Gifting the High School Grads in 2020
Funny enough, Sean and I both have cousins living in Tucson, Arizona who both have children graduating high school and going to the same college! My heart goes out to all of the graduating seniors this year who are missing out on everything from prom, senior night, and an in person graduation. It has been pretty fun to see how creative high schools are getting to celebrate their graduating seniors from a distance. I saw that my high school invited all of the current seniors to come to drive around campus for Decision Day wearing their new college logo gear, see the teachers from a distance, and pick up Chick-fil-A for lunch. We are all finding and making new rituals this year!
Talking to my high school best friends every week on Zoom during this quarantine has us real nostalgic for our 18 year old selves preparing to go off to college. I wish I could tell myself that you will still talk to these important friends every single day for the next 12 years and beyond. You put the effort into these friendships and distance does not matter!
Here are few items I also wish I had told my 18 year old self to bring along to Spokane for freshman year of college and would be helpful for the graduating seniors in your life:
Gift Card for a Restaurant or Attraction in Their New Town
I remember my first time getting off campus and being able to explore the community around me. There are so many restaurants around colleges relying on the students coming in to bring business. A lot of them likely offer some sort of discount! We spent most winter weekends skiing, wandering around the mall or going to the movies, so those could be useful gifts for them that they will actually use. This is a great way to help them get to know their new city and invite some friends along to join for a little excursion.
Homesick Reed Diffuser
One of the non-essential, but best things I brought with me to college was a reed diffuser. Dorms are old, laundry is done infrequently, people are coming in and out, and you have to get creative with how to make a small space a little sanctuary for you and your roommate. I love the Homesick brand and have been gifted ones from my college town and state to have in my home in California. They incorporate the scents that make that region unique and are a fun little reminder of home or a special place. If they don’t have your state in a diffuser yet, check out the different candle options (but check the dorm policy on candles!).
from Homesick.com
Lyft/Uber Gift Cards
Our college years would have been much different with these services available. We also probably would have somehow attended more happy hours than we managed to, so maybe it is for the better. Regardless, this is a perfect gift for a freshman student who will not have their car on campus right away. Though finding people with cars is an easy way to make friends in the beginning of college, it also is nice to have the option to get to the store or grab a bite without worrying about how to get there. And, of course, this can ensure they are getting home safe after one too many keg stands off campus.
Travel Coffee Mug
College students need coffee. I remember downing raspberry white mochas at 9:00pm on a Tuesday (and I wonder why the freshman 25 was a thing) and not thinking about the amount of cups I threw away my freshman year. Now, there are so many amazing options for coffee on the go. Our favorite is the Yeti Tumbler and I wish I had had one in college! We registered for them for our wedding and have used ours pretty much everyday since! They also come in a huge range of colors to work for anyone.
Weekender Bag
I arrived onto campus with the largest suitcases I own and my backpack. One thing I wish I had thought to bring was a weekender bag for a quick trip. We were a 5 hour drive to Seattle, so we could easily go there for a holiday weekend. A lot of my friends would go visit their high school friends attending colleges in nearby towns as well. I am a big fan of this Herschel one or this one to make a little getaway much easier!
Logo Wear for New School
There is something so fun in seeing your school logo on someone’s hat, sweatshirt or car bumper and instantly connecting with them over your mutual experience. It is an instant conversation starter and you could be anywhere in the world and never know you might recognize your school logo. Gonzaga is more on the map now, so we can rely on getting a quick “Go Zags” if anyone is wearing their logo gear out and about.
Small Kitchen Necessities
Whether they are in the dorms or going into their first apartment, a home cooked meal (no matter the skill level) is such an accomplishment. Heck, even a bowl of cereal in your dorm is just nice to have. Gift them with a few essentials to give them a break from the cafeteria or take out. I am thinking: frying pan, cooking utensils, set of plates, collapsible food storage/bowls, and a utensils set to-go to get them started and able to prepare some basics. Help them master some easy recipes with The 5-Ingredient College Cookbook!
I would love to know how you are celebrating your seniors this year! Comment below with your gift ideas and enjoy some throwbacks I had fun digging up for you:
High School Graduation 2008 - we still talk every day!
Had to share what my freshman year dorm desk looked like..