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You have been watching the #yearofthelasts posts in your social media feeds. Someone you know is graduating this year and chances are, you will be invited to a party. Since it has probably been awhile since you graduated from high school, you might be stumped for a gift idea.
Have no fear! I have gathered a few of my favorite gifts that were given to my kids for their graduation.
Spirit wear – Help your recent grad blend in at their new school by getting them some college spirit wear. Contact the school directly or go online to PrepSportsWear.com. They have an amazing database of colleges in the U.S and Canada.
Luggage – Maybe your grad is taking a year off and plans to travel. Whether they are traveling first class or backpacking across the country, they need something to hold their things. For daily use, consider purchasing a book bag for walking around campus or a duffle bag for the gym.
Toolkit – If your grad is planning to move out of Mom and Dad’s house, they won’t have access to Dad’s toolbox. A basic toolkit includes screwdrivers, pliers, a hammer, measuring tape and other handy tools. You can find a ready-made toolkit at your local hardware store. This one has just about everything they need.
Gift cards – Gift cards are a one-size-fits-all type of gift. New college students might appreciate a gas card or a gift card to Walmart, where they can pick up food, toiletries or household items. Find out what stores/restaurants are within walking distance of their dorms and pick up one of those.
A Basket of Goodies – Whether your grad is starting out in his first apartment or headed to the dorm, he will appreciate a basket full of essentials. Fill a laundry basket with snack foods, toiletries, hangers, playing cards, air fresheners, hand sanitizers, Command Strips and a roll of quarters for the Laundromat.
Books – A classic graduation book is Dr. Seuss’ “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” which is an inspirational graduation sendoff for all ages. “The Naked Roommate” answers the questions you didn’t even think you would have. I also love the idea of a 5-year journal to record their college experiences. (I bought this one myself when I became an empty nester.)
Money – The most popular gift for grads is cash. The question is always, “How much should I spend?” Check out Simchabucks.com for a cash gift calculator. Fill in your relationship to grad, state the event takes place, who the gift is from and your household income to receive a dollar amount suggestion. I think it’s pretty accurate.
Homemade gift – If you have the time to make it, a homemade gift is a heartfelt one. Make a pillow or quilt out of high school and sports t-shirts. Put together a scrap book of high school memories and include theatre programs, sports medals and football programs. Create a photo montage of pictures from Kindergarten to graduation and present it at her party. If you are not crafty, Etsy has a ton of people who are.
