Practical Graduation Gifts

It is that time of year again. Thousands of young people are preparing to embark on adult life for the first time. It is interesting that this happens in the spring, when all life is renewing itself. Do you remember your graduation? Did you get something really cool as a gift? Lots of money? Did you save it or blow it all! What were those first few months on your own like? Was it scary or were you totally all together?

Whatever your memories, if you have a soon to be graduate in your life, you may be trying to think of a great gift to give that will make them happy or help them on their way. There is the standard, money, but that just seems to slip away and they usually can't remember just what they did with it. A car? A bit pricey these days, but if you can afford it, there are plenty out there-they like red and sporty, right?

Anyone remember the days of hope chests? Well, in the "old days" young girls started acquiring items that they would someday need when they went out to keep house on their own. They would keep these items in a hope chest (hoping they would get married). Well, things have changed. The hope chest concept is outdated because of its original concept, but the things that went into it-things to start a new household-are not outdated and can serve both sexes. They make great practical graduation gifts.

Take a few minutes to think about just what this young person has to take along into their new life. Do they have sheets and blankets, towels, kitchen utensils, a cookbook, a can opener, plates, cups and glasses, silverware? How about a toaster or a microwave? These are all practical gifts that, while the initial reaction to them may be a bit strange, down the road will be appreciated on a regular basis.

If you can only buy one gift and your budget is minimal, consider the reference book How To Survive Life On Your Own, a graduate's guide to success. It is well worth the $19.95 and gives the grad plenty of ways to minimize costs and prevent costly mistakes. If you have a few more bucks, here are my top five practical graduation gift suggestions:

· Nourish Me Set: fork, knife, spoon, plate, bowl, cup, picnic size salt and pepper, then throw in some instant soup and a gift card for a local supermarket. If you want to upscale this, check out Ala Zing or Omaha Steaks and set your grad up with a once a month delivery of a meal on you.

· Stay In Touch Set: Prepaid phone card or upgrade to a prepaid cell phone with a ring tone package (make it music they like), a book of stamps, personalized stationary and envelopes. Check out Mobile Caller in the reference section, their website makes it easy to choose the right card and includes many countries.

If you have a large number of graduates to buy for, check out the Custom Prepaid Cards website in the Reference section. If you are a business, this would be a great way to promote your business to potential new customers.

· Sweet Dreams Set: Colorful sheet set and a pillow or a hot colored blanket and a pillow. Bed Bath And Beyond hits the mark with Modal Jersey sheet sets in bright colors. If it won't bust the bank, include a relaxation CD. Amazon has tons, but I personally recommend something by Peter Phippen. If you can find Sacred Spirit-let me know where you found it. Sound machines are great for blocking noise from the road or the next apartment, when trying to sleep or study. Bed Bath And Beyond has several different styles, but the Homedics® Sound Spa™ Classic Clock Radio and Sound Machine incorporates a clock radio, that is also a nice gift.

· Travel Set: Wheeled luggage would be a good choice, if your grad is going afar. Throw in a favorite CD and a compass to ensure they are headed in the right direction. Check Luggage Online in the Reference section to get some ideas.

· The Library Set: Yeah, they may look at you and make a face, if you give them a bunch of books, but if you pick the right ones they will appreciate it later. Include a cookbook with uncomplicated 30-minute meal ideas, an inspirational book for when they start thinking life is out to get them, an easy to use, up to date dictionary (in hard copy and CD) and a Thesaurus. Last but not least, a copy of How To Survive Life On Your Own, a graduate's guide to success. URL is in the Reference section and the site has a link to additional gift suggestions, if you are still on the fence.

Whatever you choose to give your graduate as a gift, be sure to include your best wishes for their success and independence. It is up to those of us who have already acquired knowledge and the associated wisdom, to pass them on to others. Never assume common sense is all that common. Give advice, even when they don't want to here it. Sometimes a few well-chosen words can make a difference-even if they don't sink in right away.