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College Graduation Gift Help Please?

House Cat

House Cat

Ideal_Rock
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Joined
Feb 22, 2009
Messages
4,602
My son graduates college on Saturday with a degree in History and a degree in English! He starts grad school in January. I am so.freakin.proud of him!!

But I have no idea what to give him for a graduation gift. I didn’t want to ask him because I don’t think he’s expecting anything and I want to surprise him.

He needs just about everything and nothing all at once. He is not a jewelry guy. He just built himself a computer. His apartment is extremely modest (read:poor college student) and it might be weird to give him something elaborate and out of place.

Do you have any ideas? Thanks!
 
What's his career path? Maybe a fancy bag for his laptop? What about a nice watch? Fancy pen? Um....I say something that will last a long time and he will remember. :D
 
First off - Housecat, Congratulations to you mama! Not knowing his personality, difficult to say. What about a weekend away for him and a friend? Doesn't need to be far, but someplace that he would like to be for a few days? Just a thought.
 
Queenie60 said:
First off - Housecat, Congratulations to you mama! Not knowing his personality, difficult to say. What about a weekend away for him and a friend? Doesn't need to be far, but someplace that he would like to be for a few days? Just a thought.
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This is good!! Thank you! He is pretty exhausted right now. He might really enjoy some time away!

And thank you Queenie. :))
 
Massage gift certificate! They are to die for.
 
Congratulations to you and him! If he has time, finance a long trip — 2 months traveling is awesome — maybe someplace relevant to his research if he’s settled on a topic. It’s a great way to unwind before starting on yet another endeavor.
 
House Cat congratulations to your son and to you!!! What an amazing awesome accomplishment.:appl:

Here are some ideas I had when reading your post.

1. Netflix account gift membership-that way when he wants to relax and wind down he can watch a good movie/series and just chill. I am sure he could use that while working hard in grad school

2. My dh suggested a tool kit for do it yourself repair and projects as necessary.

3. You said he's not into jewelry but would he like a nice watch? Some men who aren't into jewelry still love watches.

4. Amazon Echo. I don't have one but some of my friends swear by it.

5. A good coffeemaker if he's a coffee lover and could use an updated coffee machine. What student couldn't use good coffee especially in the AM (if one enjoys coffee)

6. A gym membership to get out the stress of school and stay in shape and just get those much needed endorphins pumping

7. The Instant Pot
https://www.amazon.com/Instant-Pot-...on-20&linkId=957a4ed6bba0413bf39dc00108d2d0ac


Congratulations again to the both of you. Your son has a bright beautiful future and that's thanks to you and your support love and encouragement House Cat. You both ROCK!
 
If he is going to do a PhD or a masters then a really good lightweight laptop will probably help. As he is going to sit through a bunch of talks and hopefully travel a bit, and in either scenario he is going to spend most of his time on a laptop. I have a Dell XPS13 with a high resolution touch screen (I think it is 1800 x3600) and an upgraded solid state hard drive, and it goes everywhere with me (most especially to other people's talks, otherwise I would probably eviscerate someone...).

Otherwise I definitely think a month or so long trip somewhere he has always wanted to go, would be the best gift ever. Before things get too hectic, and he feels like he has to take work everywhere and can't really relax or enjoy anything anymore.
 
Millennials seem to value experiences above stuff so I'd suggest something to do rather than a tangible gift like watch or computer.
 
If he is into computers -- an Epic (good luck getting one, more likely available in January) or a Thread Ripper.

Useful stuff -- apartment things if he is living on his own

School stuff -- a great upgradable laptop (look for ability to add extra memory, upgradable disk, and M2 slot), a great (comfortable) desk chair, organizers for school materials (like shelving, file cabinets, whatever his preference would be)

Memorable -- trip, car, framed degree
 
Ooo how about one of those meal kit subscriptions so that he can prepare simple meals at home? Like a blue apron or hungry root (vegetarian) etc.

I'm 38 and I still hate figuring out my meals. I only cook bc I'm tired of the local takeout! (Cook means toasting or heating in a fry pan lololol. I'm a good cook from scratch but I'm not motivated...)
 
Another option though I know some people don't care for this option but it is always an option that makes the receiver happy IMO. Cash. That way he can purchase an experience or purchase a material good (because despite what some of you might think Millennials still need and yes even want and enjoy some material possessions hehe). So though some of you may think that is an impersonal gift I say perhaps it is the most thoughtful gift of all for a young person just starting out for him to choose exactly what he wants to do with the money...
 
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