I have several close friends whose children are graduating this year. What are appropriate gifts for graduating seniors, besides money and gift cards?
My cousin graduates this year and the family is getting him a set of luggage. But anything for the dorm rooms if they are going off to college.
My youngest son received a mini-recorder to tape his classes for notes and lectures as one of his gifts he used ALL the time.
Don't forget staples, staplers, paper clips, sheets, pillows, paper...... just like setting someone up in a small apt, yep, even microwaves and small refrigerators, towels, washcloths, etc......SO much you can find once you think about it *S
Good luck and congrats to all your graduates!!
My favorite gift for a graduating senior who is heading to college or any further education or training is a backpack. Specifically, I get one from LL Bean since they're so wonderful about accepting returns and they have such a great selection of truly durable backpacks. If I know what college the graduating senior is heading to, I look up the college colors and get a backpack in them.
I received all kinds of things when I graduated in 2000. I was given lotion and soap from Bath & Body Works, candles, dishes, towels, perfume, gift cards to restraunts, picture frame, and cash. I think just about anything would be appropriate, just put a little thought in it. Hope that helps!
How about a laundry basket filled with some products they will need for college (if attending)? Detergent, lotion, flip flops, a roll of quarters, laundry bag...The Container Store has a little plastic quarter dispenser that holds one roll of quarters...
I give a small laundry bag, with a stain stick, laundry detergent, and a set of plastic hangers. If it is a closer friend then I use a collapsable laundry basket and add a roll of quarters and a few other laundry items...It has been a big hit with the kids both boys & girls. I have a friend who gives them a small suitcase for those weekend trips home. This year my daughter is graduating and we are giving a few of her friends who graduate with her monogrammed towels for the dorm room. I have also seen gifts with that are a small car safety kit, a small blaket, small flash light, flares, a can of fix a flat, etc...for those car trips home. Hope this helps. Good luck!
I have personally given bibles with their name on the front, spiritual graduate books and other things. More recently I have designed personalized key chains(http://jonie.yoursmh.com). You can also get things that they might use going off to college. If you know they are taking a summer trip, maybe something useful to take with them. Really whatever you want them to have. I don't see where you can go wrong with any gift that you give someone. Surely they would appreciate your gesture. Good Luck!
We been giving tool sets to graduates for years. Whether going off to college or setting up an apartment everyone needs basic tools -- hammer, screwdrivers, level, pliers, tape measure, picture hangers, utility knife, etc. Sometimes we also give a box to keep them in. We've had lots of kids (and parents) tell us how useful it was.
When we graduated, my mom gave out duffel bag with their names on it - very useful and practical!
I got a small tool box filled with basic tools for my graduation. I used it more than any other gift I received. It included screwdrivers, plyers, a hammer, tape measure, etc. It really came in handy in the dorms.
I gave my son a laptop (me and my mom went in together)
For practical purposes, when friends or relatives have children who are graduation I give gift cards.
If they have a car...give them a gas card. Or you can give them a first aid kit for the car and a gift certificate for a car wash.
If they are going to college, a set of bed linens, some cleaning supplies...and the one thing my son cannot live without...his SAMS CARD. Yeah...college kids buy in bulk when they can...growing and studying and such...so the Sams card gets used quite allot.
Gift cards to eating establishments are great if they are gong away because money is usually tight for them and that would be a treat (think fast food, starbucks, marble slab)
If it's a famale...you could get a gift certificate to her her nails done or a pedicure.
And although you probably want to be unique...and I applau you for it...they sincerely need that money and gift cards. Colleges bound young adults especially.
OH OH OH...if they have a computer, flash drives (they're like $20) to hold their homework in college (they can take their homework from one computer to another).
And if they are going to college, and you know what college they are attending...apply a credit once a month to their supply account. Or their book account. Or what ever they will need there.
I think I may need more coffee...
GOOD LUCK!!!
Smiles to you.
It depends on if the graduate is going away to college or staying close. If they are going away to college and will be staying in a dorm, I remember getting towels, toiletry stuff, blankets,comforter sets, pillows, etc. Ask questions to the parents on how they want to decorate their dorm room and go from there.
I always got graduates a laundry basket filled with detergent, softener sheets, a laundry bag and a roll of quarters. Also...the girls love a monogrammed wrap towel to throw.
I have done monogramed towels in the past, which was received well.
Good luck!
When I moved out for the first time my Grandma gave me a few gifts I still remember.
1) A First Aid Kit. She filled a tupperware container with everything you need but never think to buy at that age. Band-aids, Neosporin, Tylenol, Pepto-Bismol, Q-tips, etc.
2) A sewing kit, same principal as the first kit. I have since seen these already assembled in the store.
3) A few How To books. Two in specific are cook books titled "Where's Mom when I need her?" and "Where's Dad when I need him?". They both have recipes and advice on how to buy groceries (like produce and meats). The Mom book has cleaning tips and Dad has automotive and handyman tips.
Hope that gave you some ideas.
Ahhh, graduation...what an exciting time! I remember that my favorite gifts besides $$$ were things I could take to my new dorm. I received some monogrammed towels that I still use to this day (I'm 32 now..ha). I remember getting a laundry basket full of things to take to my dorm. I loved it.
You can try to get the graduate a pen & pencil set with their name engraved on it. We have given several sets of Cross pens as graduation gifts and they absolutely loved it. Especially if they are going to college they will appreciate the thought and the gift. Good luck
If you know what college they'll attend, something with that logo on it is fun. Movie passes have been a hit. If they're going to live in a dorm, a nice towel set. I've also done a laundry bag with soap and dryer sheets as a gift.
Hope this helps!
Lori
I have never seen such great ideas! I do embroidery, so I always suggest a robe with their name on it or a towel set with initials/name - especially if they are going to college & will be sharing space, they'll always know which towels are theirs!
For girls, a nice tote with initals is nice, or a water bottle that is customized with their initials or any saying "party animal" etc.
You can check out my website for samples at www.institches.biz. I'd be glad to help if you decide to go that route.