Grad Gifts, Classes, & Activities

Grads are often in a transition period following graduation.

Graduation is a milestone event and represents hard work and dedication --- reward the grad in your life with gifts, classes or activities that show your support. Grads are often in a transitional period, having finished a particular school like high school or college, and are either returning to school in the fall or entering the job market. Consider the individual needs and interests of your grad to facilitate expressing your best wishes properly.

Money

There is one thing that grads can all use --- money. Whether you are giving her a check or cash, discreetly give the grad the money in a card with a personal note. Make sure your grad knows there is a gift inside so the card does not get lost among other presents.

Financial Classes

School may be out, but learning about investing is an ongoing process.

Perhaps you wish your grad to become better acquainted with how money investment works. If the grad already has a CD or stock, financial classes will especially interest her. You may consider giving her a CD or stock along with enrolling your grad in a financial class. Classes that teach the basics of investment are commonly available at community colleges.

Financing the Future Dinner Party

Make investing a fun activity for the whole family. Host a dinner and invite your grad to share what she has learned from her financial classes with the family. This provides an opportunity for younger children to begin thinking about saving money for their futures as well. Have everyone choose a financial goal and write down ways to realize their goals.

Vacations and Vehicles

New wheels will make traveling to work and visiting home more feasible.

Whether you buy your new grad a car or a vacation, travel is a popular option for graduation gifts. Vacations to faraway locales teach grads about different cultures and calm any restlessness of spirit. Purchasing a car will enable your grad to easily drive to work or to his next school --- and return home for visits.

Classes for Travel

A wide array of classes are available to facilitate travel. Consider enrolling your grad in a language class if you are giving him a trip to a foreign land. Often adult night schools have special classes that teach travel-oriented simple sentences, such as "Where is the bathroom?" If you purchase your grad a car, enroll him in a mechanics course so he learns how to care for the vehicle properly.

Travel Activities

Travel requires a lot of preparation. Help your grad plan the trip using pointers from reliable travel guides. Write down an itinerary and make special notes of places to eat and good hotels. For a grad with a new car, plan a trip in the vehicle. The trip can be as simple as an ice-cream run, but it will allow your grad to show off his new wheels to the passengers.

References

• Fun Gift Ideas: Gifts for High School Graduate In Your Life; Stan; September 2011

Resources

• Santa Monica College: College Catalogue