the royal family from across the pond, but given his place in the seventh position, he’ll find out soon enough. Archie is the first family member of mixed-race ancestry in the line of succession, and he has dual U.K. and U.S. nationality.

#8. Miss Lillibet Mountbatten-Windsor

Title: None

Full name: Lillibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor

Father: Prince Henry, Duke of Sussex

Mother: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

Relation to Elizabeth II: Great grandchild

Born: June 4, 2021, Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California

The latest addition to Harry and Meghan’s family, Lillibet’s name derives from the childhood nickname of Queen Elizabeth. She currently stands eighth in line to the throne and is the highest-ranked individual in the line to be born outside of the United Kingdom.

#9. The Duke of York

Title: Prince Andrew, Duke of York

Full name: Andrew Albert Christian Edward

Father: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

Mother: Queen Elizabeth II

Relation to Elizabeth II: Son

Born: Feb. 19, 1960, at Buckingham Palace, London

Next in line stands the Queen’s second son and Charles’ younger brother, Andrew. Though he enjoyed considerable popularity during his marriage to Sarah Ferguson, Andrew has since fallen from grace in a very sordid and public manner. After a messy divorce, multiple scandals and ongoing financial difficulties, Andrew is currently embroiled in several lawsuits and is facing serious allegations of sexual assault. Despite being stripped of his military titles and royal patronages by the Queen, Andrew still retains his place in the line of succession

#10. Princess Beatrice, Mrs. Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi

Title: Princess Beatrice of York

Full name: Beatrice Elizabeth Mary

Father: Prince Andrew, Duke of York

Mother: Sarah, Duchess of York

Relation to Elizabeth II: Granddaughter

Born: Aug. 8, 1988, at Portland Hospital, London

Despite her mother’s virtual banishment from the royal family and the scandals surrounding her father, Beatrice has retained her public popularity and position within the family as one of the Queen’s beloved granddaughters. Her marriage in 2020 and a new baby born in 2021 made the usual headlines in Britain and abroad, and it also changed the line of succession once again.

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#11. Miss Sienna Mapelli Mozzi

Title: Contessa and Nobile Donna

Full name: Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi

Father: Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi

Mother: Princess Beatrice of York

Relation to Elizabeth II: Great-granddaughter

Born: Sept. 18, 2021, at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London

Though she was added to the British Royal line of succession without a royal title, as per royal protocol, Sienna’s father descends from Italian aristocracy. He is the son of Count Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi, and he will eventually inherit the family’s ancestral seat, thus giving Sienna her Italian titles.

#12. Princess Eugenie, Mrs. Jack Brooksbank

Title: Princess Eugenie of York

Full name: Eugenie Victoria Helena

Father: Prince Andrew, Duke of York

Mother: Sarah, Duchess of York

Relation to Elizabeth II: Granddaughter

Born: March 23, 1990, at Portland Hospital, London

Beatrice’s younger sister, Eugenie, married Jack Brooksbank in 2018 and the couple welcomed their first child, a son, in early 2021. Barring any further reshuffling ahead of her, Eugenie remains 12th in line, with her newborn son next in line behind her.

#13. Master August Brooksbank

Title: None

Full name: August Philip Hawke Brooksbank

Father: Jack Brooksbank

Mother: Princess Eugenie of York

Relation to Elizabeth II: Great-grandson

Born: Feb. 9, 2021, at Portland Hospital, London

Still just a toddler, Master August became 13th in line to the British throne when he was born in early 2021.

#14. The Earl of Wessex

Title: Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex

Full name: Edward Antony Richard Louis

Father: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

Mother: Queen Elizabeth II

Relation to Elizabeth II: Son

Born: March 10, 1964, at Buckingham Palace, London

Prince Edward is the Earl of Wessex and is the Queen’s fourth and youngest child. He married his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, in 1999, and they have two children. Sophie has become a very popular member of the family, and was the member to whom the Queen delegated many key duties and engagements during her health concerns.

#15. James, Viscount Severn

Title: Viscount Severn

Full name: James Alexander Philip Theo Mountbatten-Windsor

Father: Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex

Mother: Sophie, Countess of Wessex

Relation to Elizabeth II: Grandson

Born: Dec. 17, 2007, at Frimley Park Hospital, Surrey

James is the second child of Edward and Sophie, but because the Perth Agreement was not in place at the time of his birth, he ranks ahead of his older sister, Louise, in the line of succession.

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#16. The Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor

Title: Lady Louise Windsor

Full name: Louise Alice Elizabeth Mary Mountbatten-Windsor

Father: Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex

Mother: Sophie, Countess of Wessex

Relation to Elizabeth II: Granddaughter

Born: Nov. 8, 2003, at Frimley Park Hospital, Surrey

The eldest child of Edward and Sophie, Louise has often accompanied her mother on royal engagements and at the age of 7, she was a bridesmaid at the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton.

#17. The Princess Royal

Title: Princess Anne, Princess Royal

Full name: Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise

Father: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

Mother: Queen Elizabeth II

Relation to Elizabeth II: Daughter

Born: Aug. 15, 1950, at Clarence House, London

Princess Anne is the second child and only daughter of the Queen. Because of the “male-preference primogeniture” that was in place when she was born in 1950, her place in the line of succession comes after her older brother Charles as well as her younger brothers, Andrew and Edward. She has two children from her first marriage: Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall.

#18. Mr. Peter Phillips

Title: None

Full name: Peter Mark Andrew Phillips

Father: Mark Phillips

Mother: Princess Anne, Princess Royal

Relation to Elizabeth II: Grandson

Born: Nov. 15, 1977, at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London

The eldest of Princess Anne’s two children, and the eldest of the Queen’s grandchildren, Peter Phillips was fifth in line to the British throne until his cousin, Prince William, was born in 1982. When he was born his parents declined an offer of a title for him from the Queen. Phillips’ Canadian wife, born Autumn Kelly, was born a Catholic but was received into the Church of England before their marriage. Had she not done so, Phillips would have lost his place in the line of succession. The couple divorced in 2021.

#19. Miss Savannah Phillips

Title: None

Full name: Savannah Anne Kathleen Phillips

Father: Peter Phillips

Mother: Autumn Phillips

Relation to Elizabeth II: Great-granddaughter

Born: Dec. 29, 2010, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucestershire

Like her cousins Archie and Lillibet, the Queen’s first great-grandchild, Savannah, also has dual citizenship thanks to her Canadian mother. This makes her the first Canadian in the royal line of succession.

#20. Miss Isla Phillips

Title: None

Full name: Isla Elizabeth Phillips

Father: Peter Phillips

Mother: Autumn Phillips

Relation to Elizabeth II: Great-granddaughter

Born: March 29, 2012, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucestershire

In the 20th spot is Isla Phillips, the second daughter of Peter and Autumn Phillips, granddaughter of Princess Anne, and great-granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth.

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This article originally appeared on Stacker and has been republished pursuant to a CC by-NC 4.0.

10 common selling costs for homeowners

As a homeowner, selling a home at the right time—and to the right buyer—can be a pretty lucrative move, especially right now. The housing market has been soaring since rates dropped to new lows at the start of the pandemic. Even as rates have inched back up, swaths of buyers and investors continue to scoop up properties at record pace in markets across the nation. With home inventory shortage and stiff buyer competition, bidding wars are now common, and home sales prices—which skyrocketed significantly in early 2020—continue to increase.

Thanks to the state of the housing market, many homeowners who list their homes for sale are able to cash in on big profits. According to a recent report on year-end home sales from real estate data curator Attom, the typical profit for home sellers in 2021 was $94,092—up by 45% from the previous year when the average home sales profit was $64,931. And, it was a 71% increase from the average home sales profit in 2019, when sellers made about $55,000 when selling their homes. And that’s just the average profit: Homeowners in many markets across the country have the opportunity to rake in much higher profits by selling right now, as housing inventory remains at record lows in many regions.

While there are opportunities to capitalize on the buying trend that has taken hold nationwide, selling a home can also be a costly venture. Sellers are on the hook for numerous fees and costs related to the listing and closing on the sale of their homes, which can eat into the home sale profits significantly if they aren’t careful. That said, there are ways to maximize the profits earned on the sale of a home. It starts with carefully weighing the pros and cons of listing a home in a hot market, and it ends with understanding the common fees associated with selling a home.

Knowing the fees associated with selling a home will give you a clear idea of how to maximize profits. To help, Realm analyzed insights from banks, mortgage lenders, and real estate experts to determine 10 common costs that can be expected when selling a home.

Home inspection

The home inspection is one of the more common selling costs for homeowners—and, while the price of this inspection varies, it costs about $400 on average. While a home inspection is typically the responsibility of its buyers, sellers who want to optimize their chances of getting offers quickly may want to pay for the report before listing their homes for sale. Offering this type of crucial information to buyers can be a great tool for selling property quickly as it will save potential buyers a step and provide insight into the condition of a home. As a seller, investing a few hundred dollars in a home inspection will help you know if there are any issues that need to be addressed before listing your home. This allows you to take care of anything that would become a source of contention with buyers—and, in turn, maximize the sales price of the home.

Home repairs and staging

Sellers will likely need to invest in a few home repairs—and some staging—before putting their homes on the market. While neither expense is required—repair issues that turn up during a home inspection can often be negotiated with a buyer—both expenses can be a smart investment when selling a home. Making the necessary cosmetic or structural repairs to a home can make it easier to get past the inspection with a buyer. A professional stager can make a home look a lot more appealing to buyers, too. How much you pay for repairs will depend on what issues you are trying to remedy. If you’re touching up paint cracks, filling in wall holes, and swapping out worn baseboards or outdated trim, it may run just a few hundred dollars, but bigger repairs will come with higher price tags. Staging services typically run about $1,500, but the cost can be as high as $10,000, depending on the staging company you choose, the size of your house, and the city you live in.

Real estate agent commission

When selling a house, the sellers are typically responsible for paying the real estate agent commission for both the buyer and seller’s agents. This is another cost to account for before making the decision to list a home—and it could be a hefty one. How much you pay for the real estate agents’ commission will depend on what your agreement is, but in general, it will cost between 5% and 6% of the home’s sale price. For example, if your home’s sale price totaled $350,000 and you agreed to pay 5% to the agents—2.5% to the buyer’s agent and 2.5% to your agent—you would be shelling out $17,500 in real estate agent commissions. That money would be paid out of the purchase funds turned over by the buyer at closing, then split between the two agents. The remainder, minus any other costs or mortgage loan payoffs, would go to you.

Capital gains tax

Sellers may also be responsible for paying capital gains taxes when they sell their homes—but that isn’t always the case. In general, if a house is sold for a profit after less than one year of owning it, the seller will likely be on the hook for short-term capital gains tax, which is paid to the IRS and may run as high as 37%. At that tax rate, the capital gains tax paid can eat into the profits significantly. On the other hand, if a home is sold for a profit after one year but within less than two years of owning it, the seller may be required to pay long-term capital gains instead, which range from 15% to 20%. However, sellers may not always be on the hook for capital gains taxes, as the IRS will exclude them from this type of tax if certain conditions are met.

Property tax

Selling a home won’t get the seller out of paying at least part of the property taxes owed for the year. Sellers will likely be required to pay at least the prorated property taxes owed from the start of the year until the day of closing—if not the property taxes for the full year. This amount is typically calculated by the title company at 125% to 150% of the previous year’s property tax amount—or the most recent assessed value if it’s higher—and it comes out of the proceeds of the home sale at closing. The tax money paid is then held in escrow by the title company until the property taxes are due. If there are any excess funds after the property taxes are paid, they will be sent back to the seller by the title company.

Title insurance

Before a home is sold, the title company will research the property to verify the seller owns the home and that no one else has a claim to it. This is done because disputes over ownership can be costly and legally challenging. As part of this process, lenders will want a title insurance policy put in place at closing to protect them against losses from any ownership claims or disputes that arise after the sale of the house—and this comes at a cost. While the title insurance purchase costs can be the responsibility of buyers, sellers regularly cover the costs associated with title insurance instead. As such, expect to pay at least part of the lender’s title insurance policy at closing—which can range from a few hundred dollars to more than $1,000 on average, depending on the cost and location of the home.

Mortgage payoff

If there is a mortgage loan on a home, the mortgage payoff will be one part of the costs associated with selling it. The mortgage payoff is exactly what it sounds like—it’s the process of paying off the amount that’s left on the mortgage loan—including the principal and interest. This is done with the proceeds from the sale of the house, and the money goes directly to the lender from the title company. Any sales proceeds that are left over after the mortgage payoff are issued to the seller after the other closing costs have been accounted for. The total amount paid for the mortgage payoff will depend on how much is owed on the mortgage loan at the time of the closing.

HOA fees

If a home is being sold in a community with a homeowners association, or HOA, there will likely be some HOA fees owed at closing. Many HOAs charge transfer fees to cover the costs associated with transferring the ownership records to the new buyer—and while the buyer can cover these costs, it’s typically the seller who does so. These fees include the costs for preparing documents, issuing amenity passes to the new owners, and other administrative costs. If HOA fees are paid on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis, prorated association fees to the HOA may be owed as well. These fees vary based on the agreement with the HOA, but in most areas, the seller will pay a few hundred dollars for the HOA transfer fee. The prorated association fees, on the other hand, will typically be based on the time spent in the house before selling it to the new owner.

Loans tied to the property

Did you borrow from your home equity to remodel a home or cover another large, unexpected cost? Well, if you took out a home equity line of credit, a home equity loan, or have other loans that are tied to the property, the costs of the loan payoff will need to be covered as part of selling the home.

There are also often secondary loans that are tied to the home that will typically be paid from the proceeds of the home sale. To ensure the title is free and clear to transfer to the new owner, the title company will take these funds from the proceeds at closing and issue them directly to the lender or lenders. The amount paid for these loans is dictated by what is owed for the principal and the other terms of the loan agreements with the lender or lenders. To find out what is owed, contact the lender and ask for the loan payoff letter or quote.

Additional closing costs

While the buyer typically pays the bulk of the closing costs in a real estate purchase, the seller is still responsible for paying some of the costs. In general, the total amount of the closing costs paid on residential properties will total about 6% to 10% of the purchase price, with the percentage negotiated between the buyer and seller. These closing costs include the title insurance and agent commissions, and may also include line items such as city and county transfer taxes, escrow fees, and any other costs the seller agreed to help the buyer out with for the purchase of the home.

This story originally appeared on Realm and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.

Graduation day is coming! Woohoo! It’s time to celebrate this exciting milestone for a loved one.

Graduates deserve significant praise from their family and friends for this achievement amid the pandemic. Indeed, they will have new challenges ahead, forking over money for college or an apartment, as they move closer to their career.

Graduation gifts remind them to savor this moment of seeing their accomplishments in the rearview mirror as they move forward.

What Students Can’t Use On Campus

Colleges restrict what students can have on campus, and the rooms are small. The average dorm size is 200-225 square feet for two roommates. Each college may differ, so check their website or Admissions office for their specific rules. Of course, when college students move off-campus, the list can be more expansive.

I am touring many campuses with student guides, and they are happy to tell us what first-year students should not bring into the dorms. They gave helpful advice, including:

• There is no furniture more considerable than a desk chair, so huge bean bags may be out.
• Avoid string lights, candles, or incense for fear of fire hazards.
• There should be limited electronics or appliances. Specifically, there should be no hot plates, instant pots, microwaves, large vacuums, toasters, or blenders as there is a community kitchen in the dorm and ample dining halls.
• Students don’t need pots, pans, or dish sets.
• There is no room for large luggage sets.
• Regarding air conditioners or space heaters, forget about it.
• Avoid throw pillows.
• Don’t bring irons or ironing board, but mini-steamers are fine.
•  Avoid bringing expensive jewelry. (By the way, that doesn’t mean you can’t give beautiful jewelry to celebrate your special graduate!)
• Limited sports gear is fine, but dumbbells and hoverboards may be out.
• Echo Dots make great graduation gifts, but check our explanation for why they may not be appropriate for colleges.

That doesn’t mean you can’t give beautiful jewelry or other items above to celebrate your special graduate!

48 of The Best Graduation Gifts

We have a list of gifts you may like for your young graduate. Many of these presents are appropriate for those who finished college, share apartments or houses, or independently. Our focus is on high school grads rising as first-year college students.

Graduation Gifts For The Dorm

Let’s start with the basics. It is daunting for high school grads to arrive at their chosen college and roam around to find their dorm room, bringing all they hoped they would need for this new journey. Most dorm rooms are for two people, though larger rooms may have four students.

College students may have a small space, but they will want to fill it with the comforts of home. There are many things your targeted grad may need and desire in their room. You can go to Dormify or buy from Amazon, which can ship directly to their room.

We have some ideas that can please any grad.

1. Bath Towel Set

You have to start with the basics and look for luxury cotton towel sets that are soft, heavy, absorbent, high quality, and can hold up after going through the laundry. You’ll find them to be affordable and come in several colors.

2. Cute Pajamas

Sleepwear is so personal, and everything goes. However, getting a pair of sherpa-like loungewear feel may make sleeping very cozy on cold nights while remaining stylish. The hood is for extra fun.

3. Bathrobes  or Dorm Towel Wraps

Chances are, the showers will be communal and down the hall. Bathrobes will be a necessity, along with shower shoes.  It is easy to find dorm towel wraps with velcro or fasteners that may serve as alternatives for those who don’t like bathrobes.

4. Sleep Mask With Bluetooth Headphones

To go with the comfy sleepwear, college students sometimes have trouble falling asleep and may want extra help with sleep masks with Bluetooth headphones. The two-for-one benefits block out noise while you get to listen to your favorite music. That makes an excellent gift for those who need to calm down and listen to classical music or white noise.

College students, especially, may have trouble falling asleep and may want extra help with this sleep mask to go with comfy sleepwear. My teen daughter, Alex, has a pair and sleeps soundly.

5. Shower shoes

Shower shoes are a terrific invention for college showers. Get the ones with thick soles known for being comfy and keeping you safe from slip and fall accidents with flip-flops. You can wear these in showers away from home, in hotels, in a dorm, or when getting a massage.

6. UGG Slippers

Available for men and women,  UGG slippers will keep you warm and comfortable through the academic year. They are cozy for sitting in front of the fire or walking around your house. Although a little pricey, they are considerably durable, based on my son’s experience wearing them for years. Dorms can get drafty, and the UGG slippers were in many dorm rooms we visited.

7. The Original COMFY Oversized Wearable Sherpa Blanket 

My kids walk around all day long in a COMFY wearable sherpa blanket. I envy anyone wearing one as the product looks so comfortable. It’s reversible with its soft microfiber exterior.

8. Shower Speakers

Can’t shower without music? You can bring these must-have waterproof shower speakers to the dorms if you promise to keep the volume lower than you would in a shower at home.

9. Mini-Streamer

Do you hate wrinkles? I do too, but I hate ironing more. You can’t bring your iron to the dorm, but mini or compact steamers can do the job.  It’s a perfect size for travel and small spaces.

10. Vanity mirrors

Lightweight mirrors with light modes and magnification won’t take up a lot of space and will help you look the best all year long.

11. Custom Wall Tapestry

College students like to personalize their dorm space, and they can do so in various ways. Wall tapestries can be large enough to cover the wall or just a piece. Make it something that reflects you and feels good. You may be able to hang neon lights with a custom saying, wall art, or personalized wall tapestry. Visit Etsy, Dormify, or Amazon for the best wall art variety.

12. Mesh Shower Tote

Quick-dry waterproof mesh shower totes are among the most practical presents college students ever get from anyone. Yet, this item will help organize bathroom things with ample storage pockets and be at the ready when it’s shower time.

13. Brita Space Saver Water Filter Pitcher

According to the US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, drinking fluids of about 10-15 cups daily is essential. You may want this Brita water filter pitcher, which can likely fit into a small refrigerator in the dorm room or your apartment.

14. Hydro Flask

When you are on the go, running between classes and the library, remember to take your hydro flask, among the most popular among college students for its durability. It is hard to see a Gen Zer without some kind of water bottle.

15. Echo Dots

Bringing Alexa to college may be a challenge. Echo Dots make great graduation gifts. However, you may want to check the college to see if their Wifi technology will work with smart speakers.

Some colleges may give out these Echo Dots recognizing their value to students by providing music, an alarm clock, and Alexa for information. Students may have problems connecting these speakers to the college WiFi and require a router. Many colleges have rules preventing you from adding routers to the existing network. Contact the college to see if they allow Echo dots. Otherwise, you may have to leave Alexa home.

16. Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets, sometimes called gravity or anxiety blankets, are desirable for college students. However, be aware there is a general rule for picking out the correct weight by getting one as close to 10% of your body weight. If you weigh 150 pounds, then bring a 15-pound blanket.

17. Cozy Blankets

Some people may not want the feel of a weighted blanket and would prefer a sherpa blanket. This cozy blanket will cover you on drafty nights and is a more affordable alternative.

18. OXO Brew Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker

There may be limitations on what you can bring into the dorm, but compact coffee makers like OXO Brew Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker will fit easily in small spaces. Alternatively, consider the mini-Keurig, or the Ovente electric kettle that can be a solution.

 19. Electric Kettle

Who doesn’t want the convenience of hot oatmeal or coffee before dashing to your class? According to many college grads, you can’t bring many appliances into the dorm, but you can bring an electric kettle. It is affordable, portable, and automatically shuts off.

20. Mini-Keurig

Alternatively, if college students want to make coffee or tea in your room, the mini-Keurig can do the job for you without taking up much space.

21. Bombas Socks

Do you have a sock fetish? Bombas socks are among the most comfortable socks and come in brightly colored athletic socks. The comfortable socks feature a honeycomb support system and “stay up” technology.

College students recognize these socks and the mission of founders Randy Goldberg and David Heath to donate specially designed socks to the homeless for each pair of socks sold.

22. Criacr Phone Camera Phone Lens

Do you know someone who loves photography but doesn’t have the budget to do so? Consider the Criacr camera lens as a gift. The lens fits on your smartphone when you need a break from your studies to focus on photography and be in touch with nature.

23. Toiletry Bag For Men

These days, men have their choice in skin ointments that can rival women’s cosmetic bags. Young men would enjoy taking a travel toiletry at college and carrying their shaving kit and accessories overnight or on long weekends. Get a leather bag with many compartments to hold many items in place to avoid spillage.

24. Desk organizer Rose rose gold with supplies

Desk organizers are a necessity in any college dorm. Chances you will find many study halls to read and crank out your term projects, but you’ll want to have space for supplies in your room. Having a pretty desk organizer with space to include essential accessories is an added plus and a welcomed gift for someone who needs their supplies in one place.

25. Tile Pro

Who doesn’t lose their keys? Tile Pro is a powerful Bluetooth tracker, keys finder, and item locator for keys, bags, and other items. Tile Pro will do the trick when your mind is elsewhere and you can’t find your keys with no time to waste.

26. 148 Piece Tool Set

Do you know someone handy who doesn’t have a tool kit? We asked around in my neighborhood hardware store and found out that 100-plus piece tool sets receive high praise for their high value and affordable price. This set is for people who may find themselves helping others and getting a few dollars on the side.

27. Graduation Teddy Bear

I still have my law school graduation Teddy Bear, and he is still in good shape all these years. It was a fun present when I received it, and it brings back a lot of memories now. It’s the next best thing to have your puppy with you.

28. MaxGear RFID Credit Card Holder Protector

Protecting your credit cards from potential fraud is among the most practical gifts you can give someone. The MaxGear protector can hold up to ten cards, is durable, RFID-enabled, and available in different finishes. It can fit in a small purse or pocket.

29. Apple AirPods Pro

Apple AirPods Pros are an excellent graduation gift for those who want to stay close to their music with comfort and noise cancellation technology. Heck, it makes a beautiful present for any kind of occasion.

30. Bose Quiet Comfort Headphones

Headphones make worthy gifts, but the Bose Quiet Comfort headphones are an excellent choice for those who enjoy over-the-ear headphones to bring to college and when preparing for exams or writing papers. I had an older wired version, and we (headphones and I) were inseparable when studying for the bar exam.

31. Travel Carryall Bag

You can’t bring large luggage, but you will want a travel carryall bag to serve many purposes for traveling for a long weekend, to the gym, or anywhere else. It is light, attractive, and affordable.

32. Etsy Wish Bracelets 

Spending a lot of money doesn’t make the best gifts. Sometimes, giving a personal piece of art or jewelry can be so satisfying. Etsy has a large assortment of wish bracelets. There are many shops with terrific selections that are unique, often handmade, and very affordable. If you have the time, peruse around.

33. Laptop Bag

You may not have to carry your textbooks to school like students once did. You will want to take this bag to the classroom, gym, and dining hall or socialize with friends. Having a laptop bag in college is indispensable. This bag is multipurpose and has versatile pockets for your phone, water bottle, and other supplies.

34. Gift Cards

Gift cards are a good idea if you would prefer to provide someone with the opportunity to get what they need or want. You may want to consider a graduation-style gift box rather than giving cash (which is never a bad idea, especially for those going off to college).

Visit Amazon.com Gift Card and look for the Graduation Style Gift Box where you can slip your gift car. They have various designs.

Gift cards are desirable gifts, especially from retailers, restaurants, or specialty stores near their college.  For example:

• Starbucks
• Dunkin Donuts
• DoorDash
• Uber Eats

35. Subscription Boxes

Subscription boxes can be fun while providing a convenient service. This gift is nice to send to someone in your life who may have a tight schedule. College students qualify for sure!  Try to get a box that fits the person’s personality.

• Snacks
• Candy club
• Vegan snacks
• Clothing

For Health and Wellbeing

Staying healthy at college can challenge studying and socializing being higher priorities.

While most first-year students live on campus for at least the first year and are privy to the campus’s gym, they may find it challenging to get there. Instead, they may discover small exercise gear to be most beneficial. I’ll grant you that colleges have yoga mats for you to use, but some things are more personal. In a new environment with new demands and perhaps sleep deprivation, graduation gifts centered around self-care and health make worthy presents they will appreciate.

36. Self-Care Pampering Kit

Who doesn’t need pampering? After completing high school or college, few women I know would not appreciate receiving a self-care kit to pamper themselves and relieve stress. It is time for relaxation and celebrating oneself for a job well done.

 37. Bala Bangles 

Bala has functional fitness equipment in all sizes, shapes, and colors, making a fun exercise gift that students can bring to the dorms. They began in 2018 and received funding from Mark Cuban and Maria Sharapova on Shark Tank, who helped fuel their expansion from Bala Bangles into exercise bars, rings, and on-the-go kits.

38. Foam Roller

Have a kink in your neck from studying? High-density foam rollers come in various sizes for exercise, massages, and muscle recovery. Some people can’t go anywhere without one of these, and your dorm may allow you to bring it with you.

39. Fitbit Sense 

Fitbit has an impressive line of smartwatches that measure steps, stairs, and much more. Fitbit Sense is the higher end of their offering but well below the price of an Apple Watch. If it is health stats for heart, stress management, and other trends you are after, then the Fitbit is among the best in class.

40. Skateboard vs. Bicycle: You Choose

This subject deserves consideration if you already enjoy skateboarding or biking.  It depends where the grad is going to use these items. Classes, dining halls, and dorms are usually within 15 minutes and walkable as long as you have that time. Bicycles are more helpful to use on campus or in town and have brakes. There are bike racks everywhere, but we heard that theft does happen.

These grad gifts are excellent choices for those who ride and skate.

For Avid Readers

College students hitting the books for a rigorous program may want a reprieve by reading for fun and inspiring readers outside of their studies. For book lovers, reading extends far beyond the classroom. According to a survey, researchers discovered that 93% of college students genuinely enjoy reading. They don’t have a lot of free time or money.

1. Kindle Paperwhite
2. Unlimited Kindle Subscription
3. Audible Subscription
4. Amazon Prime membership is $69 for students!
5. Amazon Gift Card
6. The Defining Decade by Meg Jay PhD
7. 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think By Brianna Wiest
8. Goodnight Dorm Room: All The Advice I Wish I Got Before Going To College

Final Thoughts 

Celebrating one’s graduation is a meaningful event for the family, friends, and colleagues and a significant milestone for the graduates. Recognize your graduate for the accomplishment, especially during the past few years.

This post originally appeared on Savoteur.