Give your high school graduate what he or she really wants by thinking about what he or she will actually need when he or she gets to college or settles into his of her first apartment. Keep in mind that colleges may restrict the appliances allowed in dorm rooms, and graduates are likely to want some input into the furniture and bedding they use to decorate their space.
Here are five gifts for high school graduates that are sure to be a hit:
1. Money
Whether they are college bound or moving into their first apartment, high school graduates always appreciate the gift of cash. Money can be used to pay their mounting expenses, saved for a high-ticket item (like a computer or car), or allow them to afford a fun night out with their friends.
2. Gift Cards
If money seems too impersonal, consider giving gift cards to favorite stores or restaurants. The gift cards you choose will depend on the personality of your high school graduate. You can give fun gift cards for places such as iTunes or Amazon.com, but don’t overlook practical gift cards like those for gas or groceries.
3. Laptop, Tablet, or eReader
A laptop is a high-ticket gift that any high school graduate is sure to love—if he or she doesn’t already have one. You may want to consider offering a price limit and allowing your grad to choose his or her own laptop. Tablets and eReaders are also great, less expensive options.
4. Flash Drives or External Hard Drive
College-bound high school graduates will appreciate having a large flash drive to easily move their files from one computer to another. Even if they already have one, it’s always nice to have a second (or third) flash drive on hand. Similarly, compact external hard drives are great for backing up a laptop or storing extra files.
5. Digital Picture Frame
To head off homesickness, send your high school graduate off with plenty of pictures of family and friends. Digital picture frames are great for dorm rooms or first apartments. These unique gifts scroll through multiple pictures, giving your graduate a handy slideshow of memories that he or she can easily expand over the years.
