It’s that time of year again: graduation season. If you have a high school graduate in your life this year, you want to give them a gift that is both worthy of this milestone and something that won’t just sit on a shelf. If you are stuck for ideas, check out some of ours:
Spirit wear – Help your recent grad blend in at their new school by getting them some college spirit wear, such as hats, hoodies, or pajamas. Other options are travel mugs, Christmas ornaments, umbrellas, and pillows.
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 duffel bag for the gym. You can also add on items, like a neck pillow or a lock for the locker room.
Toolkit – Tools are the things that are often overlooked on a college freshman’s move-in list. They are needed for putting together new furniture, taking the backs off battery compartments, and decorating a new space. 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 or online.
A Basket of Goodies – Whether your grad is starting out in their first apartment or headed to the dorm, they will appreciate a basket full of essentials. Fill a laundry basket with snack foods, toiletries, Command Strips, first aid items, cold medicines, earplugs, sleep masks, lightbulbs, batteries, a dry erase calendar, a water filter, and a roll of quarters for the Laundromat.
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. Other ideas include DoorDash, GrubHub, Uber, and Lyft. Check the local area for restaurants and coffee shops before purchasing to make sure those types of cards are accepted. You can never go wrong with Amazon, which delivers everywhere.
Money – The most popular gift for grads is cash. The question is always, “How much should I spend?” A Google search for this question will give you a large range — $20 to $100 for a high school graduate. The range is based on your relationship with the graduate and whether you live in a city, suburb, or more rural area. If you haven’t been to a graduation in a while, it is best to ask other graduates (and their parents) what the customary gift is in your area.
Dorm Room Appliances – Cafeteria food at college gets old after just a couple of days. If allowed, many students choose to make meals in their rooms. The gift of an appliance might seem strange, but believe me, they will thank you later. If a microwave or mini fridge is already in the room, consider crockpots, personal blenders, a coffee maker, an electric kettle, an air fryer, or an electric frying pan.
Recreational Items – When your student has time off from class, they may appreciate some things they can do with their new friends. Send them to college with a basketball, pickleball rackets, cornhole, a hammock for the quad, a yoga mat, an Amazon Fire Stick, card games, crafting items, video games, or a small cooler for picnicking or tailgating.
Personalized Items – Everyone likes to see their name on something, especially those with unique names or spellings. There are dozens of options that you can order from Etsy or Personalization Mall, but if you are crafty, you can make some for yourself. Consider travel mugs, toiletry bags, key/ring trays, jewelry, Christmas ornaments, lanyards, and water bottles.
