Seeing as you got your daughter a necklace it seems you want something that they can look back on 20-30 years down the line and smile remembering they got it for their graduation from their parents. Is your son looking at careers where he wears a suit? if yes maybe some nice cuff links? he may think it’s kind of funny in HS as he doesn’t wear a suit but it would be something memorable he would keep forever. A nice watch is also something that is a great keepsake but they aren’t worn as much now unless they are an Iphone watch etc and that’s not really a keepsake item. A nice watch is always good to have for when you’re dressed up though.
The kid would need to have french cuff shirts to wear with that suit. Wearing a suit has nothing to do with cuff links as most folks wear regular cuff shirts with suits.
I think a watch would be nice as a jewelry keepsake for a grad. Having said that…neither of our kids wears a regular watch.
What about something like an Apple Watch or similar? I know it’s not in the keepsake category, but at least it’s useful.
I also like the “experience” gift idea.
How about a money clip? It has the permanence of the daughter’s necklace. I realize many young folks do not carry cash anymore, but I have seen some used to carry cards.
Nice wallet filled with some gift cards from food joints in the area surrounding the chosen college.
@doschicos the wallet filled with gift cards was our most well received gift (for us it was a Christmas gift) of any gift we have given our kids. We got gift cards to a variety of places (not just food…but maybe Target, Amazon, coffee shop, food places, clothing places) and put them in a small wallet. Some were larger than others…but really…one could get 10 gift cards of $50 each. Not a bad gift and it sort of was the gift that kept on giving for a while. And then…they had the wallet.
If you purchase from establishments local to college, it also gives the recipient incentive to explore their new college area. I’ve had no problems purchasing gift cards over the phone and having them mail them to me when doing this idea.
As a keepsake, we got our S an antique brass compass - it does not tell you where to go, but serves as a guide to point you in the right direction when you are lost.
@Rivet2000 I was just going to suggest that! There are some excellent ones on etsy.
I always vote for an experience, not a thing. Those are the memory makers.
This reminds me of a funny story-I gave someone I dated after college tickets to a fun event and his mom said, “She gets you what you like, but I get you what you need!” She proceeded to pull out a fancy alarm clock. It’s unlikely he still has the alarm clock, but I bet he remembers the fun time we had!
Dalvey (of Scotland) makes very nice compasses that can be engraved. M.Lahart has very nice things with college logos from many schools.
I your son will be traveling by air to college, or otherwise traveling a lot, you could get him a TSA Global Entry, or CLEAR, or whatever. They cost $75-100. You could also get some other travel goodies like a passport wallet or cover, luggage, or a trip.
A got my S a sterling silver keychain which he still uses today.
I ordered Hamilton Tickets and the Texas Flag flown at the Texas capital on the day of their graduation (with signed certificate).
I was the OP. While speaking with my son he had a suggestion. He wanted a pair of Bose wireless headphones. I thought that was a great idea. He loves music and can listen without disturbing his roommate or even at the library studying.
Golf trip or fishing trip with 3 friends.
Ticket to the Super Bowl.
Rent a small beach cottage for a week or weekend and let them bring some friends to enjoy.
Really nice watch. Engraved on the back.
Favorite pair of shoes like Manelo Blahniks etc
School license plate if applicable in your state.
Professional headshot for their LinkedIn page, work website or associate team pages.
My husband picked out a Saddleback slim leather briefcase for our leather boot loving daughter, which she LOVED, and we gave her some money in a card to help fund her move, furnishings, or whatever she wishes.
“Professional headshot for their LinkedIn page, work website or associate team pages”
Some college career offices provide this, FYI.
@Regretful The wireless headphones are a great idea and they also serve as foundation for future audio gifts if he starts leaning audiophile. Mid to high end headphone audio components like D-to-A and tube driven headphone amps can deliver superior audio to higher end headphones. Pair that up with one of the hi-rez audio streaming services and you can create a great headphone system.
Good to know
Have you heard of the bone conduction headphones. They are crazy. They sit on your bone in front of the ear, TMJ. The bone conducts the sound and it’s great sound quality.
They are perfect for runners and bikers for safety as you can hear a horn or traffic or someone approaching. Also more protective of the eardrums. Kind of the opposite of noise cancelling.