by Kilah Hemesath, Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds Marketing Intern
‘Tis the season for buying cards and gifts for new grads! Consider switching up the traditional gift of wash clothes or embroidered towels by giving a gift that’s maybe unexpected but one that will certainly be appreciated.
Now that I’m finishing up my senior year of college, I’ve been reflecting on lessons learned during the past four years. I’ve come up with a list of my top 5 most practical graduation gifts that are perfect for the high school or even college grad on your list:
- Laundry basket and essentials
Once you move out of your parents’ home, it becomes obvious that laundry does not wash itself! Laundry detergent, fabric softener and dryer sheets always seem to run out faster than anticipated. Gifting a laundry basket with a few essentials such as detergent creates a practical gift that would be used on a weekly basis! - Finals Week care packages
There isn’t much that is more daunting than experiencing your first finals week. Care packages are always fun to receive in the mail, and it’s a great way to show support. Giving a student two care packages throughout the year – one in the fall and one in the spring – is the gift that keeps on giving! Plus, treats from the care packages come in handy during one of the most stressful times during the semester. - Gas cards
Although this is not the most exciting gift, it is the most practical! It’s easy to drive a fair amount of miles, especially when taking weekend trips or making trips home. Gifting a gas card can help new students get through the first semester without a job, and it can be used all year. - Rain boots
If you’re lucky enough to know the shoe size of the graduate on your list, rain boots serve as a useful gift for new college students. They may not appreciate it at first but they will quickly see the value the first time they have to walk to class in the rain! There are many patterns of rain boots available to fit everyone’s personality. - Cookbook for one
Transitioning to cooking for one person can be rough, especially when a lot of recipes are written for family-sized meals. Find a cookbook written for small dinners with simple ingredients. Gifting such a recipe book with a few spoons and spatulas can make a great cooking set!
Hopefully, this list will help make gift shopping less stressful and a little more fun this graduation season. Have a unique gift idea you’re willing to share? If so, please comment below!