Gift Ideas for High School and College Graduates
Posted in Graduate, Special Occassion on November 7th, 2005When you give a graduation gift, you want to make certain that the gift you choose is something that the grad can and will use. So, it should come as no surprise that the most popular gift among graduates has and will continue to be cash. But, don’t just hand the loot over with a “Hey, congratulations. Hope this helps.” Stash your cash in a nice money holder from Hallmark or Forget-Me-Knot. Or have fun with the grad. Pick up a clever card that is designed to surprise the graduate by carefully concealing the fact that there’s a gift of money inside.
If cash seems a bit impersonal, other gifts such as travel maps and gazetteers will help the grad learn their way around when heading off to an unfamiliar city or state for college. Graduates will also appreciate thoughtful gifts like a tassel keeper or a watercolor picture of their hometown. Pure cold or silver coins from their graduation year also make fitting mementos.
Still uncertain what to buy? Electronic gifts like computers are practical and are popular gifts for both high school and college graduates. If computers are out of your budget, other hot electronic gadgets include MP3 players, digital cameras, micro cassette recorders and handheld GPS devices. Items such as fax machines, PDAs and conference telephone systems are fitting gifts for college grads bound for the business world.
Books, postage stamps, pre paid calling cards, stationery and jewelry are also popular gift choices for graduates. Or fill under the bed storage containers (a dorm room must!) with everyday items such as towels, washcloths, soap, lotions, batteries, flashlights, baby wipes, laundry detergent, hangers, rolls of quarters and hair care products. Don’t forget décor. There’s probably going to be an apartment or dorm room in need of a facelift. Shelving, carpets/rugs, hooks, pictures, lamps and chairs are all excellent choices.
If gift certificates are more your style, you can decide on conventional certificates that can be used at restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, clothing chains or movie theaters or more modern such as a gift certificate to a spa or online retailer. Gift certificates are always appreciated gifts and ensure that the graduate can pick something he or she really wants.
Graduations are an exciting time to celebrate a job well done and anticipation of new opportunities. Before deciding on a gift, think about the grad’s prospective travel plans, field of study or career choice. Choose gifts that are useful or that work to keep memories alive and inspire a happy future.
