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Great Gifts for Graduates

The arrival of graduation season may have you fretting over how to find just the right gift for that special graduate in your life.

Graduation gift-giving doesn't have to be hard. Some creative thinking, and delving into your graduate's future plans and current interests, can help you give a memorable graduation gift.

Here are some universal, practical, fun and inspirational ideas for graduation gifts:

For Any Graduate

Some graduation gifts fit well for grads from grade school to new Ph.Ds.

• Of course, the majority of graduates will always welcome money. But an envelope with cash can seem impersonal. Gift cards are a great alternative, especially when purchased from such grad-friendly retailers as Starbucks, Borders, Linens 'n Things, Pier 1 Imports and Hollywood Video.  For that graduate who loves to Internet shop, consider an e-certificate such as Amazon.com or iTunes.
  
  
• Give a framed print of Rudyard Kipling's renowned inspirational poem "If." In the poem, "The Jungle Book" author outlines the ideal techniques for coping with the adversities of life. Its calm, no-nonsense advice is sure to inspire both high school and college graduates to excel. Prints are available from many sources, and can even be personalized with the graduate's name and date of graduation.

High School Graduates

• If you know a senior on his or her way to college, put together a "Survival Kit" that includes a watch, caffeinated beverages, chocolate, breath mints, cushioned shoe insoles and a telephone calling card.
  
  
• On the practical side, high school graduates going off to college have some very basic needs that can add up, from a laundry basket to bed sheets and towels. Consider putting together a basics basket, using a laundry basket as the base, and fill it with personal items like a toothbrush case, a set of plastic dishes, silverware, plastic tumblers, and other kitchen and bathroom supplies.

College Graduates

• College graduates entering the business world can always use some help to look the part. A good-quality brief or attaché case can help the job-seeking grad make a professional statement.
  

Source...
Courtesy of ARA Content

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also see in Gift Ideas -> Graduation Gift Ideas