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GiftingMap goes to the head of the class with gifts for the grads

Graduation is a major milestone, and no doubt the grad in your life has worked hard to get there. GiftingMap wants you to reward the achievement with these cool finds, and help him or her take the next big step in life.

From interview essentials to something chic for the new digs, here are a few rewards for all that hard work.

Admin accessories
Fresh cufflinks and a fun tie from Bird Dog Bay convey that a new grad is professional, yet still creative. A fun pop of color never hurts either, especially when it's subtle enough for even the most somber of dress codes. Project a youthful feel with statement-making earrings, clutches, and headbands from Mignonne Gavigan and LeLe Sadoughi, including classic freshwater pearls from the latter.

Grown-up pad presents
It's time to retire the band posters and paper plates. Help new grads feather their fab nests with a sleek decanter from Jan Barboglio and decorative tray from Gray Malin, whose artwork certainly demands a better display than push pins or tape. Encourage experimentation in the kitchen with cookbooks from Assouline, which are as pretty to display as they are exciting to read.

See the world
Where they're headed to the office down the street or halfway around the world, better make sure they're ready with luggage and wallets from Mission Mercantile and Hook & Albert. Great for grads on the go, these classic carry-alls will only get better with age.

Commemorate the moment
Help them look back on this momentous achievement with a butterfly keepsake from Baccarat. The delicate crystal creatures are poised to take flight, just as your new grad is setting out on his or her own big adventure.

Make an interview statement with classy yet eye-catching earrings.

Photo courtesy of GiftingMap

Make an interview statement with classy yet eye-catching earrings.

Where to shop

Where to shop in Fort Worth right now: 8 new stores and events for May

Facebook/Diamonds Direct

Diamonds Direct has opened near University Park Village and Westbend in Fort Worth.

Fort Worth likes to sparkle and shine, and there's a lot of it on the shopping scene this month, with the opening of a new diamond store and a couple of jewelry releases and trunk shows. The Cliburn comes to town, and so does its fun gift shop. A Southlake "shopportunity" includes champagne. There are also new boots and new denim to try on for size. Here's where to shop in and around Fort Worth this month:

The Cliburn Shop
Part of the fun of attending the quadrennial Van Cliburn International Piano Competition is browsing and buying the Cliburn-branded merch at the gift shop between performances. There's always a must-get item or two, from quirky (nail files and squeezy- piano stress relievers) to swanky (branding irons and silk scarves). Fort Worth piano fans will get to shop in person when the competition kicks off this month, first at Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU (May 21-25) and then at Bass Performance Hall (May 28-June 7). A collection of CDs, T-shirts, and more is also available The Cliburn Shop online.

Denim House
North East Mall in Hurst has opened the doors to the first Denim House in DFW. The trendy store sells stylish streetwear clothing, footwear, and accessories for women and men. Brands include Psycho Bunny, Baws, Ethika, and more. Now open next to Fanzz, near the Cinemark entrance.

Diamonds Direct
Jewelry store specializing in diamond sourcing, consumer experience, selection, and education has opened its third location in Dallas-Fort Worth, at 1585 Old University Dr. (between University Park Village and Westbend) in Fort Worth. The showroom boasts 5,600 square-feet of retail space and has plenty of diamond inventory, ranging from rings to watches to pendants. They also offer free jewelry maintenance and a 110 percent upgrade policy. There are two other locations in Dallas and Frisco.

Jo Latham x You are Here
Fort Worth-based fine jewelry designer Jo Latham has introduced sparkling new summer styles at local boutique You are Here. The collection includes a Shell Drop Earring, Turquoise and Diamond Drop 4 Flower Earrings, and Gemini Diamond Bolo. Available at You Are Here, 4804 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, open 10 am-5 pm Tuesday-Saturday.

Lucchese Bootmaker
Western lifestyle brand recently opened at Choctaw Stadium in Arlington — their largest store in DFW, at 3,600 square feet. The collection features boots, accessories, and candles, plus a collaboration with the Dallas Cowboys featuring the silver Star-Struck boots for $695. This comes on the heels of Lucchese’s new partnership with the newly opened National Medal of Honor Museum as a member of the Museum’s Stars Circle. There are currently stores in Fort Worth, Frisco, and Dallas.

Marc Jacobs Outlet
Since 1984, this American fashion designer has spearheaded countless ready-to-wear, handbag, fragrance, and cosmetic collections. A new store at Grand Prairie Outlets, which opened in April, has monogrammed handbags, wallets, jewelry, and casual shoes like flip-flops. It's the second Marc Jacobs outlet store in the area, following a similar store at the Allen Premium Outlets mall in Allen. (There's also a regular Marc Jacobs boutique at NorthPark Center.)

Fort Worth Stockyards trunk shows
Attendees of the PBR World Championship this weekend can get dudded up at top Stockyards boutiques before heading the big event at AT&T Stadium. Two special Western-wear trunk shows are taking place:

Maverick Fine Western Wear Trunk Show (May 16-17) - Featuring Totem Salvaged, Fringe Scarves, and Ferrell Apparel. Hook & Ladder Pizza will be served. (Repeats June 6-7). 100 E Exchange Ave., Fort Worth.
Dian Malouf Trunk Show at Double D Ranch (May 15-17) - Double D Ranch welcomes back well-loved Southwestern jewelry artisan Dian Malouf for a three-day trunk show. 128 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth.

Southlake Town Square Mimosa Stroll & Shop
Shopping while sipping champagne - what could be better? Southlake Town Square hosts its annual Mimosa Stroll & Shop from 9 am-12 pm Sunday, May 18. Participants can enjoy complimentary mimosas during a private shopping event before doors open to the public. Participating stores include 7 for all Mankind, Anthropologie, Athleta, Sephora, White House Black Market, and many more. Check in as early as 8:30 am off Civic Place (between Rowan and L'Occitane) to pick up a mimosa pass, event map, and souvenir champagne flute. Complimentary gift bags will be given to the first 200 guests. Show up with a pack of feminine hygiene products to donate to GRACE and be entered in a raffle for $100 gift card to a participating retailer. Tickets are $25.

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