When my daughter graduated, someone gave her these great decal frames. They were great for walls that you couldn't put nails in and they really stood out from all of the monogrammed towel wraps she received. Maybe you could add a picture of her with your child.

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/haut...-decals-131083

When I graduated HS, one of my mom's friends gave a really nice set of bath towels (not a wrap, good high quality towels.) I loved them because they were plush and soft. You could have them embroidered with her initials for a special touch.

I think all are great suggestions. I don't think I'm "recent grad" (6 years out?) however, I wish I had invested in a good set of cookware, including cutlery and dishes. I'm hardly a chef but I find myself replacing measuring cups, bowls and knives all the time because I've skimped on them over the years.

The clothes steamer would also be cool - I hated ironing, throughout college and even now.

I was kinda thinking towels at first, too. You can never have too many towels.

I may also get her a book or two, since she's more of a reader than a TV person. She reads everything from Harry Potter to Jane Austen to Hunger Games.

Steamer!! I would LOVE one. I pay one f my sisters to use hers sometimes, so she may get a few bucks in the side too!

What brand does she have? I tried to buy one and it didn't work. I haven't had an ironing board since moving to AZ.

I've bought 2 - one cheapo and one really expensive, and neither one worked.

I don't cook. If I received any of these as gifts, I wouldn't be thrilled.. And I'd probably end up giving it to someone else.

ETA - but, when I went to school, my aunt bought me a "cookbook" with VERY easy recipes - no-bake cakes, microwave meals, 3-ingredients-or-less snacks.. It was awesome.

My friend gave me nice bath towels when I went away to school. Sooo nice. A great gift.

I'm a fan of gift baskets. Little things that are necessary/useful at college but sometimes forgotten: a flash drive, tide to go stain stick, chapstick, if you can find a guide to area attractions/ restaurants, a reusable tumbler cup or water bottle, a little first aid kit with band aids, tums, etc., hand sanitizer, hand creme, a map of the area, a "fast meal" cook book, with simple fast ideas for those of us who don't like to sped time on food, etc. I like the personal touch that shows someone took the time to think about the recipient....

I like this, and I discovered that kate spade has a BB&B towel collection, so it may be ks towels in a laundry basket & some other smaller things. Thanks, guys!

If she's a reader, and "readers" gift basket would be a cute idea. And instead of a basket, get a reusable tote from Barnes and Noble and fill it with a candle, book marks, pens, stationary or a journal... and then a B and N gift card. I know gift cards themselves are tacky, but I think in a basket it could be really cute. Tie it up with ribbon and it's a lot of things she could use. Although I'd also vote for the crock pot. :)

I think that sounds really nice and much needed when you start out on your own.

Okay, I'll bite...you eat out for every meal?

I rarely put anything in my crock pot (may it RIP, I just recently smashed the crock) that has more than 2-3 ingredients, if we aren't counting spices.

We used to, but now we have a personal chef who brings our food for the week precooked and portioned on Mondays. We cook once a month at the very most...if that often. LOL.