5 Graduation Present Ideas

It is that time of the year, where people happily graduate from gymnasium or university and begin another chapter of their life. This typically means parties are thrown and a present has to be found, bought and given… and that might be rather difficult because what do you buy? These are my suggestions (as I have just been in same situation) for presents if you haven’t been able to come up with something. Also, I have tried finding something for each price range – please note, things is Denmark are generally expensive, so if you are from another country then there is a good chance these things are cheaper.

Max 100 DKK (£10)

Seeing this probably is the hardest price category of them, I am going to bring forth two suggestion.

Essie Nail Polish*

First suggestion is an Essie nail polish at the price of 99 DKK (£9,99). There is different opinions about Essie, but I personally like the nail polishes. The range of colours is amazing, they dry quickly and they don’t chip quickly if you use topcoat and basecoat (I think that is a must to also protect your nails). You can pick the favourite colour of the recipient.

Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1*

Second suggestion is Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1 in a pot (the link takes you to the tube version, but you get more for value with the pot) at the price of 60 DKK (£6). Kiehl’s products, at least the one’s I have tried, are good and they actually work. The latter is an essential part to a product. Everybody loves soft lips, so it is a good present idea.

Max 200 DKK (£20)

MAC Lipstick*

A lipstick can range in price, but I think a MAC lipstick at the price of 145 DKK (£14,5) is a good purchase and a good present idea. The matt finish, the colour range and staying power are great for MAC lipsticks. A lipstick can last for a long time, which is why it is a good present idea. It is just the last touch that will complete a whole look. As for what colour… oh, there are so many to pick from, but Russian Red (the classic red colour) is a good suggestion.

Max 300 DKK (£30)

Royal Copenhagen’s Fluted Contrast Mug*

This is present idea actually works for both genders due to the timeless design of Royal Copenhagen, but also due to width of the range in terms of colours. It is minimalistic, timeless, elegant and practical. The mugs can be used for many years. One mug is only 150 DKK (£15); however, I think it is nicer to give two as a small set thus making the cost of the present 300 DKK (£30).

This is personally my favourite present idea.

(To make this cheaper, you can buy the expresso cups instead – one cup is 100 DKK (£10).

Max 400 DKK (£40)

Tiger of Sweden’s Cornelius Card Holder*

Nowadays, people are more likely to use credit cards rather than coins when paying (at least in Denmark) and typically women have a quite small clutch with them when going out, so I think a good quality leather card holder is a good present idea. Tiger of Sweden’s design is very clean, simple and classic, and nothing bad can be suggested/said about the quality. 350 DKK (£35) for a leather card holder isn’t bad in my opinion.

If these don't float your boat, then I would suggest checking Esty* or Not On The High Street* for present ideas.

Do you know anybody who is graduating? What is the best present you have given?

Until next time,

Mia ♥ 

DIY: The Diary Calender

The few steps... and the end result.

A few years ago I spotted this this post and was instantly loved the idea. Fast forward to a few weeks ago, I suddenly remembered the DIY idea and decided to make it as a birthday present for one of my best friend, although with a few differences in terms of practicality and personalised. My friend is the type who has almost everything and is a creative soul as well, thus a more sentimental present seemed rather suiting. This diary calendar is definitely that in my opinion.

What you need to make this,

·         approx. 122 pieces of paper (I made for 9 years – one line by).

·         A scissor to cut the paper.

·         A pen or stamp to make the dates on the papers.

·         12 pictures, cards or postcards (one for each month; I have illustrated with far less mainly because I didn’t want to show private pictures).

·         A box (I choose one that had a timeless design) you can bring with you.

·         Patience and time.

Measurements and calculations,

·         9 lines per day (for 9 years), 27 lines per page, 3 days per page, 365 days a year / 3 days per page aka approx. 122 pieces of paper (perhaps a little more in case you make mistakes).

·         A paper day is 15cmx8cm (lengthxheight).

·         A picture is 13cmx10cm (lengthxheight).

·         The box is 17cmx11cmx5cm (lengthxwidthxdepth).

Step by step,

1.     Measure and mark your papers (you can buy linear paper, print paper with lines, draw lines, etc.).

2.     Cut the days to its proper size with a scissor.

3.     Take a pen or a stamp and mark each day with a date (remember February 29^th!).

4.     Take 12 pictures, cards or postcards and place them as month dividers (I got 12 pictures developed, which doesn’t cost much nowadays).

5.     Place everything in the box.

6.     Wrap it up… and voila!

I shall wrap up the present in the best way I can and then hope my friend will like this present when I finally present it to her. At least I enjoyed making it and looking through old photos of us.

Do you think my friend will like this? And what is the latest DIY thing you have made?

Until next time,

Mia ♥