Help a Grad Set Up Housekeeping in a Dorm or New Apartment
If you know anyone graduating this spring, you're probably trying to think of a great gift- something no one else would be thinking of.
Of course, money is always welcome. And the more the better!
But if you want something to wrap and hand over as a gift, why not find something that the grad will need and use as they move either to a dorm room or a new apartment? We have some ideas for gifts for grads that they'll actually use. What a novel thought!
A Small Tool Kit
Everyone will at some time needs a hammer or a screw driver. Barbara K has put together a Dorm Survival Kit that includes batteries, hooks, a tape measure, and a 6-in-1 screw driver for every job. This will come in great when the new grad is hanging hooks in the dorm closet or artwork on the dorm walls.
An Inflatable Air Bed
It's great to have space for visitors to a dorm room or first (probably small) apartment. An inflatable bed and electric air pump intended for camping works great. Or splurge for your gift and get the air bed with the built-in pump, an Aerobed.
A Classic Frame for the Diploma
Every grad is proud of the diploma just earned. Choose a classic black, silver, or gold frame that becomes artwork in the new grad's home away from home.
A Computer Table
Most first homes and dorm rooms are especially small. A portable work station can hold a computer with a pull-out keyboard shelf.
A Feather Bed
Dorm beds are notoriously old and flat. To transform any used bed to one that feels like a 5-diamond hotel bed, place a feather bed over the mattress. Most dorm room beds are twin beds, so you won't have to dole out an exorbitant amount of money to give a gift of luxury to your grad. Often, a queen size bed is chosen for a new apartment.
A Mini Refrigerator
A compact refrigerator can fit into a dorm room and provide finger-tip chilled beverages and shacks. The top serves as a bedside table. At around $100, it's a great gift to help a grad set up housekeeping. For a new apartment, it can go out on a patio for partying.
A Reading Pillow
Help the grad settle in with a good book. A wonderful graduation gift, though it will require a really big box, is a BedLounger Pillow. They come in many sizes, styles, and colors.
A Set of Sheets
Often, the grad going off to school gets to take mom and dad's oldest set of bedding. And a college grad starting in a new apartment has to settle for hand-me-downs. What a luxury to go off on your own with crisp new sheets! Don't risk choosing a color or pattern that you like but the grad might not. White always works.
A Cozy Blanket
A nice throw blanket is a great graduation gift that can go from dorm to apartment to home. Something decorative adds color to a dull dorm room or a basic, classic color can be an accent on a comfortable sofa or reading chair.
A Reading Light
One overhead light (no dimmer) is about all you get in a dorm room. But every college student needs a good reading light. You could choose a book-clip style, a halogen desk lamp, or a 5-light floor lamp that can be set near a bed or chair.
A Bookshelf
A new apartment or dorm room never has enough shelves for papers and books. How about the Stackable White Storage Unit with Slide-out Shelves? It can be used as a table next to a chair or a bedside table. How versatile! Or a Folding Bookshelf that can go in a closet, along a narrow wall, or at the end of a bed.
Bed Risers
Everyone can use more storage space and under the bed is out of sight. To create more room for out-of-season clothes and extra bedding, gift a set of bed risers. It's a simple and inexpensive gift that will really come in handy!
As you're thinking about a perfect graduation gift, think about what the grad will need. A dictionary is nice, a set of luggage will be used eventually, but try to find something that they'll use right away. Your gift will be remembered and appreciated as the grad sets up the new home away.
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