Lamenting the loss of my student status, in my second year out of school, I still vividly remember the excitement and uncertainty of graduating. Whether from high school or college, the graduate is about to enter a significant period of transition in his or her life. This transition brings with it the age-old question of what to give the grad?

Please consider the following.

The grad is likely:

• Stricken by a lack of money
• Without furniture, art or any cultural possessions (except the occasional non-descript poster)
• Soon moving into a dorm or apartment
• Young, energetic and wanting to enjoy the summer, before getting a ‘real job’
• Without real clothes for that eventual real job

With this in mind, here are some gift ideas (many I would have loved to have received myself!)

1. Lake or Beach Trip.  For something your grad can enjoy right away, put together a nice set of beach, lake or pool things. Head to Goodwill and pick up a few good books, great sunglasses, a towel, a water bottle, sunscreen, and a set of iPod speakers (I found a pair at Goodwill last weekend).  With all the supplies they’ll need, send your grad (and maybe a few friends) to the lake for the weekend.  What a nice treat after their final exams.
 
2. Cookbook and Tools.  For the grad who hasn’t learned to cook: scan Goodwill’s shelves for a fun cookbook (like this Game of Thrones inspired book I found) and pick up a few nice cooking tools to customize with painted decorations. (I chose nice wooden tools that aren’t dishwasher safe, because once painted, your tools shouldn’t go in the dishwasher either). 

Make sure your tools are dry and free of grease and dust.  Sand lightly if they have a shiny surface, then paint with acrylic paint. Once dry, give them a final coat of a non-toxic varnish or craft protector.

Your grad will have beautiful tools to keep with them as they move on to the next phase and they’ll be able to feed themselves and their friends. 

3. Work Wardrobe.  The grad will need a work wardrobe and with the beautiful, high quality suits you can find at Goodwill, go on a shopping spree and find something within 1-2 sizes of your grad.  Take it to a tailor for a professional fitting and soon your grad will have a beautiful suit ready for work or interviews at a fraction of the usual cost. (Just make sure the suit is not too small, or huge.  It needs to be close-to-fitting for the tailor to get the perfect fit).

4. ART.  This is the perfect time to start the grads art collection. You can often find unusual art pieces at Goodwill, but if you don’t find anything you like, take a cue from the old masters: use the art you find for its canvas.  Sign your grad up for art classes so they can make their own art on top of the old canvases. (If they get good enough they can fulfill their parents dreams and become starving artists.) 

You could also support their artist friends and buy a special piece to frame with an attractive frame you find at Goodwill.

Be thoughtful, and know that whatever you do, the grad will be so grateful for your time and effort, and you will rest easy knowing that he or she is better prepared for the time ahead.