Graduating from high school is an emotional time for families and graduates alike. After four (or more) years of studying, taking part in extra-curricular activities, and creating great memories with friends, high school is over and the student is either off to
college or university or the job world. Choose a graduation gift that reflects the interests and achievements of the graduate, and include a handwritten message in a graduation card to tell him how proud you are of all he has accomplished in high school. Here are six tips for choosing high school graduation presents.
How to Choose a Cool Graduation Gift.
- Think about the student. If it is your child, think back over their high school career. If they loved being in school and have happy memories, choose a gift that will reflect that. Inexpensive gift ideas include creating a framed photo collage, a scrapbook of photos, sports programs or other mementos, or even newspaper clippings.
- Students who were active in sports during high school will enjoy receiving clothing or other fan wear as a gift. Visit the high school website to purchase hoodies, hats, scarves or t-shirts with the school team, logo and motto. If possible, personalize the gift with the student’s name, position and/or team number.
- Some students can’t wait to leave high school, and are thrilled to graduate. Celebrate their achievement with a more traditional graduation present. Choose a special piece of jewelry such as a watch, a necklace or diamond earrings. Other traditional gifts include a good quality luxury pen, money, or a special edition Bible.
- Today’s graduates love their electronics, and a new laptop computer is one of the most popular grad gifts. Cell phones, ipods, ipads and digital cameras are also good presents for graduates. Be careful when choosing a digital gift though – take the graduate shopping with you or get specific details on what they would like and what they already have.
- For students heading off to college or university, choose a graduation gift that will help them in the next phase of their life. Will they be living in a dorm room in residence? Choose a framed print or poster, a small television, a designer bedding set or a knapsack with the crest of their new school. If they will be commuting home by train or bus for holidays, give them gift certificates for travel.
- The time between high school graduation and beginning post-secondary education may be the last free time a high school graduate has to spend as he or she pleases. This is a great opportunity to travel. For a gift they are sure to remember, give them a graduation trip. Whether it is a whole family trip to Europe, or a road-trip across America, travel is a wonderful way to commemorate the end of high school and will be an experience your graduate is sure to remember.
