ALT-1 Graduation Gifts
Money can't buy best graduation gift...
As high school seniors prepare to graduate, the buzz around campus is "What are yo getting for graduation?" Senior wishes range from dinner at a local restaurant to breast implants. Yes, you read that correctly. Some graduates are even looking forward to receiving new cars or overseas vacations as graduation gifts.
For parents who are on a budget or who have sense enough not to go overboard when determining a suitable gift, there is a solution to this quandary. Since once a graduating senior myself, I can provide some practical suggestions, but parents should know that the best gifts are those that money cannot buy.
Besides the typical cash, watches, cell phones, and jewelry, new gift ideas are created every year. An increasing number of students will receiving laptop computers for graduation. Many parents feel this is a sensible gift and will be put to good use as their sons or daughters go off to college.
A good idea for the hard-to-shop- for senior is a gift certificate to an office supply store or linen store. College students are always strapped for cash, so any type of gift certificate or travelers checks would be much appreciated.
In addition, parents or relatives may want to purchase pre-paid phone cards for late night long distance calls home or pre-paid gasoline cards for weekend or holiday trips to visit family and friends.
Another approach would be to establish a line of credit, not through a traditional credit card, but through a Visa Buxx card, which allows a limit to be pre-paid with no finance charges or bills.
Since Graduation fro high school is truly a significant accomplishment, many may want to share in the recognition or celebration. Parents may want to throw a party to show how proud they are of their graduating senior. Better yet, make it easier and invite family members and friends to a restaurant to celebrate.
For the graduating senior with an appetite, a gift basket of non-perishable food would come in handy during a late night research paper. Fill a basket or backpack with Ramen noodles, cereal, canned goods, microwaveable popcorn, pasta, granola bars and fruit snacks.
For the male or female college bound student, a gift basket or backpack filled with necessary toiletries would certainly come in handy. Fill it with lotion, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrushes, band-aids, pain relievers and deodorant. These are items many high school students take for granted while living at home, and they will appreciate having a supply for awhile anyway.
Another great gift idea that will also serve as a subtle hint is a laundry gift basket. Fill a laundry basket with a roll of quarters, a box of detergent, some dryer sheets and step by step instructions, explaining how to do laundry. This will also serve as a small step to establishing independence.
Other thoughtful gifts might include a framed original poem, a family photo or a handmade quilt. The best gifts I would recommend, however, are surprisingly easy and carry no price tag.Tell your son or daughter that you will be there for them when they find themselves being alone in the world. Tell them how proud you are of them. Give them the gift of security, self-confidence and pride. Have that long overdue talk with them, before they go off on there own. Offer them the best advice and support you've been given over the years. Show them how to make a few family recipes and how to balance a checkbook. They will be grateful that you did.Long after the graduation celebration is over, money will run out and things may break, but the knowledge gained through advice and the love that comes from your heart will last forever.
