By Vicki Little
Spring brings with it many beautiful things, and one of the best is the fresh start that our beloved high school graduates get to experience. Whether they are headed off to college, taking a year or two off, or going right into the workforce, this is an amazing time filled with hopes, dreams, and new beginnings. You are undoubtedly looking for the perfect gift to mark this special occasion, so here are a few things that your graduate is sure to appreciate.
Portable Espresso or Cappuccino Maker: This is a must-have for coffee lovers who may soon need their morning caffeine more than ever. They can make, store, carry, and drink their espresso or cappuccino all in one portable device!
Noise-Canceling Headphones: We all need a little quiet time now and then. If your graduate will be living in a dorm room or apartment with others, he or she will appreciate having an escape from the noise.
Fast Food, Gas Station, Oil Change & Grocery Store Gift Cards: Let’s face it. New graduates heading out into the world are ready for a lot of things, but it would be a lot more fun if they had some help. Money is tight during those first years out of high school, and you can get a gift card to just about anywhere. Help your graduate take care of the “must-do’s.” Throw in a few fun ones as well!
Instant Pot: This gadget really is a life saver when it comes to cooking, and it will be an added bonus in either an apartment or a dorm room as the recipient will be able to make meals that taste like ones from home. Bonus: They can cook meals in the dorm room that normally require an oven.
Nice Bag or Briefcase: Owning something nice to bring to interviews and big appointments or presentations will boost anyone’s confidence. Something monogrammed and genuine leather is even better!
Item Locator: Being late to class (or to a new job) is not the way to kick off a new, independent life. Gift your graduate with a Tile Locating Device so he or she will never lose their keys, phone, or backpack.
Voice Assistant: Voice assistants, such as Echo and Google Home, are great for listening to music, checking the weather, doing research, or even playing games.
TV Streaming Subscription: Heading out into the “real world” means that graduates will need to budget. They also will want down-time to hang out and watch TV. Gifting them with a TV streaming subscription like Netflix or Hulu will be perfect.
Personal Safety Device: Independence is one of the best things for graduates who head out on their own, but it can also be a bit scary. Technology allows our new graduates to experience this freedom while still staying safe in a variety of ways. Devices such as Revolar allow people who feel threatened to alert someone through their cell phone with the push of a button. There are personal-safety alarms such as Robocopp that emit a loud sound to deter possible assailants. There also are personal-safety apps such as Companion, which allow people to alert someone when they leave and arrive at their locations. It evens allows for GPS tracking along the way. Of course there is always the traditional pepper spray, too.
Money: Always a perfect gift for a graduate, undeniably.
Vicki Little is a preschool teacher with two children. A Colorado native, she spends her time writing, sitting in the bleachers for her daughter’s gymnastics, and engaging in spirited debates with her son. In her free time…well, she is still waiting for some of that.
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