Happy graduation: Send congratulations, gifts safely from a distance

Graduate in cap and gown writing her name in chalk on the sidewalk

Class of 2020 graduate Allison Loftis adds her name in chalk on a sidewalk at her high school.

Newly minted graduates and their families gathered around screens Saturday to watch televised speeches for the Class of 2020.

Almost everything about a traditional commencement has changed due to the coronavirus pandemic and bans on large gatherings.

grad card

Minted's “Stronger for this.”Minted

Graduation announcements look different too. Stationery company Minted has artist-designed announcement cards that read: “So this gal [or guy] is still graduating” and “Stronger for this.”

It’s time for grads to get the word out about their big accomplishment.

Minted is offering 15% off graduation announcements (use code: CLASSOF2020) through Monday, May 18, plus free custom envelopes and free recipient addressing. Minted sells personalized stamps too. Get a 15% discount by setting up a free account.

grad card

Moonpig Bona Fide Genius card ($1.49 digital, $4.49 print).Moonpig

One feature of receiving a diploma that remains in play: Grads deserve applause from afar and, perhaps, a card or a gift.

Moonpig has clever, custom graduation cards that incorporate a photo and words of praise. One card looks like a newspaper front page with the headline: Bona Fide Genius ($1.49 digital, $4.49 print).

grad card

LovePop graduation hats cardLovePop

LovePop offers laser-cut, pop-up cards that resemble a rocket ship or a money tree as well as graduation hats in school colors that appear to have been tossed into the air ($13). The 3D cards include a blank envelope and the Lovepop Note, a little card that slides out to reveal a written message.

Vistaprint has 25% off photo gifts, from calendars to coffee cups, pillows to photo books, puzzles to T-shirts (use code PHOTO25).

Framebridge makes diploma and art framing easier. Chose a frame, upload a photo or mail in a physical object such as a diploma, art, document or poster, in free, prepaid packaging. The frame is built and assembled by hand and then shipped to you. The company also offers design services. The company’s guarantee is that “If you’re not 100% happy with your order for any reason, let us know and we’ll make it right.” Prices range from $39 to $209 and shipping is always free. Take $10 off the first custom frame by entering your email.

Giftcards.com lets you shop online for a variety of prepaid stored-value cards, from DoorDash and Netflix to Domino’s Pizza and GameStop, as well as funded Visa and Mastercards. Dick’s Sporting Goods has e-gift cards and so does Sephora and even Amazon.

More Graduation Gift Ideas

Rosetta Stone offers lessons to learn one of more than 24 languages through live sessions and language coaching. Subscriptions range from three to 24 months. There is a seven-day free trial and a 30-day guarantee. Rosetta Stone is also offering free access for students for three months due to the coronavirus pandemic and schools closing.

Adorama, which has the motto “equip your creativity,” sells photography and video equipment as well as computers, musical instruments, drones and other home electronics. Or let the graduate decide with a gift card. There is free shipping on many items.

B&H Photo has computers and tech essentials to set up an efficient work-from-home station. Expedited shipping is free.

Sennheiser, a third-generation family-run audio business, specializes in wireless headphones to please the most demanding audio connoisseurs, from IR-stereo TV listening systems and audiophile digital home systems to Bluetooth travel headsets.

Bang & Olufsen has speakers (including the waterproof Beosound A1 portable speaker) plus headphones, televisions and accessories like charging cases.

Bose noise-canceling headphones for work or workouts come with a 90-day, risk-free trial and free standard shipping. Some are on sale. Bose has special offers for frontline responders.

Bloomscape, a company founded by five generations of greenhouse growers, delivers healthy, ready-to-go plants with instructions and support to help the plants thrive.

Shopbop has contemporary apparel — dresses, casual tops and sneakers — and designer label bags and jewelry. Receive 15% off by signing up for emails.

Bloomingdales has a Memorial Day sale through May 25 with 30%-50% off men and women apparel, fine jewelry, shoes and accessories. There are also workout wear ideas and home coffee and tea stations. Receive 15% off by signing up for emails.

Saks Fifth Avenue is having a spring sale with up to 40% off and free shipping (use code FREESHIP). Receive 10% off by signing up for emails.

Nordstrom Rack has men’s and women’s watches with free shipping on orders of $100 or more.

grad gift

Anthropologie has a pendant necklace ($38).Anthropologie

Anthropologie has a sale that ends Sunday, May 17, on “most loved” dresses and shoes. Monogram options include block letter necklace ($38), pendant necklace ($38) pin ($12) and mugs ($10-$14). There is free shipping on orders of $50 or more and free returns.

Gorjana has free shipping and customized gift wrapping on its jewelry and gifts such as contemporary necklaces and earrings.

Baublebar’s fashion philosophy is to invest in the essentials and play with trends. “So, we created the ultimate playground.” Bestsellers are a range of jewelry and accessories, such as beaded bracelets and hoop earrings, or you can order a printed and boxed gift card. Receive 10% off by signing up for emails.

Everlane is having a 20%-50% off sale on its ethically made T-shirts, sweatshirts, backpacks, bags and more for men and women. Receive 10% off your first order.

Verishop has 25% off summer apparel and accessories for men and women (use the code EARLYSUMMER). The online shop also sells beauty and wellness products as well as kitchen, tabletop, bed, bath and decor items. Refer a friend and both of you receive $25 off an order.

Overstock is having a Memorial Day sale and free shipping on a range of indoor and outdoor furniture plus décor, rugs, bedding and other new home products sold at a discount.

— Janet Eastman | 503-294-4072

jeastman@oregonian.com | @janeteastman

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