Sounds good to me. I remember giving my younger graduating sister a set of RED American Tourister luggage eons ago prior to the roller wheel styles. She loved it. You could add a little cosmetic case to put into the suitcase too if you find one you like that is reasonably priced.

I think it would be a great gift. I would get something soft sided and that maybe converts to a backpack. I love my eBag's luggage. Light sturdy and holds a lot for the sizes. Got rid of all my rollers except for the largest one full sized suitcase. Add a set of packing cubes and she's good to go.

Make it a size which would be appropriate. If she might overnight some where, a smaller one, or if she might travel, maybe bigger. It might be fun to put something inside--another wrapped gift (scarf, wallet?), a pretty throw.

I've found good prices on luggage at TJ Maxx and Marshalls. If it's sizable, the nice feature some bags have now is with the 4 spinner wheels instead of just two wheels.

OK, here's a suggestion from "Always Brutally Honest" S. Whiplash:

Buy a one hour session for her with a career counselor. Tell him or her to lay out for your niece what she can expect from a career (and as a result, a lifetime) with only a HS diploma and no skills.

Then offer her $50 or $100 after she completes her first semester of community college with a normal load and passing grades. Not everyone is suited for academic subjects, it's true, but most community colleges have great vocational and occupational programs.

She has no need for a suitcase, she has no money to go anywhere. It sounds like it's time for her to grow up - help her start.

Kids don't wear watches anymore, communicate digitally instead of writing, so luggage is definitely there on the list of classic graduation gifts that are still relevant and useful. Do you know that she doesn't have anything? Maybe ask the mom?

How eccentric is she? Does she trend toward the hipster? Best definition I've heard was on a TV show: All the girls look like Macaulay Culkin. :) From what I've seen and read, the hipsters are into 1960's luggage like the little paisley overnight bags that it seems everyone had, the vinyl shoulder bags with the big lockable latch, etc., especially if they can be worn crossbody. They're also using a lot of canvas totes like you get with your show materials at a conference. The more outrageous the color and weird the logo, the better. Also old bags that were meant for other things, like hatboxes and boot bags.

My 15 year old has several watches, including one he won't take off? But it's because it's a fashion piece. If they're a fashion plate (also, my brother Michael), or if they're into a specific sport, e.g. diving, a watch isn't that far-fetched an idea.

go for soft back pack type over hard shell roll...we dealt with both this weekend...2 of dgds each brought one kind. the hard shelled case was constantly in the way, while the back pack ended up doubling as an extra pillow for very crowded sleeping conditions...lol... and throw a guide for back packing...

snidely I totally agree with your post. we were thrown a curve with one dgd this weekend..(her sweet 16) she had always mentioned going to college, purdue for instance...well now it's beauty school...however we also pointed out if you EVER wanted to open your own salon you MUST have a business degree...(wonder if she ever watches that show) i'm ok if she's properly prepared...don't know if to lol or cry...

Great suggestion, Snidely. Little Miss won't LIKE it, but it could save her from a limited future.

Thanks all. Snidely, I hear you loud and clear. Frankly, I have been trying to mentor her with life advice I wish I had gotten at 18. She met with a career counselor, has taken a college course in her senior year,
and from that, she decided she doesn't want to go to college, yet she wants to own a biz - hummm. Unfortunately, she is bipolar (she's been to docs). Yes, she needs to grow up A LOT. But, that's another post.

Addressing the other replies, I got her a carry on piece of luggage which her mom thought was a good idea. She'll have it when she visits her dad out west using someone's $. This kid talks a big talk, but doesn't walk the walk with anything, so I will be anxious to see what she does with her life and wish her the best. You can only guide these kids and hope they learn from their actions along with their good and bad choices. Again, another post.

I had an Aunt on my fathers's side who gave me "grown-up" gifts like a leather wallet and key case. For college graduation, she gave me my first suitcase, which I still use today as an overnight bag. I'll never forget her generosity.

My niece loved her suitcase. I filled it with other useful items including some items of mine that I recycled for her birthday gift since she just turned 18. Everything had a meaning and she was appreciative of it all.