11 TPG-Approved Travel Gifts for Your High School Graduate
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They threw their caps in the air and now summer is in full swing for high school graduates. Someday soon, they will likely be traveling — perhaps for vacation or off to a college dorm. Here's a compilation of TPG-approved travel gifts — both practical and trendy — that your teen will totally appreciate.
Beis Check-In Roller
This simplistic suitcase just debuted from actress Shay Mitchell's travel brand. It has a versatile design that goes with everything, and its thoughtful features set it apart from other luggage on the market. With a weight-limit indicator, an optional expander, compression flaps and a TSA-approved combination lock, this bag has everything you could possibly need when jetting off.
Buy: Beis Travel, $258
Apple AirPods
Rather than suggesting a pair of our beloved noise-cancellation headphones, we think a more appropriate gift for a recent graduate is a pair of AirPods. Apple's cult-favorite earphones are useful in flight and in everyday life. They embody convenience and comfort.
Buy: Apple, $159 — $199
TSA Precheck
This thoughtful gift allows you to speed through airport security — no worries about removing your shoes or belt. It's the best fast-pass a traveler could have, especially for a teen who struggles with staying on schedule. Plus, the membership lasts five years.
Buy: TSA, $85
Compression Packing Cubes
It may be years, but sooner or later high school graduates will move out of the house, stuffing all of their belongings into a suitcase. These highly rated packing cubes compress clothes and other items into an almost airtight space. TPG's all about maximizing, whether it's credit card points or luggage space.
Buy: Amazon
The Points Guy Plane Hair Hat
Few things beat being a frequent flyer, but one thing that does is letting people know that you're a frequent flyer. This hat (fresh from the TPG shop) lets people know that you're no novice traveler, all while hiding that messy plane 'do. Gift it while it's hot.
Buy: The Points Guy Shop, $25
I AM GIA Pixie Coat
This coat blew up the Internet; every Gen Z-er has it or wants it in their closet. It makes for the perfect boarding outfit that screams: "Don't talk to me when my AirPods are in. Or do. Regardless, I'm very cool." All of this to say, while it's a definite statement piece, it's also a really safe gift choice.
Buy: I AM GIA, $76
Spotify Premium or Apple Music Subscription
Travels require ambience, and ambience requires a music subscription. Those are just the facts. Any recent graduate would appreciate ad-free music and the opportunity to listen offline in the sky. Plus, both of these options offer discounts for college students. Score.
Buy: Spotify, (for students) $0.99 for the first 3 months, then $4.99/month
Buy: Apple, (for students) $4.99/month
MUJI Neck Cushion
MUJI has crafted the perfect neck pillow. It's low profile, completely plush and best of all, it's Martha Stewart-approved as per Brian Kelly's recent Talking Points podcast episode.
Buy: MUJI, $25 $13
Make Them an Authorized User
Chances are, recent graduates will opt for a basic economy fare when they're given the choice, but the gift of an authorized user account on your premium card can completely revamp their airport experience.
For example, becoming an authorized user on a The Platinum Card® from American Express can mean exceptional lounge access. And most important, this card can help young people build their credit — a priceless gift.
Here's our breakdown of the best credit cards for authorized users.
Cathy's Concept Monogram Tech Travel Case
This tech travel case seems to be one of those "I didn't know I needed it, and now I can't live without it" types of gifts. This faux-leather case keeps cords from becoming tangled and it sections off electronics while keeping them in the same place. It's the perfect gift that transitions a young traveler seamlessly into adulthood.
Buy: Nordstrom, $60
Away Travel Backpack
Even though recent grads are out of the classroom, at least for the summer, a nice backpack will take them into their latest and greatest journey ... and then maybe right back into school next fall. The sleek exterior fits pretty much anyone's style, but the backpack also has a roomy interior with pockets and a strap on the back so you can slide in your luggage handle.
Buy: Away Travel, $195
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How we chose these cards
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.Pros
- Earn bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and an Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver when you hit specific spending thresholds with your card within a calendar year
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
- Statement credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee (up to $100)
- First checked bag free
Cons
- Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
- SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
- Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
- New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Rewards Rate
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles50,000 Bonus MilesAnnual Fee
$250Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.670-850Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.Pros
- Earn bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and an Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver when you hit specific spending thresholds with your card within a calendar year
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
- Statement credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee (up to $100)
- First checked bag free
Cons
- Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
- SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
- Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
- New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees