This year is the year we've been invited to A TON of high school graduation parties.
How exciting?!
They've done it!
Except, now I'm faced with
what do I give them for this next stage of life?
These are the children who never knew life without the internet, without cell phones, without wireless solutions. As one of my friends, Rachel put it:
For one graduate I'm considering an Amazon gift card.
Yet my life experience states that it's impersonal to give a gift card, let alone email it!
Oy.
I'm getting old.
Part of evolving, for me personally, means accepting AND embracing change. Especially change created by the younger generation(s).
My logical side says "Give them a gift card!"
- its practical
- they'll be able to get what they need
- you won't be wasting your money
My emotional side says "Give them something meaningful!", something:
- they'll always remember as their graduation gift
- that will inspire them
- that they'll feel gratitude toward for years
The only thing I've been able to come up with, that fits all those requirements?
Cash.
Cold Hard CASH
Ugh.
- Too impersonal?
- How much is enough these days?
- What else could I give?
While some of the hottest grad gifts are things like tablets, bluetooth speakers, headphones and luggage I'm not sure any of those fit the bill {both for my budget and their needs}
Let's not even talk about the varying levels of relationships I have with each of them (or lack there of).
Graduate 1:
We are very close friends with the parents.
The graduate is:
- male
- a good kid
- not college bound
- unsure of next steps
This time next year:
likely living at home working
Likes/Dislikes:
I'm unsure
GIFT:
This one is the hardest.
Knowing that he's staying home, cash seems much less an immediate necessity. Not knowing what he would like or needs, is making it even more difficult.
I think for this one I'm leaning toward a "Gas Gift Card". When I think about the one thing he'll need right after graduation it's likely fuel for his car so he can get to either interviews or his new job, right?
Graduate 2:
I spent a fair amount of time with this family in my Organizing Days
The graduate is:
- female
- college bound (prestigious university)
- the "baby" of 5 siblings
This time next year:
finishing up freshman year at a university, packing up a dorm or apartment
Likes/Dislikes:
Again, I'm unsure
GIFT:
This one might be a little easier.
My time in her life was mostly during her elementary & middle school days, but I remember how she felt being the "last one". She always had the hand-me-downs.
Her older siblings are wonderful people and have stayed close so I'm not worried about her going without anything she'll need to get started in her college life.
I asked Mom what I could give her that she'd value, (after we were done with the pleasantries of 'don't get anything'), she mentioned a Target gift card.
Back to the impersonal gift choice(s).
Oy.
Although, it might be what I get her.
Mom made it sound like that was the standard answer she was giving people when they pushed for an answer. And let's face it, who wouldn't enjoy a small shopping spree at Target right before heading off to college?
Graduate 3:
We are very close to this one, both child & family
The graduate is:
- male
- community college bound
- athletic
This time next year:
likely finishing up freshman year at a community college away from home
Likes/Dislikes:
I completely know hobbies, interests and what would appeal to this graduate
GIFT:
We've known this teen for 10 years. He calls me "OM" {Other Mom} and has been as much a part of our family as our own kids.
I would have thought his gift would be so much easier.
It's not.
He hunts, fishes, camps and does all the manly outdoors-ey things with the guys all the time. But I think he's all set on anything he'd need in those departments.
My standard graduation gift for this situation is a HUGE gift bag full of $0.20 top ramen and a 'hot pot' (kind of like a mini crock pot that heats up super fast - perfect for dorm life). That seems too impersonal this time though.
Looking to tech solutions I've considered an "Amazon Prime for Students" subscription, a Jackery back up battery for his iPhone, or even one of those charging backpacks ...
The hang-up I find myself having is if I'm going to give him something it seems it should be memorable. Like an heirloom watch or a leather wallet.
He'd look at me like I fell off my rocker if I gave him either of those though.
Right now I'm leaning toward a crisp $100 dollar bill.
Again with the cash ... {{shaking head}}
Graduate 4:
This one is the older sister of #Pipsqueak's girlfriend.
The graduate is:
- female
- community college bound
- staying home after graduation and into college years
This time next year:
finishing up freshman year at the local community college
Likes/Dislikes:
We have gotten to know her during her senior year, not as well as Grad 3 but enough to have gift ideas swirling
GIFT:
For this young lady, we've had a lot of help from her sister.
She's an avid reader. {{and shhh, don't tell anyone, but we've helped her sister make a ladder bookshelf for her gift}}
So, it makes sense to get her a book or a gift card to her favorite book store.
Some of the tech solutions I thought of included the above mentioned "Amazon Prime for Students" subscription, a Keepsy photo book (with help from her Mom & sister), an Instagram Photo blanket or pillow (for getting cozy during her reading time) or maybe a lending library kit/app.
I should mention, she is an avid reader that prefers real books. So the obvious tech gift of a Kindle was out the door the minute I thought of it!
How about you?
Do you have teen grads you're buying gifts for?
What are you giving?
How did you decide?
Come chat with me over on the VolunteerSpot FaceBook Page & let's find solutions together!
