It is that time of year again, the season of the High School Graduation. I have always been one who searches for the perfect gift, one with meaning or that is symbolic of the receivers likes or interests. This has unfortunately caused me to be quite tardy as a gift giver, at times. We have no less than a few graduation parties to attend this Spring and with the above mentioned little tidbit stated, I have been trying to rectify that and… let it go…let it go…the gift giving obsession that is, and just write a check.

Well…maybe next year. So I found this cool idea last year upon hunting for clever ideas and I am using it again. This time, I am doing a couple of them in one sitting to save some time. Yes, they are a little time consuming and require some forethought but they can be easily personalized, are rather clever and they can be assembled with any price point in mind! What are they you ask? Why a college survival kit of course!

The first step in the process is to go to Target, Walmart the Dollar Store, or a store that has a good variety of candy, and miscellaneous items that are a good value. You want to select items that have a play on words for college survival situations. If you have children, you might want to bring them in on this step of the gift giving process for you might get some ideas that you had not thought of.

Possible examples:

-A package of Starburst to give you a “burst” of energy when yours is lagging from late night studying.

-Hershey kisses to always remember that you are loved

-Good-N-Plenty to symbolize “good” times and “plenty” of success

-Skittles- may your college experience be as colorful as a rainbow

-Sweet and sour candy to appreciate the differences in your roommates and accept them for who they are

-Extra gum to give your “extra” motivation in the tough times

-Payday candy bar as a reminder that there will be a pay off from all the hard work

You can also assemble items that are not edible and that you most likely have lying around your house to serve the same purpose of a “play on words”.

-Candle- symbol of “burning the midnight oil”

-Eraser- Reminder that each day brings a new chance your way

-Crayons to color your day bright and sunny

-Smiley stickers – always remember to smile

-Balloons as a reminder not to “blow up” when things don’t go as planned

-Paper clip to help hold things together

-Highlighter to remind you to remember to always zero in on your talents and “highlight” your skills

-Wiggly eyes-don’t close your eyes to opportunity

-Shower tote to stay highly organized

-notecards to stay connected to those you miss

Various gift cards, money or change can also be added to your assembly area keeping in mind the shopping opportunities that will be near the Graduate in his/her new home. Do a little snooping for this one.

The next step is to think of a pretty or appealing way to present your selected goodies. I have a stash of colorful boxes, bags and containers that I have purchased and collected over the years as I have found really good sales. I have also found great items in the dollar section of various stores. Good ole glassine or cellophane bags are  a good choice to package loose items.

Use those bags and containers to package your items and then use a few colored markers or pens to write the “play on words” phrase on each item. Some of the goodies only need a little tag adhered to them with the writing and maybe a ribbon tied around it. Here is a collection of the goodies that I assembled and them embellished.

You can decorate, wrap and assemble them…anyway you see fit!

You can present your goodies in a gift bag, or in a shower caddy or a decorative storage container of some sort. I like to use either of the last two ideas for I feel the graduate can use those items in their new dorm room. Along with the little trinkets and goodies, you can add more substantial gifts such as; appropriate gift cards, a bag of quarters for the washing machines, monogrammed bath towels, flip flops for the shower, a book or i-book light, etc.

Of course you can add a card or make one yourself that looks like a little gift tag…or do both.

That is my clever little gift idea for a high school graduate who is about to celebrate a new chapter in the story of their lives.

If you do not have time for this idea, I found a great gift idea at the Hallmark store which is a College Survival Guide. Here you add money and gift cards right to the book to create a perfect little gift. Again, you can tailor this to whatever your budget is.

Here you add quarters to the page. Get the idea?

Either way, you can involve your kids with these ideas and most of all, have fun while putting together that thoughtful gift for your next Graduation Party!

~Happy Celebrating!

~Meg

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