Top 10 Gifts for the Class of 2010

Graduating from school is a big accomplishment worthy of great gifts from parents, relatives, friends, and significant others. Many times, it is difficult to figure out what to give a recent graduate. Here are 10 great graduation gift ideas for 2010.

1. iPad - The popular iPad helps organize everyday life like no other gadget out there. The iPad offers great features including, email, photos, videos, iBook, iTunes, notes, iWork, and others. Surprise your recent graduate with an iPad, it will come in handy in any professional setting.

2. Gift card - There is nothing like receiving a gift card in a congratulatory envelope. Don't buy a gift card for a particular store if you are not sure which store is the graduate's favorite. The safest thing to do is to buy a general VISA, MasterCard, or American Express gift card because then the graduate can use it at a time when he or she needs it the most.

3. Concert Tickets - If you know the graduate's favorite artists, you can buy tickets to his or her favorite artists' concert. Normally the graduate will wear a t-shirt of their favorite band, place posters on their room, or play their music loudly from time to time. One of the greatest gifts one can give to someone is live entertainment. Make sure to get at least two tickets, but do not ask nor expect to be invited to come along.

4. Free Gym Membership - A gym membership will help the graduate remain in good shape. Gym membership costs can be pricey for the student. Providing a gym membership can demonstrates that you care about the recent graduate's health and overall wellbeing.

5. Smartphone - These Smartphones are not only trendy, but they make life easier. Every phone service nowadays provides a variety of phone selections. Some great choices can be any of the following phones: Blackberry Curve, Droid Incredible, iPhone 3GS, and Palm Pre Plus.

6. Stock - Help the recent graduate invest now. Many stocks are now affordable due to the recession. Find any main company and purchase a stock certificate. You can visit oneshare.com for more information.

7. Digital Camera - A new digital camera always comes in handy for a recent graduate. After graduation, there are several places to see and places to go. With a new digital camera they can share their experiences with you by posting them online, or emailing them to you.

8. Personal Website - Nowadays employers are impressed when graduates place a personal website of their current resume online. A great gift will be to give a personal website with their full name to use in their resume. Website domains cost between $10-50 a year, depending on where you buy them. GoDaddy and BlueHost offer the cheapest domains available on the Internet.

9. Leather Briefcase - A leather briefcase will be perfect for your graduate who will be looking for a job afterward. Help your graduate look good for his or her round of interviews.

10. Gold Jewelry - Another idea is to give graduate students gold jewelry including, graduation rings, watches, bracelets, necklaces, etc. Engraved jewelry is a traditional, yet memorable idea.

While there are several gift ideas for graduates, these 10 useful graduation gift ideas are guaranteed to make your recent graduate loved one very grateful.

References

CNET Reviews. (2010). Retrieved from http://reviews.cnet.com/best-smartphones/

About. (2010). Retrieved from http://parentingteens.about.com/od/graduation/a/graduation_gift.htm