Looking for a high-quality graduation gift that will bring joy to its recipient even for years to come? Finnish Design Shop buyer Hanna Mäkelä shares six fun gift ideas for young graduates.
1. Marimekko's Varvunraita towels
“Vuokko Eskolin-Nurmesniemi's graphic and timeless Varvunraita pattern is well-suited for terry cloth towels. The high-quality towels can be easily matched with other textiles and the low-keyed black-and-white coloring suits many kinds of bathrooms. Marimekko has won the hearts of many brand-conscious young people, so I believe a hand and bath towel set is a welcome gift for a graduate.”
• Enjoy 20% off Marimekko's Varvunraita towels during 16–30 May >
2. Artek's Pauper Coin Collector
“The endearing money bank by COMPANY is a new interpretation of Finnish folklore. The delightfully naive item encourages the graduate to put money aside for a purchase that is important to them. Pop a bill in the ceramic man's chest as a surprise to complement the original gift that stands the test of time.”
• Artek's Pauper Coin Collector >
“Pop a bill in the money bank to complement the original gift that stands the test of time.”
3. String Pocket shelf
“In 2005, String Pocket was launched as a part of the String System shelving system designed by Nils Strinning. The shelf has quickly achieved classic status and its compact size makes it fit almost any room. For a graduate, I'd choose the color of the season, blush, which nicely adds color to the interior decoration. If a powder rose String Pocket sounds too daring, it's always possible to think about a safer option from a selection of several colors and wood veneer.”
4. Arabia's Ninny Moomin mug
“I reckon Moomin mugs pretty much divide Finns into two groups, but I myself am one of the people whose every weekday morning is brightened by them. I think the Ninny mug, which was released in February, is one of the best models in recent years in terms of both its illustration and coloring. The touching story of the invisible child and the share from the sales of Ninny mugs donated to Save the Children Finland by Arabia really add to this gift.”
“I think the Ninny mug is one of the best Moomin mugs in recent years in terms of both its illustration and coloring.”
5. Vitra's Akari 1A table lamp
“The delicately beautiful Akari lamps are among my favorites and I would've been over the moon if someone had congratulated me with a gift like this back in the day. Designed by Isamu Noguchi in the 1950s, the small 1A table lamp creates a nicely peaceful atmosphere around it. The warm light filtered through the paper shade makes you dream of a trip to Japan.”
• Vitra's Akari 1A table lamp (available in selected countries) >
6. Warm Nordic's Beak Bird
“The long-beaked birds designed decades ago have only now entered serial production, charming people all over the world. Beak Bird is made from oiled teak and packed in a beautiful gift package. Buy one or, for instance, all four: the distinctive birds bring joy as beautiful interior decoration elements both individually and as a group.”
See also:
• More graduation gifts >
• Finnish Design Shop gift cards >
Editor: Mikko Vaija Product picks: Hanna Mäkelä Images: Suvi Kesäläinen and manufacturers