We bought him his PC at XMAS, so he could use it and get used to it this semester, which he has. He’s staying home for college and going to the regional campus of our flagship university his freshman year. We bought a TV for our first DS when he graduated. No clue what to buy for this one. DH mentioned the Apple Watch, and I just got finished reading that thread. I don’t know…he’s really not a techie, so Im not sure how he would use that at his age, nor do I even know if he would want to wear a watch. Thought I’d ask those of you with graduating high school seniors.
We have been asking our college grad for months, he says he doesn’t really want anything.
We bought ours a gps
Also, at their grad parties I had a bright bucket (like a garden trug if you know what those are – flexible plastic with handles) with sharpies tied to it. People wrote advice and well-wishes all over the outside, and when they went to school they took it with them.
I like the GPS idea!
Do they need a GPS if they have a smart phone? I kind of feel GPS devices are going by the wayside.
My HS graduate did not want a grad party or official gift - she asked if we could go on a trip instead. So we are - to France! (a huge splurge for our family but we have family there to stay with)
My grad #1 had a party and got concert tickets.
My grad #2 had a party and I think we got him an iPod or something - or a phone replacement.
We bought our graduating college son a gorgeous set of luggage on EBAY. Designer brand, retails for $ $1500, we paid $399. 4 pieces, brand new, very well made…we actually gave it to him in December when he was home on break since he was going on a trip and needed it! 
His high school graduation present was a big lawn party under a huge (rented) tent.
For high school graduation, I gave my D a set of luggage as she was going away to college. She has used it a lot. For her college graduation, I took her on a short trip to Las Vegas where we saw a couple of shows and did some site-seeing (and just a little gambling). I don’t even remember what I gave my S for high school graduation, and he did not go to college. I probably just gave him cash.
Mine doesn’t want things, just experience. Travel trip per her choice is in the works. But she is quirky, no easy and common stuff.
My oldest does have a smartphone, but he travels a lot and finds the dedicated gps easier – it’s attached to the dash, he can’t lose it, the battery is always good, etc. The younger doesn’t travel as much, but likes it for the same reasons – they are charmed by the simplicity of a dedicated item. We’ve given them to other grads and always get great feedback, and it fits nicely in the “something special, but not too much” department. Not much of a keepsake, though!
I didn’t know people even used gps devices anymore. My S is on the road a lot and a few years ago I got him a Garmin for Christmas, but now he uses his phone. I asked about it once and he said that the phone is always updated, where the gps was often behind on road changes. His sister loves using her phone for directions, especially for walking in new places-she loves exploring. I don’t think you can wear a gps on your hip. But to each his own…
For HS grads, the tradition here is a family and close friends party. No matter the occasion, S always says he “doesn’t need anything”. Since he was entering the military and literally didn’t need anything, we gave him cash. Older D got things for her dorm and warm clothing as she was headed to a much colder climate.
I wanted to respond to the GPS question. I asked for one for my birthday. I have a smart phone - to me, it’s not the same thing at all. Phones lose reception (when you are on vacation in the middle of nowhere). The screen, even a big screen is not really set up like a GPS screen. I definitely love having my GPS
I try to take my GPS As well. I use my phone too, but lets face it, it’s not as safe. When you use your phone you have to look at the phone which is dangerous.
acollegestudent and Partyof5-when we traveled last summer, we didn’t look at the phone. The gps “talks”, right? So you’re not looking at it ? I wouldn’t look at a gps screen eitherit’s not safe, as you say, to be looking anywhere but the road. We had D program where we needed to get to and it would tell us, “Turn right in 100 yards,” or “take exit 149 towards…” We were never in the middle of nowhere so reception wasn’t an issue. Don’t gps need reception to update?
Honestly, we debated getting a gps for the trip but S said he has been much happier with using his phone so since he’s a seasoned traveler we listened to him. Also, his job sites are often “in the middle of nowhere” and his gps sometimes couldn’t even find them. His phone has been able to. Funny how we’ve had such opposite experiences.
That’s what I was going to say about the phone and GPS. It’s rather dangerous to be looking at it if you are the only one in the car I would think.
Ok, so a GPS is a good gift idea if it’s what your child wants and would use - nothing wrong with that!
But yes, phone also talks and tells you where to go - and if a GPS wasn’t for looking at, why does it even have a map on it? I think it’s fair to say that while you don’t stare at either, you do glance over at it - GPS or phone- you can buy a holder for your phone - I bought one that attaches to my air vent and it is an easy glance at the phone for a brief moment.
We took a trip recently that is 3 hours from here. We took the same trip a second time a few months later. The first time we used a phone and the second time we used a GPS. The GPS cut off a good 20-30 minutes and took us in a more direct route. I would have figured the opposite!
Our second son that graduated from high school last year didn’t want a big outdoor party as his brother did. We gave him a trip out to his uncle’s lake house so he spent the week with his aunt & uncle & their dogs doing all kinds of water sports, boating, jet skiing, etc. Every kid is different and you know your kids the best and what they want & need. Would you ask your son what he wants as a grad. present? Our kids picked what they wanted…
My iPhone talks to me too when it is routing me someplace. My kids do not use a regular GPS. Both are college grads.
For HS graduation, one got a very fancy trumpet case, the other got a new laptop…same price.
For college graduation, both got the same gift…we are paying their direct loans. It was a surprise to both that this was happening, and something they really appreciate.
Mine had GPS and she doesn’t use it anymore. It’s easier to use iPhone.
For HS graduation one got an iPad like device (brand he wanted, maybe Asus?). Another got money for beach week (I would not pay for beach week, but did give him about what it cost as a present). For college, my older son just totaled the used car we had for him, in bad weather. We bought him a new car, and that’s his 21st bday present along with his grad present (and he doesn’t graduate for another year). In reality we will likely get him something small when he graduates.
Well, thanks. I might have to just ask him. We just took a very nice springbreak with he and all his buddies.