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Top 10 Gifts for Wandering Grads

By , About.com Guide

Updated May 02, 2012

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New graduates often have some wanderlust and want to see the world on their own two feet. Whether the grad in your life simply enjoys walking and hiking or wants to go off in search of adventure, here are some items to make them happy wanderers.

1. Eagle Creek Switchback Rolling Backpack

Eagle Creek SwitchbackPricegrabber ©
For grads who want to go traveling, this pack is a two-fer. You can check it as luggage or wear it as a backpack. The straps hide away and it has a side carry handle. A day pack zips off to use along the way. It has lockable compartments. Perfect for packing light and seeing the world.
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2. iPod nano

iPod nano 6th GenerationCourtesy of Pricegrabber

The latest and greatest iPod is a graduation gift that will always be appreciated. I like the iPod nano for convenience when walking and running. The 5th and 6th generation iPods have a built-in pedometer function that I truly enjoy.  It makes the nano a real fitness partner, at a much lower weight than an iPhone or iTouch.

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3. "Europe Through the Back Door"

Europe Through the Back Door 2012 Rick StevesCourtesy of Pricegrabber
Rick Steves' travel skills handbook on how to be an independent traveler and get the most out of Europe or anywhere you may roam. A must-read for everyone who is off to see the world.
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4. iPhone

Walkmeter by Abvio - Map ScreenWendy Bumgardner © 2011

You can lighten your pack considerably by taking along an iPhone that has its built-in maps and travel books and more maps stored on iBooks. The iPhone has revolutionized my walking and traveling as the go-to gadget. Oh, and I hear you can use it to make phone calls, too!

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5. North Face Yavapai Backpack

North Face Yavapai Backpack© Pricegrabber

A well-built day pack is essential. If the graduate is going to go off touring, this high-capacity day pack will let him or her take along everything needed.

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6. Nikon S3000 Digital Camera

Nikon Coolpix s3000Courtesy of Pricegrabber

It's tiny and thin to take along anywhere, with a large, bright LCD screen for easy photo viewing. It has 12.0 megapixels, 4x optical wide angle zoom-NIKKOR glass lens for big prints. Record TV-quality movies with sound in 640 x 480 size, then connect to your computer or TV for instant home movies.

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7. "The Complete Walker IV"

The Complete Walker© Pricegrabber

Colin Fletcher's classic on how to hike, trek, and walk. How to find the right clothes, food, boots, and tents for backpacking or day hiking or a 1000-mile walk. How to walk and hike responsibly and nuture the environment. Read this book before you venture into the wilderness.

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8. Victorinox Swiss Army Climber Knife

Victorinox Climber Knife© Pricegrabber
Every walker needs a little tool kit, and the Swiss Army Knife puts it all into a small package. This model includes a large and small blade, bottle opener, corkscrew, tweezers, toothpick, scissors,wire stripper, small and large flat-head screwdrivers.
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9. REI or Other Outdoor Store Gift Card/Membership

The first thing my husband (then boyfriend) did when he turned me into a walker/hiker was to take me to REI and make me get a membership. He then opened up the world of quality hiking and walking gear and clothing. My parents still give him an REI gift card each Christmas. You may want to choose Eastern Mountain Sports instead. But if you are uncertain about exactly what to buy, this is a gift that will send them in the right direction.

10. Ms Stick

A grad has his or her whole life ahead of them - start them out with a hiking stick that tells the story of their life so far. Each stick is custom made for each recipient.

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