10 Practical Graduation Gifts for a High School Senior

High school graduation is an exciting time for a young person. Families gather to celebrate the accomplishment and encourage the college bound student. Traditionally gifts are given to the graduate to mark the occasion. When my son graduated from high school he was given practical gifts that have been appreciated throughout his days in college. As you prepare to celebrate graduations this year there are many practical ideas for your gift giving choices.

Home away from home: The graduating high school student will be moving into a dorm room or apartment if he has chosen to live in the college town or city. He will need several items for everyday dorm life.

1. Bedding -- Every student can use a set of sheets, blankets and a comforter. It is wise to give sheets that are extra long for a dormitory bed. Light airy or bright colors are appropriate for a girl and darker colors work well for a boy. You can find bedding in most big box stores, online and in catalogs. If you shop for sales or comparative shop you should be able to outfit an extra long twin size bed for under a hundred dollars.

2. Towels -- A college student will need bath and hand towels along with a good supply of wash cloths. These are found at big box and bath supply stores. A nice set can be purchased for $20 to $50.

3. Daily Life Supplies -- The college student is going to need dishes, an alarm clock, laundry bag, microwave, dorm refrigerator and a supply of foods. You can purchase a sealed container to place paper plates, napkins, soups, can fruit, peanut butter, raisins and other non-perishable foods that a student can easily fix. Most dormitories do not allow coffee pots, electric appliances and items that are a potential fire hazard. Microwaves are a mainstay for college students. You can pool together with another family member if you want to give a gift like this.

4. Personal Needs -- An airtight container filled with first aid supplies is a great gift for a college bound graduating high school senior. Adhesive bandages, antiseptic gel, Pepto Bismol, acetaminophen, nail clippers, tweezers and other like items are things that will be used by the student. Set your own budget and put this gift together with supplies from any pharmacy area in a local store.

5. Student Needs -- You have many choices for gifts that the high school graduate will soon need at college. The student will have a desk and bed provided at college. She may have a closet or dresser as part of the dorm room amenities. She will need a decent desk lamp, personal paper file, pens, backpack, organizer, desk supplies such as tape, tacks, paper clips and notepaper. An L.L. Bean backpack will carry the student through her entire college career. Postal stamps come in handy for the student that is away from home.

6. Storage -- The student has a need for a footlocker or seal-able totes to carry supplies and clothes to school. All supplies add up to an investment. The graduating senior will appreciate storage containers as a gift.

7. Gift Cards -- Gift cards to clothing stores, restaurants, grocery store and big box stores are an excellent gift for the graduate. He will need clothing for school and will enjoy shopping for his own needs.

8. Gifts from a parent or grandparent -- My husband and I saved a dollar a week and put it away for our son each week from the day he was born. Upon graduation we were able to surprise him with an established bank account to carry forward into his college life. We did start by investing the money into savings bonds the first few years of his life. Parents and grandparents can gift their graduating senior with a bank account, savings bonds or college fund. In this economic environment it is hard to save a great deal but even a small account can be meaningful to the student.

9. Computer and accessories -- Every student that is graduating from high school and moving on to college has a need for a laptop. This is a high end gift that has to be well thought out. Each college or university may have specific requirements for the type of computer needed for particularly majors or courses. Do your homework before purchasing a computer for a graduating senior. You can buy accessories for the graduate to use with a computer. A laptop case, wireless mouse, digital camera, custom mouse pad or laptop cooler unit will be very much appreciated by the student.

10. Cash -- Cash is a practical gift for the graduating high school senior. As an upcoming college student he is going to have a lot of unexpected financial needs cropping up. You can never go wrong by giving a gift of cash to a graduate.

Your gift, no matter the size or cost, will be meaningful to the graduating high school student. The graduate will remember that you shared in the celebration offering congratulations on accomplishments and encouragement for the future ahead.