Great Grad Gifts

By Pam Molnar

 

The sounds of Pomp and Circumstance fill the air as we approach graduation season. When your graduate closes the door to childhood, you want to give him a gift that reflects that milestone. Stuck for ideas? No matter your budget, you are sure to find a great gift for your graduate here:

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1. Spirit wear. Help your grad blend in at a new school with college spirit wear. Contact the school directly or visit PrepSportsWear.com for a database of colleges worldwide.

2. Luggage. Maybe your grad is taking a “gap year” and plans to travel, or “travel” simply means coming home for the holidays. For daily use, consider a book bag for campus or a duffle bag for gym trips.

3. Toolkit. Got a grad who’ll soon be living solo? A basic tool kit includes screwdrivers, pliers, a hammer, measuring tape and other handy tools. You can find ready-made kits at hardware stores.

4. Gift cards. The one-size-fits-all gift, new college students might appreciate a gas card or a card for a major chain, where they can pick up food, toiletries, household items or even inexpensive furniture for small spaces (perfect for a dorm setting).

5. Bag of goodies. Purchase a monogrammed laundry bag (a nice gift by itself!) and fill it with dorm essentials such as toiletries, a sewing kit, or laundry supplies along with quarters or a laundry card for machines.

6. Books. An inspirational send-off for all ages: Dr. Seuss’ “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” For practical college advice, try “The Secrets of College Success,” by Lynn F. Jacobs. To record their college experiences, consider a five-year journal.

7. Money. Always a popular gift, the question is, “How much should I give?” According to Western Union, $30 to $200 is the typical gift range for a high school graduate, with parents and grandparents giving the most. Friends or distant relatives typically give under $50.

8. Homemade gift. Make a pillow or quilt out of high school and sports t-shirts. Put together a scrapbook of high school memories and include theater programs, sports medals and football programs. Create a photo montage of pictures from kindergarten to graduation and present it at the party.