Amid the celebrations and ceremonies lies
the all-important question: What should you give your
graduate?
The pomp and circumstance, the funny hats, the long-winded speeches, the agonizing decision: What kind of gift do you get a graduate?
We talked to South Valley graduates and their families to get tips and suggestions for the daunting task of shopping for someone about to close one chapter of life and begin a new one. The key, it seems, is function.
Money and a laptop computer were the two gifts Alan Dronek, who will graduate from Live Oak High School in Morgan Hill next week, said he hoped to receive.
“The laptop will really come in handy, and I’d put the money toward school,” said Alan, 18.
Alan’s mother, Nancy, said she didn’t want to ruin the surprise, but she planned to buy him “technology stuff.”
“Colleges cost so much now that a lot of parents I know are doing simple gifts or something useful for college, and they’re putting the rest of the money toward the college education,” she said. “I think parents buy the gifts that they know their kids need now and in the future.”
Nice but practical gifts were also on Cynthia Burnham’s list of things to buy for her son, Christopher Burnham, who is also graduating from Live Oak.
“We got him a laptop that was kind of a combination birthday and graduation gift, because he’ll need that for college,” she said. “I also went out and bought him a suitcase. It’s one of those things that right now is something shared in the family. But now that he’s going to be on his own, it’s something he’ll really need.”
But graduation gifts don’t need to be big or expensive to be appreciated, said San Benito High School senior Stefany James. They just need to show some special thought.
“As long as the gift shows the person put thought into it and that they had you in mind when they bought it, it’ll be a good gift,” she said.
Stefany suggested 2006 graduation memorabilia, such as teddy bears and key chains, gift certificates to stores such as Staples and Target where supplies for college can be purchased, and humorous “How to Survive College” books.
“I think I’d like picture frames, so I could put up pictures of my friends and family,” said Stefany, who will be attending Mills College in Oakland in the fall. “I know some people are getting iPods or cars from their family. But a good gift doesn’t have to be that expensive.”
Gifts to Consider for Your Favorite Grad:
– Money. It’s hard to go wrong with money. Grads can splurge on something special or put it toward college, a car, or another major purchase.
– Luggage. Graduates who are heading off to college or leaving college to start a job in a different part of the country will need luggage to move with. They’ll also need it to come home and visit friends and family.
– Gift certificates. Gift certificates to stores such as Bed Bath & Beyond, Linens-N-Things, Staples, Target or similar stores are a little more personal than money, and still very useful. Keep in mind that dorm-room beds are a different size than regular twins and therefore require special sheets.
Gift cards also let grads buy things they like, taking the guesswork out of what size, color or style of an item they would like best.
– Grocery store certificates. No matter where grads go, they need to eat. Even if they have access to cafeteria food at a dorm, chances are good they’ll want some sort of food stash close at hand in their rooms.
– Laptop or computer. Technology moves at exponential rates, making it hard to keep up. Even if your grad had a new computer at the beginning of college, it’s probably archaic now. Grads heading for college will need a computer, and laptops can be handy to take to the library for research as well as to class for note-taking.
– Jewelry or watches. A nice piece of jewelry or a dressy watch that can be engraved is a great way to commemorate an event as important as graduation.
– Car. It’s extravagant, but it’s probably every grad’s dream gift. Cars may especially be good for students graduating from college, as they’ll need a reliable car as they head out into the real world. Many students heading for college don’t need a car if they’re going to live in the dorms.
– Scrapbooks or picture frames. A scrapbook or picture frame to catalogue the years spent in junior high, high school or college will give a grad continuing access to cherished memories long after the gown and hat have been put away.
