<p>We’ve been invited to some graduation parties, for neighbors’ kids and the like, and I was thinking about what kind of presents would be appropriate.</p>
<p>Is there a particular “How to survive in college” type book that anybody out here thinks is of any real value? Any other gifts/ ideas that you can suggest?</p>
<p>What is your budget?</p>
<p>Last year I needed some “token” gifts for kids I didn’t know too well and so I picked up some of those very tiny but very powerful flashlights, the kind that can go on a keychain or hook onto a backpack. The recipients were delighted, one size fits all, and they are light (no pun intended) to carry.</p>
<p>I just bought these for my daughter (I actually bought several of the first for other senior girls I know who are graduating)</p>
<p>a. 101 Things A College Girl Should Know
b. Chicken Soup for the College Soul : Inspiring and Humorous Stories for College Students (Chicken Soup for the Soul)</p>
<p>A first aid kit, complete with thermometer, basic meds, bandaids, etc.</p>
<p>“What is your budget?”</p>
<p>I don’t know. What should it be? What is typical for this?
The ones I was thinking about are for kids we know somewhat well; I’m sure that’s relevant.</p>
<p>But I don’t think the thread should be constrained to just what I’m going to spend in in this situation; readers might benefit more from seeing the range of what others did/ might do.</p>
<p>Budget = $12 or less
Guys - nice beach towels from Sam’s club - quality equal to a reg towel, size great for really drying off, different enough looking to not get confused.
Gals - Small flip book for photos, personalized with name and 2005</p>
<p>You can buy a stamp of their name wiht a pad or roller of ink for stamping clothes, books etc.
Close friend is getting a tool kit - she’s the handy type.
Friends we’ve known since babyhood - tote bags.</p>
<p>For about $20 I found alarm clocks with recording chips, so even away at college ‘Mom’ can wake you up!</p>
<p>I’m going to give checks made out for $20.05.</p>
<p>here are some random thoughts from my experience last year, </p>
<p>some kids were traveling to europe after high school so I got them travel books on london or paris or wherever…</p>
<p>twin xtra long sheets (for my niece)</p>
<p>money (via LL Bean gift certificates or just a check)</p>
<p>my son got a gift certificate to the bakery in his college town… that was most unique gift of all</p>
<p>gift certificate to a Staples for printer or printer supplies or you can get them a lock for their laptops</p>
<p>I actually got each of the kids that were my sons friends different books on ART…I picked the artist or collection of paintings book that most reflected their character, ie Picasso or Van Gogh or whatever…thinking that this was a book they would have for their entire life…I gave one guy the Rule of Four cause it is set at Princeton and that is where he went off to school…</p>
<p>there are some great bookmarks too at the better book stores</p>
<p>Oh I tried to find atomic clocks (because you never have to change the time, they reset automatically) for the guys, but I needed 6 (my daughter has no female friends), and I couldn’t find any within the budget.</p>
<p>Where did you find those alarm clocks? What a great idea! My D will need one that yells at her every 5 minutes though :)</p>
<p>My D is graduating 8th grade, and as a family we are each getting her a charm for a new charm bracelet.</p>
<p>For HS- sounds coorny, but nice thank you cards, or note cards. </p>
<p>A picture frame </p>
<p>A leather portfolio</p>
<p>For kids going away, a GOOD compact umbrella</p>
<p>A watch- either sporty or dressy would work- guys may think joy a watch, but as they go to more formal events, and they will a nice clean simple watch is timeless (heehee)</p>
<p>For my D;s gfs, maybe a simple classic gold or silver chain</p>
<p>I just read about a book yesterday called, The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College by Harlan Cohen. Part of a review I read said this:</p>
<p>"The tips are based on questions actual students have asked, actual students have provided real-world advice on, and Cohen has added his professional perspective on as well. </p>
<p>The first, very crucial tip (and a staple in Cohen’s campus addresses) is: “Relax. Have fun. Enjoy it all. Your job is simple: be your best, meet lots of people, make new friends, make smart decisions, possibly find a career, possibly find love, and take risk after risk after risk so that you can figure out what you love and what you don’t love. If you do this, you’ll leave college with more than a degree. You’ll leave knowing what it takes for you to be happy.”</p>
<p>I think this would be a great HS grad gift. Personally, I find that most grads like cash and gift certificates.</p>
<p>Nice ideas! Cash is always appreciated! my-3-sons, that is a good idea, but I’d better be careful - I just mentally wrote out a check for 2005 DOLLARS!! whoops! </p>
<p>I gave coach K’s book to a couple of Duke-bound students.</p>
<p>I have been very happy with how well appreciated my recent graduation gift “idea” has gone over: Starbucks Gift Cards, and Amazon Gift Certificates. Its a good (easy, universal, unisex) gift.</p>
<p>HS GRAD?
<p>the list is endless!!!</p>
<p>a flask…just kidding</p>
<p>I am calling the bookstore at the LAC my friend’s D will be attending to see if I can get a gift certificate for the bookstore.</p>
<p>momfirst,
I recall ordering them online. Try a Google search for talking alarm clocks.</p>