Graduation Gifts

Does it seem like the younger generation is harder to shop for than we were? It’s an age-old problem— how do we find the "perfect" gift for today's graduates?

Whether they’re graduating from high school or college, Generation Z, as they're called, is the first generation to have grown up online. They tend to be on social media and spend a lot of time on their cell phones. They would probably appreciate gaming gifts and wearable technologies.

Every graduate would be amenable to memorabilia from their alma mater— and luckily many schools have online stores where you can purchase shirts, gym bags, travel mugs, or even pennants. If your graduate attended an online university, look into creating a personalized sweatshirt online.

The best gifts are those that are personal, so try to find out about your graduate's hobbies or plans for the future. Maybe they would like a present related to their job search, like a new interview outfit or some things for their new apartment. Cookbooks and kitchen equipment are great gifts for those who are just starting out.

Try to personalize your gift by sending a video message to your recipient, congratulating them on their accomplishment or perhaps passing along a little advice. Think about how much you would have appreciated something similar from one of your family members.

Times change and so do our youth, but we all like it when someone is thoughtful and remembers us when we've reached a major milestone. It’s a gift that never goes out of style.