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In recent months, the comfortable world that we knew got uprooted and ravished. Everything that we viewed as normal and mundane is now a fading memory and all the plans we had for the near future have been canceled or postponed. While everyone is giving due attention to first responders, victims of COVID-19 and the economy, our graduates are mourning their own losses. Many graduates don’t feel as if they can even mourn publicly. They are afraid that they might be viewed as insensitive to those who are battling life and death medical problems or those who are working tirelessly to protect our most vulnerable. But the mourning over cancelled proms, senior trips and graduation ceremonies is real.
It’s not just high school seniors who are mourning the lost celebrations and lack of pomp. College and university students are also mourning the ceremonies and parties that will never happen.
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So, how do you help alleviate some of the sadness for this class of graduates? Here are a few ideas of gifts that you can give to your favorite graduate during this unique and uncertain time.
Friends Gifts
Social distancing has been difficult on graduates who thrive on social connections. To help seniors feel connected, consider giving a frame filled with photos of the graduate’s friends and classmates. There are a variety of frames available that provide display space for multiple photos
A digital photo frame or album might also be a great way to remind a graduate of better times. A scrapbook is also appropriate. Include programs from musicals, tickets from football games and any other memorabilia you might have that would be appropriate.
Better Times Ahead
Encourage your favorite grad by reminding them that better times are just around the corner. Celebrate their next venture with an exciting surprise that might help them look beyond their current circumstances.
If the grad plans to eventually take that missed senior trip, consider gifting a brand new set of luggage. Personalize a luggage tag with their name and “Class of 2020” on it. You could even fill a suitcase with some travel sized products. Other travel related options include an instant camera with film, luggage scale and some good reading material.
For graduates who are moving out of the family home, consider gifts for their dorm or new home. Household items such as an instant coffee pot with a personalized mug or a pretty throw blanket are the perfect presents. Sound-proof headphones might come in handy, especially if your graduate is moving in with roommates.
You could also give gifts that will help the graduate with their continuing education. A thin laptop computer or tablet would be handy when trying to take notes in class. A good pen set is a traditional item to give to graduates and is still appropriate today. A high-quality backpack or messenger bag might also be appreciated. And don’t forget a reusable water bottle so the graduate can stay hydrated during class.
Practical Gifts
Because of the unique circumstances we are all living under, your favorite graduate might appreciate a practical gift. Giving practical items might help them save money on items they need now. This will help them to be able to save money for school or future endeavors. A basket filled with an abundance of snacks and personal sized beauty items might be just the thing to bring a smile to their face. Don’t forget to include a roll of toilet paper, because we all know that this item is in hot demand right now!
Because so many graduates are mourning the loss of missed milestones, consider gifting a self-care journal. The recipient can write about this historic time and their personal feelings about the current events. Other self-care items might be appreciated too. Consider a basket filled with spa day items like a candle and some bath salts for a day of relaxing. Or if the graduate is an artist, treat him or her to a new set of brushes or some fresh canvases.
Frivolous Gifts
In the middle of this most stressful time, it might be nice to treat the graduate to something that he or she would not be able to afford for themselves.
An extended-length charging cord or portable solar charger for their phone and other electronics might be appreciated. Most young adults would appreciate any phone or electronic accessory. Just make sure you know that the item you select is compatible with their device or devices.
Waterproof or blue tooth speakers are also fun ideas that will let your graduate enjoy music anywhere they go. Consider also giving a card game. These types of games are portable and small and can be stored in a dorm that has limited space and can even fit in a suitcase when traveling.
Things to Consider
Since face-to-face visits are discouraged you may choose to ship your present, even if you are only shipping to someone in your own town. Be sure that you have a correct shipping address and add specific delivery instructions if necessary. And don’t forget to include a card filled with praise and well-wishes for the graduate
