Gift giving is an art – sometimes it’s the easiest thing in the world because you know the person so well, and sometimes it’s the most brain-wracking puzzle. Graduation gifts sometimes fall into the latter category because it’s hard not to get too cheesy, or take the lazy way and hand them a wad of cash. Here’s our list of thoughtful gifts that will give great value and a smile to your favorite college-bound student.
1. College “Survival Kit”
Fill up a basket of fun snacks, supplies for their desk, and room decorations. Help them feel at home in their res hall before they even step inside it!
2. Concert Tickets
Help their celebration last one day longer by treating them to a night rocking out with their favorite artist. They probably don’t have the funds to buy the tickets themselves.
3. Tablet or eReader
This is a piece of tech they will probably use every day, as it’s easier to carry than their laptop, but better for getting stuff done than a small phone. Let them know that digital versions of textbooks are cheaper (and also that it’s more fun to play Candy Crush on a big screen).
4. Gift Certificate to their Favorite Clothing Store
There’s nothing more fun than back-to-school shopping! Make sure they start college in style and feeling confident.
5. A Great Quality and Great-Looking Backpack or Tote
Carrying three textbooks and four notebooks back and forth to the library might hurt their back a little less if they had a great bag to carry it all in that doesn’t remind them of their third grade knapsack.
6. School Swag
Repping your school is one of the best feelings in the world. Grab them a cool t-shirt or hoodie and spare them the over-priced bookstore expenses.
7. Photo Flip Book
Transitioning out of high school can be very scary and very sad. Make them a custom flip book of their best high school memories so that they can start to smile when they are feeling homesick.
8. ALL of the Gift Cards!
Don’t want to put all your money into one piece of plastic? Put 10 dollars each on a few different cards – Amazon, clothing, bookstore. Label them with cute sayings like “10 dollars for textbooks” “10 dollars for looking awesome” “10 dollars for actually fun reading.”
9. A Beautiful Planner
Give them the gift of organization from the very start of their college career, especially if they are the type to want to stay on top of their commitments. Make sure it’s an academic year planner.
10. T-shirt Quilt
There are plenty of companies (and moms with hobbies!) that will take your old t-shirts and turn them into a quilt. Perfect for their bed, they will stay warm wrapped up in all their favorite memories.
Bonus idea:
A handbook for new college students
We would be silly not to mention the project we have worked very hard on over the last several months. Filled with personal stories from the Swift Kick team, important tips to remember, and activities to fill in, this bite-sized book is easy to digest and fun to dig into for even the most nervous college freshman.
