Graduation Gift Suggestions

[wesdaniel]

Anybody here the parent of a graduating high school senior?

My grand nephew (and namesake) will be graduating this year as valedictorian of his high school class. He will go to (most likely) UofM to study engineering. I'm trying to figure out what gift to take him for graduation and am struggling a little bit.

My first thought was a Montblanc pen, but, when I talked to my sister (his grandmother), she reminded me that it's not 1990 anymore and students don't actually write anything - they do everything on an iPad or some other device.

I had then thought maybe a Tumi backpack (and am still thinking this is a good possibility).

But, curious if anybody who has kids or is more in touch with what a first-year college student might need has any ideas? TIA!

[Speedbird-1]

It's not 1900 anymore either , but, as an engineering student, how about a vintage Micrometer. Something he'd probably never use in anger, but maybe would enjoy learning to operate, and perhaps treasure.

[brandrea]

Congratulations in advance to your nephew Wes

What is he into?

[1William]

The best gifts are those that people want, not just what you want to get them. I would have a conversation with my nephew and figure it out and get him what he wants.

[AzPaul]

Went through this with my niece a few years back. In the end, after racking my brain trying to think of the 'perfect gift', wound up just writing her a check. She too was going away to school and figured the extra money would bring her more joy than some do-dad she probably wouldn't care about anyway. After all, the point of the gift is to say 'job well done', not to give her something you hope will remind her of you.

[austinp]

How bout a bike or Moped. Every college kid needs one.


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[JasoninDenver]

Starbucks gift card loaded to the max. You will be his favorite.

[wesdaniel]

Originally Posted by Speedbird-1

It's not 1900 anymore either , but, as an engineering student, how about a vintage Micrometer. Something he'd probably never use in anger, but maybe would enjoy learning to operate, and perhaps treasure.

Cool and unique idea!!

[wesdaniel]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Congratulations in advance to your nephew Wes

What is he into?

Thanks! Hard question to answer. He loves robotics. Beyond that, he’s really active in volunteerism. He plays sports (soccer and basketball), but don’t think he’s passionate about them - they’re just what he does to show he’s more well-rounded for college.

He’s really grown fond of watches - I’ve gifted him three entry-level automatics. But, I think it’s a little early to get him a really nice watch.

[pk552502]

How about a nice leather portfolio with a zipper. Or maybe a leather attache case or canvas bag. or a zippo or a flask. I actually like the montblanc pen idea too.

However, if he wouldn't appreciate the above, go with cash.

[chro.nic]

Since you've gifted him some watches already, get him a nice carrying/storage/display case so he can take them with him to college and remember you!!

.nic

[ltmgeller]

I got my kids Tudor watches for graduation.

[jamesbondOO7]

Platinum DayDate or the best laptop money can buy.

[codecow]

Money is always a most welcome gift. If a student needs to write something for engineering they’ll almost always use a small diameter mechanical pencil.

A Tumi McLaren backpack is also great, especially if you couple it with the matching carry on. You're probably already aware but they come with anti-theft and they can be monogrammed at the store. That should literally last a lifetime.

[GeoffEff]

Agreed that it's early for a nice watch. I like the idea of the Tumi backpack especially with the explainer that it will last a lifetime if cared for. Money will definitely be welcomed, too, given he likely needs to buy a laptop.

[piratfisk]

If he’s into engineering, what about those really weighty mechanical pencils? Or a black Milgauss. (Idk if you love the kid THAT much hahah)


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[AF_Rob]

Maybe some on-the-go tech, like some Bose headphones/earbuds. Or, maybe a nice travel/gym bag. Being away from home and in class, he'll be a bit more mobile for a few years.

[codecow]

Originally Posted by AF_Rob

Maybe some on-the-go tech, like some Bose headphones/earbuds. Or, maybe a nice travel/gym bag. Being away from home and in class, he'll be a bit more mobile for a few years.

Ah that’s another great one. Whatever the latest Bose QC is, I just bought a second pair of 45s but it was $199 so that means there’s a newer one.

[swils8610]

I’ll be the nerd here…I like the Mont Blanc idea. I’ve got two ball points that I’ve had for at least 15 years and I use them daily.


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[wesdaniel]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I ordered his gift this morning.

He did tell his grandmother (my sister) that he really likes the watches I gave him. I also know that, in addition to the sports he plays, he really likes watching and following sports - particularly basketball.

So, this morning, I got the notice from Tissot about the release of the Damian Lillard PRX80. Since he really enjoys watches, he loves sports, and watches are (other than our name) the one thing we have most in common, I bought it as soon as it was released.

The first 100 ordered are supposed to come with an autographed presentation box - hopefully this will include that!

[piratfisk]

Nice one, Wes. That seems like a great meld of his interests.

[1st amg]

That’s a wonderful watch to gift him. He will always remember you for it!


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[Boopie]

I did give my nephew and nieces a Waterman rollerball pen for their graduations. The lacquer pen color was the same color as the university where they were headed. Pens themselves are not obsolete, and roller ball pens are nice to use.

Even now I enjoy using fine pens I got as graduation gifts decades ago.

You may also want to consider a good folding knife or “super tool.” I know I’m not the only one who keeps one in the car glovebox.

[Calatrava r]

Good idea. He will love the watch.

[arrays]

Congrats to him and good luck if he ends up going to U of M -- I also went there for engineering and graduated three years ago (assuming M stands for Michigan)

[wesdaniel]

Originally Posted by arrays

Congrats to him and good luck if he ends up going to U of M -- I also went there for engineering and graduated three years ago (assuming M stands for Michigan)

M does stand for Michigan. I actually think he's now leaning towards University of Toledo. He's gotten a full, full, full ride offer at Toledo including housing in the honors dorm as well as all equipment and supplies.

Since he's the one I'm closest with, I splurged and got him the watch, a pair of Adidas sneakers (Ric Flair x Damian Lillard), a Montblanc pen, a Montblanc wallet, and a Tumi backpack. He's going to go off to college very well equipped :) Presuming he stays on the same path he's on, when he graduates, he will get my father's (his great grandfather's) gold retirement watch, his diamond ring, and either my DateJust or my Explorer II.

[arrays]

Originally Posted by wesdaniel

M does stand for Michigan. I actually think he's now leaning towards University of Toledo. He's gotten a full, full, full ride offer at Toledo including housing in the honors dorm as well as all equipment and supplies.

Since he's the one I'm closest with, I splurged and got him the watch, a pair of Adidas sneakers (Ric Flair x Damian Lillard), a Montblanc pen, a Montblanc wallet, and a Tumi backpack. He's going to go off to college very well equipped :) Presuming he stays on the same path he's on, when he graduates, he will get my father's (his great grandfather's) gold retirement watch, his diamond ring, and either my DateJust or my Explorer II.

Well, good luck either way. Hard to beat a full ride. I just found the thread today (after many good suggestions were made), but a suggestion of mine would be noise cancelling over ear headphones -- I got some decent ones my junior year and it made a world of difference when studying, doing homework, and riding the bus around campus. Haven't gone back to in ear non-noise cancelling (and don't think I could)