Top 5 Gifts for the New Grad in Your Life
April 15, 2010 | VReitano
Need something to get the Grad in your life? Here’s some ideas for those graduating from college and high school. What to buy? Students seem to have it all these days, and gifting them this Graduation season can be hard. Fortunately for you, I’ve compiled a list of the top five types of gifts to get your student, and included the three top products for each top. That way you can determine what your student needs, what they want, and what grandparents and relatives can get!
Tech
Tech is first because, well, it’s my favorite. In this category I’m going to include computer systems and services that might help your teen or college graduate in their new “life.”
1. Netbook: Netbooks are great for students going away to college or young professionals. They are small, easy to use, and actually are able to handle the work load of a college student.
2. External Harddrive: if you happen to buy a Netbook (or new laptop) for your student before he or she goes away to college, you should definitely invest in an external harddrive. It should have a USB port and should be free of a power cord, that just makes it bulky.
Mobile
Phones have come a LONG way since I first went away to college, and even since I bought my first smart phone! I’ve learned, along the way, that there are several essential things:
1. A keyboard
2. 3G support
3. Apps
4. Music support
5. Easy-to-use interface
There are many phones that fit this, but some work better (in my opinion) than others. I am a fan of the iPhone, and think it works the best with a Mac, but Blackberry has come a long way. I hear GREAT things about the Android and I am not too sure if it will rival the two others.
Home Gear
For soon-to-be college students, home gear is a must! This incorporates everything from extra-long twin sheets to an alarm clock. For young professionals it means a gift card to Home Depot to help them decorate their first apartment (or re-decorate their bedrooms in their parents’ houses!). Bed, Bath and Beyond is a great resource for both age groups.
Entertainment
Students and young professionals all like to watch television, but don’t always have the time. Netflix subscriptions, or even a TiVo, are a great way to help them stay on top of the News (or the latest episode of GLEE) while in class.
Miscellaneous
If you still aren’t sure of what to get, here’s some specific ideas: Students with food allergies: containers, grocery store gift cards and other food items that they crave but may not be able to get away from home Students moving back in with parents: these students most likely want a job more than anything, but gifting them with a new suit might help them as well. Perhaps they need interview wear, or just new clothes in general, either way sprucing up their wardrobe might help make the transition back with parents a little bit easier.
What are you going to get the Grad in your life? Do you have other miscellaneous ideas? There are so many types of students and each of them require something different to mark this special day. How do you want your day to be marked? Sound off below!
