5 Things We Love: Graduation

Say mahalo with artisan notecard

Dear everyone who showed up to see me graduate: You endured the headaches of Hawaii traffic, searched relentlessly for street parking and braved the crowds bearing balloon bouquets and cardboard signs. You deserve a handwritten thank-you card — better yet, on an artisan notecard from South Shore Paperie in Kilohana Square (1016 Kapahulu Ave., 744-8746, www.southshorepaperie.com), hand-picked by the picky husband-and-wife design team and owners, Ian and Stacey Nomura. You can even get the stylish ones they make themselves on an antique letterpress. Single cards are $3.75; sets of six are $7 to $10. Oh, and thanks for coming.

—Catherine Toth Fox (RHS ’92)

ACME pens are pleasing presents

Pens are a traditional graduation gift that are both symbolic and useful, but let’s face it, they’re boring. Not so with the rollerball pens from Maui-based ACME Studio that come in artsy designs you won’t find on their plastic cousins. Squiggles, swirls, cartoon dogs, skulls worthy of an urban mural (or a tattoo), da Vinci’s timeless sketches, sound waves and more. My favorite design is the one Mrs. G has on her pen: an antique typewriter keyboard by New York artist Michael Doret. Another pleasing feature of the ACME Studio pens is their size. They are easy to hold, hefty without being heavy. Order them online at acmestudio.com for $75.

—Mike Gordon

Tote Shutter Stick on life’s journey

Cash money is the ultimate one-size-fits-all graduation gift, but many grads also appreciate things they can use as they continue on their life’s journey. Consider the fact that just about every graduate under the age of 30 uses their smartphone as a camera, and the TZUMI Shutter Stick (in black or neon pink, Walmart; $19.98) is certain to be something your grad will use. The apparatus — also known as a selfie stick — attaches to a smartphone in seconds, and the arm extends to 39 inches. A mirror attaches to the frame to help the photographer aim the camera for best results.

—John Berger

Fashionista’s tale offers inspiration

When sending a newly minted graduate on her way, consider giving her the gift of encouragement and empowerment with a copy of "#Girlboss" (Portfolio, $10.99), by fashion CEO Sophia Amoruso, who went from thief and hitchhiker to millionaire vintage-clothing mogul. Her real-life story is a mix of raw emotion and relatable humor that provide lessons in overcoming adversity, managing finances and finding inner confidence. To quote Amoruso: "You are one in billions, someone has to succeed. So it might as well be you."

—Jermel-Lynn Quillopo, honolulupulse.com blogger

Personalize with mascot stickers

When it’s time to dress up your graduation sign, head to Ben Franklin Crafts for graphic vinyl stickers that showcase local high school mascots. Whether your grad is a Radford Ram or a Waia­lua Bulldog, HM High’s 4-inch stickers are perfect for personalizing balloons or plastering on a photo collage. Check out the collection at hmhigh.com. The stickers sell for $1.99 apiece at Ben Franklin Crafts in Market City Shopping Center, Enchanted Lake, Mapunapuna, Pearl City, Hilo and Kahului.

—Donica Kaneshiro

5 Things We Love is a shortlist of newly discovered stuff you have got to see, hear, wear, use or eat. What are you loving this week? Send a brief description of your latest favorite thing, where to find it and how much it costs, along with your name and contact info to features@staradvertiser.com.