Grad Gifts with Meaning

Cash may be king for graduates these days, but I remain a big fan of hand selected gifts.  What's even more special than a hand-selected gift? A gift that shares a dual-purpose or value! When an artisan took the time and care to make something beautiful, it means that much more to the gift recipient. This is especially true when you can share how that item came to be with the recipient, or how the value of the item might represent something more, such as how the proceeds from that good provide access to healthcare or education in a developing country. 

Here are 10 empowering gifts for every grad:

1. Personalized stationary that supports women's college scholarships in Kosovo. 

Blush No. 2, Flora Stationary, Starting at $13.99 (Standard 10-Pack)

Blush No. 2, Flora Stationary, Starting at $13.99 (Standard 10-Pack)

2. Help your guy grad ease into adult life with this handsome men's shaving kit. Perfect for long-term travel or overnight business trips. This shaving kit was made by vulnerable women artisans in Ethiopia.

3. The perfect welcome to adulthood gift-- adorable hand towels hand-woven by artisans in Southern Mexico.

Vallarta Hand Towel, Proud Mary, $36.00

Vallarta Hand Towel, Proud Mary, $36.00

4. These chic earrings seamlessly go from weekday to weeknight to weekend! Perfect for a job interview or a first date, PLUS they empower women in Kenya & support Pencils of Promise.

Soko x PoP V Studs, Soko, $30.00

Soko x PoP V Studs, Soko, $30.00

5. This Dreamy 100% Alpaca throw is woven by artisans in the highlands of Bolivia. Serious quality and luxury that will last!

Alpaca Throw - Ivory by Aha Bolivia, The Little Market, $220.00

Alpaca Throw - Ivory by Aha Bolivia, The Little Market, $220.00

6. For all the adventurers and trailblazers out there, this passport wallet is the perfect gift. The genuine leather wallet is hand made by vulnerable women in Ethiopia.

7. The understated beauty of this bracelet makes it the the perfect mix-n-match for any grad. This keepsake is made by artisans in earthquake-ravaged Nepal. Every compliment you get means an opportunity to share their story too!

8. Mix things up with these hand-carved tumblers. Perfect for the cocktail connoisseur or design oriented-grad.

Cowhorn Whisky Tumbler Set, Rose & Fitzgerald, $75.00

Cowhorn Whisky Tumbler Set, Rose & Fitzgerald, $75.00

9. Give your grad the luxe treatment with this cashmere scarf hand spun and woven by artisans in the Kashmir Valley.

Lena Cashmere Scarf - Pin by Vilaasi, To The Market, $295.00

Lena Cashmere Scarf - Pin by Vilaasi, To The Market, $295.00

10. This stylish basket tray is the perfect catch-all for both dorm rooms & post-grad apartments! This basket is handwoven in Honduras. Trust us, your grad will thank you when they never have to look for their keys again!

Campes Tray, Badala, $60.00

Campes Tray, Badala, $60.00

8 Places to Eat & Play in Beirut

Beirut, once hailed the Paris of the Middle East, is in the midst of an all out cultural resurgence and there is something mesmerizing about the combination of new and old, of grit and glam coexisting peacefully in this cultural icon of a city. Interested in eating the best croissants outside of Paris? Dream of sunbathing on the Med and drinking rosé produced in an ancient monastery? Sipping craft cocktails in a Tokyo style bar? Or dancing the night away in an abandoned train station? Beirut has it all and now is the time to visit. Here are a few of our favorite hot spots!

Beirut Waterfront

1.     Mezyan. An amazing restaurant and bar serving Levantine and North African tapas to hipster crowd of expats and locals on Hamra Street.  The vibe at Mezyan is laid back and the food is delicious. Check out their Facebook page to learn more about upcoming live music performances. 

Image via Secrets of Beirut

2.     Trainstation Mar Mikhaël.  No trip to Beirut would be complete without a night of bar hopping in the infamous Mar Mikhaël quarter of the city.  For a truly unforgettable night be sure to stop at Transtaion Mar Mikhaël, an outdoor music venue and bar in an old abandoned rain station.  The spot is the perfect mix of grit and glam. With some of the best DJs in the city.

 3.     Dragonfly.  Looking for a low-key atmosphere and some seriously crafted cocktails? Then Dragonfly is your spot.  Think tiny Japanese craft cocktail bar meets 1920’s speakeasy.  Dragonfly is located in Gemmayze, an area drawing a bit more sophisticated crowd, more interested in top shelf liquor than cheap (but still pretty good) Almaza beer. 

Image via Beirut.com

Image via Beirut.com

4.     Pierre and Friends.  Escape the city and enjoy one of Lebanon’s famous beach clubs.  Visit the local favorite, Pierre and Friends for an authentic Mediterranean experience that won’t break the bank.  Pierre and Friends is less than an hour north of the bustle in Beirut.

Image via Pierre and Friends

5.     Music Hall: Beirut Waterfront. For a night like no other in Beirut, your best bet is Music Hall—it’s a throwback to the days of cabaret and eccentricity.  From international music acts to Lebanese 80’s cover bands to Elvis and Beyoncé impersonators, there is truly something for everyone.  Be sure to head over before 11 pm to ensure you get a spot at the bar.

Image via The Music Hall

Image via The Music Hall

6.     Urbanista. The best coffee outpost in Gemmayze.  Whether you need to catch up on work, grab a quick bite or relax with a good book, Urbanista should be your go to spot….plus their baristas know how to brew one hell of a good cup of coffee.  While there are several Urbanista outposts in the city, the best location is Gemmayze hands down.

Image via Urbanista

Image via Urbanista

7.     Seza. A visit to Beirut is not complete without experiencing the amazing Armenian culinary scene.  Seza is the perfect spot sample the city’s best Armenian food in a lovely old house right in the heart of Mar Mikhaël. Be sure to make a reservation online on Seza’s website.

Image via Seza

Image via Seza

8.     Mótto. Motto has become an institution because of its globally oriented cuisine and novel concept where you pay what you think is fair for the food you order.  Their Sri Lankan and Indian food is out of this world.  Motto also operates a cool program for up and coming chefs, known as ‘Make Me Motto” where chefs submit their restaurant concepts and Motto let’s them test out their ideas. Be sure to also check out Motto’s sister restaurant—Makan

Image via Motto

Image via Motto