ALT-1 Graduation Gifts Gifts your High School Graduate will actually Love
My parents gave me $2000 when I graduated high school to open a Roth IRA. At the time I wasn't sure what an IRA was, but I was happy to be given $2000 even if I couldn't spend it.
Like most parents, my parents wanted my gift to benefit me in the future. Something that was helpful and age appropriate. Reflecting back, that IRA was a wonderful idea. It was a perfect balance of generosity and care. And, I learned a little something about IRAs too.
Giving the perfect graduation gift is often harder then one would think. Sometimes the perfect gift is something the graduate probably never thought of. Here are some other tasteful choices for a recent graduate:
A NICE SUITAs teenagers there are few occasions where wearing a suit is mandated. In the business world, however, a good suit a necessity. So for a recent graduate this is a gift that can be worn to job interviews, weddings and even daily business occasions. The best way to gift this item is to pick out a suit and include the gift receipt. Going shopping with the graduate would also be helpful and it will ensure that it won't look like it came from the junior's department. Even if he or she already has a suit, another one will never hurt. Besides, even if if they do have nice work clothes, they probably are too tight and too short.
SECURED CREDIT CARDThe one thing a recent high school graduate will need as an adult is good credit. So, help them build their credit by giving them a couple hundred dollars to put towards the deposit on a secured credit card in their name. It is also a sneaky way to start a financial discussion and teach them how to manage money. Set a $200-$300 limit and after they've proven responsibility the bank will likely release the deposit.
MONEYMoney is a gift that will always come in handy one way or another. When you give money, be sure to allocate the funds so it is not wasted on video games. It doesn't guarantee they will spend it on what you gave it for, but it likely will. So tell them "Here is some money for your deposit on your new apartment," or "Use this for school items such as books".
GIFT CARDSGift cards are the other no-fail option. Gas cards, shopping center or even airline gift certificates make for great gifts. A prepaid Visa is another alternative for cash and can be used for a visit home or summer vacation.
PERSONALIZED ITEMSIt doesn't matter what it is, as long as it is personalized it is likely to be welcomed. Something engraved, such as a pen set, money holder or keepsake box is more likely to be kept longer then something less sentimental.
Self-help or Chicken Soup For the Soul books are items graduates often get. Personalize them by writing a message in the inside cover.
ELECTRONICSGetting a laptop as a graduate present is an instant score. Some other good plays are printer/ scanner combos, iPods and flash drives. TVs, dvd players and mini refrigerators are excellent items for the dorm-bound students.
