Christmas Gift Ideas for Graduating College Seniors

At this time of the year, graduating college seniors are knee deep into the second to last semester in college. If you are thinking about a meaningful Christmas gift for a graduating college senior these three low cost options can help college seniors with the transition from college to career.

Give graduating college seniors membership in a professional network

Helping a graduating college senior cover the cost of membership in a professional association of their choice, is a great Christmas gift. Graduating college seniors should be thinking about the big transition from college to career coming up at graduation. As graduating college seniors consider their next steps beyond college, they think about building a professional network. One of the best ways to connect with a new professional network is to become a member of a professional association. Most professional associations will offer a student membership rate. For example, the Society of Human Resource Management has yearly full membership fee of $180.00, however, they also have a student fee of $35.00.

Give graduating college seniors a gift card to purchase professional attire

At this time of year, graduating college seniors should be thinking about starting their professional job search. They should be going back to college in the spring prepared to interview with employers coming to their college career centers. A gift card to purchase professional attire is a great Christmas gift for a graduating college senior. Large department store gift cards are best because graduating seniors can shop near home, close to campus or online. Some retail stores to consider for career basics for both men and women are Macys, Kohl's and JC Penney.

Career planning books to give a graduating college senior

Graduating college seniors should be thinking about starting a personal library of career resources. Of course there is a lot of free career information available to college students, but owning a few of the timeless treasures is a good thing. The following two career planning books are great Christmas gifts to give to a graduating college senior. The first, Do What you Are by Paul Tieger and Barbara Barron-Tieger is available at Amazon for under $10.00. The second, What Color is your Parachute 2012; A Practical Manual for Job Hunters and Career Changers, is also available at Amazon for under $15.00. The Parachute books are written by Richard (Dick) Bolles and are updated every year.