6 gift ideas for a graduate – give the gift of good design

In Finland, the upcoming weekend is finally all about celebrating new graduates! We picked six delightful gift ideas that will definitely keep on giving.

Marimekko's Ming and flower vases.
Designed by Carina Seth Andersson, the Ming, Flower, and Urna vases are true modern classics that carry a timeless appeal.

Marimekko: Ming vase

A vase is a classic graduation gift – and for a good reason. Designed for Marimekko by Carina Seth Andersson, the minimalistic Ming vase is a perfect fit for all styles of decor, adding a touch of elegance. The grand vase also doubles as an eye-catching stand-alone decor element even when empty.

Marimekko's Ming vase >
All vases >

Menu's Carrie table lamp by Norm Architects.
Menu's Carrie table lamp by Norm Architects is available in multiple different shades.

Menu: Carrie table lamp

You can't miss with Menu's Carrie table lamp. The modern lantern gets its power from a rechargeable LED-source, making it easy to place, and to move. The charming Carrie lamp is ideal for the nightstand, bookshelf, or window cill but you can also carry it around – why not take it with you on an evening stroll or late-night picnic!

Menu's Carrie table lamp >
All lighting >

Finnish Design Shop's gift card.
Finnish Design Shop's gift cards are adorned with Reeta Ek's delicate prints. You can choose to have the card delivered to you, or straight to the recipient.

Finnish Design Shop: Gift Card

When you're all out of ideas or simply have a few too many, Finnish Design Shop's gift card is just the ticket. The gift card offers the recipient almost 15.000 exquisite design pieces to choose from, giving them the chance to pick something truly memorable. Choose a traditional gift card or an eGift card that will be delivered straight to a given e-mail address.

Finnish Design Shop's Gift card >
Finnish Design Shop's eGift card >

Skagerak's Nomad stool in living room decor.
Skagerak's stylish Nomad stools can be elegantly piled aside when not in use.

Skagerak: Nomad stool

Versatile, timeless furniture is always a good idea for a gift, and especially thoughtful when decorating your first own home. Designed by Hugo Dines Schmidt and Morten Lauritzen, design duo VE2, the Nomad stool refreshes the look of a traditional three-legged stool, giving it a soft, modern mood. Besides a handy extra seat, the stool can be put to use as a charming coffee table or nightstand.

Skagerak's Nomad stool >
All stools >

Vitra's Occasional table, marble and chrome.
Vitra's Occasional table is available in multiple sizes and colors.

Vitra: Eames LTR Occasional table

Vitra's Occasional table is truly an iconic classic, designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1950. The elegant design language and lavish materials make it a gift that oozes luxury. The coveted Occasional table can be used for example as a side table or coffee table, and its petite size makes it a perfect fit also for the more compact spaces.

Vitra's Eames LTR Occasional table >
All side and end tables >

Iittala's Kuru bowls and vases.
Iittala's Kuru bowls and vases give the decor an invigorating touch with their geometric design. Combine different shapes and sizes for an eye-catching ensemble.

Iittala: Kuru bowl

Beautiful and versatile containers are a delightful and useful gift. Iittala's gorgeous ceramic Kuru bowl designed by Philippe Malouin offers a quaint home to keys and small clutter, but it can also be used to serve treats and movie-night snacks in style.

Iittala's ceramic Kuru bowl >
All platters & bowls  >

See also

Iittala
Ultima Thule sparkling wine glass
Muuto
Unfold pendant
Marimekko
Oiva Unikko bowl
Kay Bojesen
Wooden monkey
New Works
Pi-no-Pi-no vase
Woud
Come Here side table
Tonfisk Design
Newton cream jug/sugar bowl
Artek
124° mirror

More gift ideas for graduation:

Gifts at Finnish Design Shop >

Text: Mira Ahola Images: Manufacturers

Previous story
Next story




There’s still time for gift shopping – express shipping available!

Explore the selection

For the love of design

Design Stories is Finnish Design Shop's own online magazine, that takes you to beautiful Nordic homes, introduces new products and beloved icons – and much more!

Go to the Design Stories front page

Shop Nordic design

Design Stories is provided by Finnish Design Shop, the world’s largest online store specialized in Nordic design.

Discover our selection

Buy & sell authentic vintage

Franckly.com is a curated online marketplace for pre-owned design maintained by Finnish Design Shop.

Find treasures at Franckly