by Artisttia Yarns

Created on: March 19, 2009   Last Updated: June 04, 2009

High school graduation is a reflection of 18 long years of sweat and tears. A graduates' accomplishment should be recognized with a personal, practical, and thoughtful gift whether they choose to begin a course of higher education or if they choose to enter the workforce. Here are ideas for presents in a variety of prices that most graduates will appreciate.

If a graduate had a laptop that carried them through the course of their high school career, due to technological advances a new one is a necessity not an option. Laptops are not "wants" any more they are "needs". Laptops are more portable than a desktop and your new graduate may move frequently in the next several years. They can help your graduate to search for full time jobs if they are entering the working world. For those planning on attendance at a technological school or university, laptops can assist in locating part time work or scholarships. Universities require computers and have specific requirements related to these. Classrooms desks often have a spot where the laptop can be plugged in for note taking purposes. The best approach to the purchase of a laptop is with a gift card. Just check with their chosen school first to see if they require a Mac or a PC.

Whether your graduate chooses to continue their education or work, life can be stressful. Assist them in relaxing by giving them the gift of music. Purchase the graduate a MP3 player. If they already have an MP3 player, give them a gift card or subscription to download music or if you really want to give them an extra special gift, give them both.

Many graduates appreciate the gift of a laundry basket, a roll of quarters, laundry soap, dryer sheets and a book of instructions on how to do laundry and get out stains. If towels and wash clothes are added to the basket, pin a note to these articles reminding if washing these articles with other clothing, lint will be on everything. On occasion, a small sewing kit with a book on how to sew on buttons or mend small holes can also be the basket. These baskets can be a collaborative effort of family and friends.

College size refrigerators or microwaves are appreciated if allowed, by the school of higher education, your graduate has chosen. Stock it well as for an added surprise. Fill the frig. with their favorite sodas, canned or bottled drinks. Stock the microwave with microwaveable popcorn and single size microwaveable baked goods. Include instant coffee (if your grad will drink it) and teas. There are special containers that can be purchased to brew individual cups of coffee and tea in the microwave.

The color green is a favorite amongst everyone one, especially when it comes in the form of money (gold is an even better color). Too many high school grads aren't disciplined with money. Give your graduate a nice gift card and tell them the specific amount of money they can expect from you over the next year. For example, give them $100 dollars in the initial card. Let them know each month, to expect a note from you with $10.00, for the next nine months. This way they can plan their budget accordingly, be it for something practical or for something fun. As an added bonus, the grad will have a note to look forward to each month and a check instead of "air mail" in their mailbox.

Graduation is an exciting and fun time for your graduate. It is a time for new beginnings but it is also a time for endings. It can be an unsettling time for the graduate as well as their family. Help celebrate this joyous occasion with all of them. But remember to give the gift of your support to both for this is a huge change in their lives. Your support will be the most meaningful, practical, thoughtful, and priceless gift they both will receive.

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