Graduation Gifts That Will Help During First Year of College

You can’t go wrong with cash for high school graduation gifts. But if you want to give a memorable gift, here are things that college kids can really use. Graduation gifts that will help during first year of college.

Graduation Gifts That Will Help During First Year of College

1. Gift Cards

A close runner-up to cash, however, not all gift cards are created equal. A gift card too small to buy something without additional money is not practical.

* Coffee shop gift cards are popular. Even, kids who dislike coffee will hang out there on occasion, and a gift card will be handy.

* Gasoline cards will always be used. Even, a student without a car can help pay for fill-ups for road trips.

* Sporting goods store cards, unless they are high value, are not a great idea because they may be out of the student’s normal price range. However, a large enough amount designated for a specific item (sneakers, skateboard, or jacket) will be quite appreciated.

* Bed and bath store cards and big-box store cards are useful. The grad can furnish their dorm room, buy personal items, and stock up on coffee and snacks.

* Certificates for nail salons, grocery stores or fast food restaurants that are close to the college are always welcome.

* Avoid cards to swanky restaurants. For mid-range franchise restaurants, give enough for the student to bring a friend or date.

* Cards to on-line stores are terrific for buying books and entertainment.

* And, finally, Visa or American Express prepaid cards can be used virtually anywhere. They do have service fees for that convenience.

Gift Cards: https://www.giftcards.com

2. Dorm Room Furnishings

Certain big-ticket items can make dorm life more comfortable.

* A comfortable desk chair can last the grad for four years and beyond. Find a model that can be kept in a box and assembled on site. (Verify that the dorm does not already have nice swivel chairs.)

* A small refrigerator or a microwave oven will be used daily. Check with the parents to avoid duplicates. But if they already have one…

* A rolling cart that holds the refrigerator and has a few mesh shelves to hold snacks and plates and napkins is a sensational gift.

* A flat screen TV is practical because it will save precious space. Check to be sure the dorm room can accommodate this.

* If the dorm room beds can be lofted, get a futon for under the loft. Sometimes local companies will construct the wooden futon in the room on opening day; they will know the correct dimensions for your dorm. Add bedding if you can afford it.

3. Electronics

Portable iPhone chargers are extremely practical for busy college students. People like to choose their own phones, computers and tablets. Compact docking stations and wireless speaker sets make great gifts. Digital photo frames are a space-saving way to keep favorite photos on display. A new Xbox could be welcome.

Best Electronics Gear for College Students: https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/07/best-electronics-gear-for-co...

4. Non-Electronics

College students still like the feel of paper and pen, if only for the novelty factor.

* Beautiful pens, especially from special relatives, are meaningful and will be enjoyed. Go for excellent writing quality; include refills, too.

* Permanent markers in multiple colors are fun for making posters and marking possessions.

* High-quality journals and hard-cover notebooks will be cherished by artists, poets, and note-takers. Make it meaningful; go for a recognized brand name.

* Envelopes and postage stamps are practical and fun. College kids love to receive mail; help them send letters to friends at other schools.

41 Best Dorm Gifts To Give College Students: https://bysophialee.com/dorm-gifts/

Graduation Gifts That Will Help During First Year of CollegeAvoiding cheesy gifts that are mass-marketed as “dorm essentials” will put you ahead of the game. Don’t be afraid to consult someone who can keep a secret so you can delight your graduate!

Freshman Year of College Job Success: https://tipstostartingcollege.com/first-job-success-freshman-year-of-col...

Author's Bio: 

Christine Reidhead is an avid seeker of knowledge and zealous humanitarian who shares an incredible passion for the art of serving the community. Serving as an advocate of education, she aims to enlighten the lives of underserved communities. Christine wants to ignite a positive change among the masses through her passion for community service and the love of sharing others life stories. She is a proud mother to two wonderful boys and strives to be an inspiration to all. Christine presently serves as a Business Professor, Department Chair of Business and Faculty Vice President. She is the Founder and CEO of AfrikRising Nonprofit Organization. Christine is the author of Get That Job! ACE Your JOB Interview – Every Time!