ALT-1 Graduation Gifts Gifts your High School Graduate will actually want
When I graduated from high school, my "gift table" was a sea of thin envelopes with small amounts of money or checks tucked inside. It wasn't until I went to my best friend's graduation party that I realized some graduated received actual presents for their graduation, and it simply flabbergasted me. I watched as she opened "helpful" presents from well meaning relatives, and I watched as she returned them all the following week. To give gifts the high school graduate will actual use, try a few of these suggestions.
(1) For the college bound graduate, consider things they might need at school; a cute set of extra long linens and a comforter, extra pillows, a full length mirror, a unique pencil holder, and picture frames. An even better option is to pick up a gift card to Target or another store where the graduate can pick out their own items for school.
(2) Another gift for the college bound graduate is items from the college they will be attending; a hat or a sweatshirt. You can also think about getting gift certificates from the college bookstore if its nearby, or offer to drive the graduate there to pick out their own sweatshirt or tee shirt.
(3) For graduates that are moving out of state, or to a new city, get them a guidebook or two to the new city. Look for books that highlight off the beaten paths, or local legends. It will give the graduate an overview of their new town, and a list of new sites to see when they arrive.
(4) There are also some really great guide to college life books available on the market. College is a big transition for everyone, and knowing beforehand what they are getting into, can prepare the graduate for life as a college student, and help them transition from high school.
(5) A "coupon" for one free trip home. Even if your graduate is only moving an hour away, it can seem like a completely different world. Homesickness affects even the most prepared college freshman, and knowing that they can come home anytime they want, can make a world of difference in those first few months.
(6) With all the advances in technology, it can be hard to stay on top of things, and high school graduates can feel the same way. Think about buying them something that they can't afford to buy for themselves, but will be popular on a college campus. Think about an I-POD, a Microsoft Zune, an Mp3 player, or a Playstation Portable.
(7) For friends, nothing beats a picture of your best friends in a nice frame. Pick out one that shows your high school group together, and try to find a frame that your friend will like.
(8) Money. There's nothing a high school graduate looks forward to more than some extra cash.
These are a few gifts that your high school graduate will love, and better yet, not return the next day.
