Graduation is an exciting time for a high school senior and his entire family. Honor a graduating son or daughter, grandson or granddaughter. Don't forget a favorite nephew or niece when choosing the right graduation gift. And finally, remember those special young people – close friends who have gone the extra mile – when selecting a memorable graduation gift.
High School Graduation Gifts Match the Student
Graduation is a shining moment for a young person. A high school graduation ceremony marks the end of youth and the beginning of adulthood. There are grads that can't wait to move away from home into their own place. Thousands of lucky grads will enter college in the fall. Still other graduates will continue to live at home and work in the community.
In the spring, stores shelves are filled with all sorts of graduation gifts. Neutral gifts – jewelry, gift cards and wallets, for example – are "safe bets" and can be given in most any circumstance. Other kinds of gifts – footlockers, bicycles and compact refrigerators – are directly suited for the graduate headed for a college dorm.
Gifts that are Sure to Please a High School Graduate
Whatever the graduate's path for the immediate future, select a gift that will go along with his or her plans and/or lifestyle. From keepsake boxes, fine jewelry, digital cameras and elegant picture frames to iPods, duffel bags, stuffed animals and throw blankets, the list of graduation gift choices is practically unlimited. Don't forget the graduation card.
So what gifts do high school graduates want?
- Electronic Reader. Amazon's Kindle DX is new. Compare features with Sony's PRS-700 and Barnes and Noble's Nook.
- High Definition Camcorder. A teen that's planning to travel after graduation or go off to college in the fall will have a great time with a camcorder.
- Portable CD/DVD Player. A versatile compact system for watching favorite DVDs and listening to music.
- Luggage Set. Traveling or college-bound teens will appreciate a stylish set of luggage.
- Voice-Activated Digital Alarm Clock. A clock is a necessity for the teen that goes to college or has to get up for work in the morning.
- Dorm Refrigerator. A compact refrigerator fits perfectly in a college dorm room and holds an ample supply of drinks and snacks.
- Microwave. Grads can use a microwave in an apartment kitchen or dorm room. Add a few boxes of microwave popcorn.
- Graduation Year Coin Set. A handsome display of U.S. coins stamped with the graduate's senior year.
- Laptop Computer and Accessories. Laptops and mini-laptops continue to rank at the top of the graduate's wish list. Replace an older machine with a newer model laptop. Don't forget a carrying case, extra flash drives and other supplies.
- Money Clip or Wallet with Bills. Grads just starting out to work or college can always use cash.
- Digital Voice Recorder. Great for recording lectures in college or keeping track of important reminders.
- Popular Books. For the teen who loves to read, books are always the right gift.
- Tool Box with Basic Tools. A practical gift for anyone going off to college or moving out. Include a hammer, screwdriver set, pliers, selections of screws and nails, scissors and a measuring tape.
- Talking Language Translator. This device is perfect for the grad who is planning a trip out of the country or who wants to perfect foreign language skills.
- Gourmet Food Basket or Gift of the Month Club Membership. Fine food and snacks arriving in the mail each month are sure to be a hit all year long.
Graduates Going Off to College
Finding a graduation gift for a teen going to college is about as easy as it gets. College-bound teens need laundry supplies, sheet sets, a few cooking supplies (microwave dishes), towels, and all sorts of items to make it through each semester. Some will need new cell phones, prepaid phone cards, school supplies, new clothes for class, and the list goes on and on.
A word of warning: College dorm rooms are small. Take caution when considering large gift items. Think before choosing gifts like sports equipment, artwork, musical instruments and the like.
Graduates Moving Away from Home
Young grads that are moving into an apartment need everything. Gifts may include furniture, cooking utensils, electronics, cleaning supplies, bath items and money. Starting from scratch to furnish an apartment takes all kinds of things, so most any gift will be welcome.
Many decorative and household items can be found at thrift stores and secondhand stores. Stick to buying new when searching for electronics, bedding mattresses and box springs, and appliances. Check online for more gift ideas and bargain prices.
Honor a graduate with a thoughtful gift on his or her special day. Choose a graduation gift that's useful, popular, sentimental or unique for this once-in-a-lifetime event. Practical and memorable graduation gifts fit most any budget. Be sure to choose a gift that matches the student's lifestyle or future goals.
Mary King - Mary King is a Suite101 Topic Editor for the Caregiver Support and Home Management sections. She has authored 5 teen-based novels.
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