| So you got a graduation card in the mail. You usually | | | | and pans, silverware, potholders, can openers, and |
| just send money, but this time you would like to | | | | plastic containers come in handy. Gift certificates for |
| send something more personal. Because the graduate | | | | McDonalds, Starbucks, Wal-Mart or any other major |
| will be leaving for college and comes from a large | | | | retailer are great, too! But if they are going out of |
| family, he or she will get many gifts, and you would | | | | state to college, you might want to find out which |
| like to give something special. College is a new life | | | | retailers are in the area. Getting sick and having no |
| with demanding deadlines, so a watch is a great idea | | | | one to take care of you really puts a damper on |
| for a college student. Watching the time is important | | | | things, though. Give a basket filled with Tylenol, |
| for students. An academic planner is also an excellent | | | | cough drops, flu medicines, chicken noodle soup and a |
| gift. | | | | nice warm blanket. |
| Planners are good for keeping track of assignments, | | | | A tool kit, spare light bulbs, tape measure, extension |
| projects, notes, phone numbers and addresses. A dry | | | | cords, flash lights, batteries a small fan and a cordless |
| erase board is a necessity because students like to | | | | phone are things that many students not even think |
| leave messages for one another in the dorm. This is | | | | about. They may seem like strange gifts at first, but |
| their first experience on their own in the world. | | | | I guarantee that they will be welcome when they |
| Buying a basket and filling it with things such as calling | | | | least expect it and will make dorm living better. A gift |
| cards, a prepaid cell phone, stamps and envelopes, | | | | certificate for the university bookstore to help with |
| stationary, or a pen will help them communicate with | | | | the first textbook shopping is a wonderful idea. If the |
| friends and family. A map of the new area is also an | | | | recipient already has textbooks, supplies are available |
| excellent tool. | | | | at the bookstore with sweatshirts and other things. |
| Another special gift is a laundry kit. You could | | | | Most of these gifts are inexpensive and special. They |
| assemble a basket filled with detergent, fabric | | | | can be grouped in baskets or other unique containers |
| softener, a stain stick and a jar filled with quarters. | | | | with your special touches added to them. Going to |
| You could even include embossed towels and | | | | college is exciting but stressful. Giving these kinds of |
| washcloths. | | | | gifts helps alleviate some of the demands of student |
| College students love to eat! Sets of dishes, pots | | | | life. |