Gift Ideas for the Graduate

As my youngest child heads off for college this fall (Go, Hokies! Whoo!), I'd like to share from personal experience some gift ideas you might want to consider for the graduate in your life!

1. Cash. Cold, hard, always-pleasing cash. Some (including my mother) think it's 'tacky' to give cash to a graduate. Personally, I think it's almost a necessity in current economic times. Cash is actually what a lot of my daughter's friends (and my daughter, of course) WANT as a gift. They'll need it for books, for furnishing their dorm room, even as partial payment towards tuition. If you have reservations about giving cash, write a check. The sticking point may be how much to give. If the recipient is a member of your immediate family or someone that you've known or cherished for years, the sky's the limit. If it's for a more casual acquaintance, $25 is an excellent amount.

2. Gift cards. Yes, I've heard the pro's and con's on gift cards, and typical Libra that I am, I agree with both sides. They could be considered impersonal. They could - like cash - be indicative of an unwillingness to make the effort to find just the "perfect" gift that suits someone's personality or tastes. In truth, I honestly believe that they are very welcomed; at least, they've always been a big hit in our household. Increments range from $10 on up; my own daughter has her eye on a $200 Nordstrom gift certificate (which I'm seriously considering for her, since she did ask for it). Gift certificates are so wide-ranging, you may even have a hard time choosing what kind to give: gasoline cards, telephone calling cards, restaurant, spa, department store, movies, there's really a category for all kinds of interests. In the last year or so, I've noticed that my local grocery store has two large kiosks that carry all kinds of gift cards in all amounts: Macey's, Blockbuster, Spa Finder, Regis Hair Salon, Nordstrom, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Cracker Barrel, Red Lobster, MCI, even the NFL.com shop. Kids are going to need new clothes and furnishings for their dorm room. They're going to want to rent or buy DVD's. They'll certainly (hopefully?) want to call home often. Giving a gift card gives them that flexibility.

3. Jewelry. I honestly am a huge fan of giving a special piece of jewelry for graduation. Of course, I'm also the mother of daughters, so I'm a bit prejudiced. You may be surprised to find out that you don't have to break the bank to buy a lovely piece of jewelry marking the occasion that will last the recipient a lifetime. Tiffany & Co. has some beautiful earrings, bracelets, charms and pendants - especially in sterling silver - for well under $200. Plus, they will arrive wrapped in that always-coveted blue Tiffany's box! Louis Vuitton and Lagos are two other designers whose classic, elegant jewelry - hoop earrings, bracelets, charms - can also be purchased in the $150 to $300 range, and, of course, up. When you're buying high-end jewelry, do so from a design house which will exchange the item if necessary for a store credit. I haven't had any problems with jewelry returns with any of my daughters, ever. The youngest has already asked for Tiffany's 24K gold cap and tassel charm (which is neatly tucked away awaiting her June 19th graduation, blue box, white ribbon and all!) Jewelry may also be an option for young men, if they've indicated a particular interest in a certain designer. Again, if you do get jewelry as a gift, make an effort to buy the best piece that you can afford from a reputable jeweler who won't mind its return for a store credit. Don't forget: either a young man or young lady may very well be thrilled with a good watch as a gift!

4. A digital camera. The market for digital cameras is such that technology over even the last year or two has made it possible to purchase an exceptionally good camera for as low as $99. Check with the big-box boys (Costco, Sam's Club, BJ's), as they generally have excellent prices on electronics and very good warranty and return programs.

5. A new computer/laptop. Many colleges requires that students have a certain type of computer; you'll have to check with the recipient or his/her parents as to if a new computer is needed, and if so, exactly what kind. A lot of parents are strapped with tuition and housing bills, and the offer to purchase a new laptop for their child is a blessing for both the student and the parents!

6. A mini fridge for their dorm room. Check with the parents again here first. With so many other expenses, this may be something that is on a 'wish list' of items for the high school graduate heading off to college. Again, with so many other expenses, parents may not be able to provide for this. You can purchase one at a big box store in the range of $90 to $125.

7. Savings bonds. All of my girls received them -lots of them, thank goodness - when they were born from friends and family. They're still drawing interest, and will make a very nice little nest egg when any of the girls decides to cash them in. Look at it as a little guarantee of security for the graduate's future! You might also want to consider gifting a few shares of stock, especially for the college graduate. Work with your broker or through your online brokerage account for some good, solid stocks that are priced right now and pay dividends. We are particularly fond of the bank stocks that we own, as they have paid out very nice dividends over the years. I don't know of anyone who wouldn't be both thrilled and surprise to get five, ten or more shares of stock as a gift!

8. A good writing instrument! You can buy a beautiful sterling silver pen from Tiffany's for $85. You can also buy a beautiful sterling silver pen from John Harding, the internationally-renowned silversmith, for $100, for a young man. Have it engraved or monogrammed.

9. Still feeling a bit uneasy about giving cash, a check or a gift card? Couldn't convince you of their many merits? Consider a preloaded Visa debit card! My girls, and nearly all of their friends, use them constantly, as a source for both cash and purchases. They're especially handy if an emergency should arise and someone needs cash in a hurry - something that might happen when our graduate is far away from home.

10. Lastly, consider the gift that keeps on giving - month after month after month. You've got your fruit of the month, flower of the month, cheese of the month, wine of the month options, to name just a few. Receiving a year's worth of monthly treats will remind our graduate that they may be gone, but not forgotten in our memory. Plus, he or she will look forward to receiving that box or package in the mail every month, never knowing quite what's inside! Google 'gift of the month clubs' online to see if you can come up with even more options.

Whatever gift you choose to give, remember that it's more than just a "gift": it's a token of appreciation to that young person for the adult they've now become. Honor them accordingly, and with much love and respect!