'Must Have' Gifts for Grads

Another school year is nearly over and this year's graduating seniors are gearing up for lives on their own. The choices they make now will affect them for the rest of their lives. Not only will their decisions affect them in the present, it will also play a role with families of their own in the future. Many people do not realize that graduates need realistic, sound advice and adequate preparation for the real world. The gifts that they receive should be realistic and beneficial to them. These 'realistic', must have graduation items can be easily found in the marketplace, and will prove to be a wise investment for any high school senior.

First of all, every graduate should own a book on edible plants. These books can be found at any bookstore and they provide detailed information on what the plants should look like and how to prepare the plants for consumption. Choose a book with accurate illustrations and/ or photographs as well as good descriptions of the characteristics of the plants. One simple miscommunication can result in the consumption a dangerous plant. Lack of time and money is common for new graduates. A book like this may prove to be just what they need to survive. Unless they are on daddy's dime, life in the real world can leave the grad scrapping for a food budget.

The next 'must have' for graduates is a phone card. A phone card is a perfect emergency plan for anyone, new to life on their own. Having a phone card can relieve stress and give the graduate the ability to touch base with family in time of struggle and exhaustion. With a phone card on hand, they can call at any time for any reason. Plus, with limited minutes and no cell phone contract calls will be necessary ones, without the pressure of bills.

Finally, every graduate should receive a copy of all five episodes of Oprah's debt diet. The information in those episodes can prove beneficial to anyone with very important life choices to make. Some of the advice given, if taken early on, can lead to a less stressful adult life for the graduate. Also, with an understanding of how loans and money work against you, they can make the appropriate choices. Oprah's debt diet is the true gift of awareness for any graduate embarking on the journey of life.

True 'must' haves for graduates are not computers and bedding, but things that can leave them aware of how to survive and make the appropriate choices. They are about informing them of the financial and physical choices they will be making. Prepare our seniors for the real tomorrow. Teach them to be wise and hopefully they will be. You will know, that you did your best and to give them common sense gifts that will increase their knowledge of simplicity and joy.