Creative gifts for creative grads
Every year I poll my recent students and ask them about their best graduation gifts. While money is always a hit, here are some unique gifts that have really been appreciated.
Campus life - Students love those portable hammocks you tie to trees, picnic blankets (especially if they can double as a stadium blanket), gift certificates to local eateries, vintage stores and bookstores, insulated water bottles, mass transit cards for their new city, a bike share membership, a tool box filled with all the useful fix-it tools one always needs, a backpack large enough to hold their laptop, or luggage for weekend trips to see friends and family.
Dorm room items - A small rechargeable vacuum cleans up midnight snacks, a window fan is useful at the beginning of the year as many dorms don't have AC, a doorstop (dorm rooms usually shut fast, a doorstop lets them stay open to invite visitors), and a shoe bag for the back of a door for easy to grab snacks when time is short (if you fill it with their favorite snacks you'll be a real winner). Bed, Bath and Beyond gift certificates are also really appreciated as they specialize in dorm gear.
Art Supplies - All artists love new art supplies, but many are expensive and get used quickly, so pick your creative's favorite items and stock up. Some favorites: Copic markers, Prismacolor pencils, Bristol sketchbooks, acrylic paints, water colors, brushes, canvasses, a portable easel. If you don't know, almost every art school has an artists supply store nearby, so a gift card is a perfect present.
Museum Memberships - If admissions to their local museum is fee-based, consider a student membership. It often comes with special guided tours, a newsletter, and discounts at the store or classes. For a different experience, we discovered MuseumHack.com offering museum tours in many US cities.
Show or Exhibit Tickets - The best way to learn a craft is from professionals. Local and regional theatre and music venues options may have lower cost tickets and they support emerging artists.
Video and Animation Supplies - For video, film, and photography students consider a professional tripod (either full size or table top), light stands or clip-on lights, or a quality microphone.
Fun Gifts - If you're looking for fun gifts, there are sneakers imprinted with Broadway shows or famous artists. We love What The Film party game where you get to pitch your movie idea based on the actor, set and plot cards you're dealt. We also love socks, just google "artist socks" and you'll find an array of choices. A photobook to remind them of family, friends and home for when they inevitably get a bit homesick is always appreciated.
If you have any great gift ideas please send me a note, I'd love to share them, and in return I'll offer you a free 30 minute call to answer any questions you have about colleges or the college process.