Appropriate present for graduating high school senior?

June 2, 2018 4:17 AM

I've had regular contact, professionally, with a male high school senior who's graduating and wondered what an appropriate gesture / present would be. Any suggestions appreciated.
posted by Jon44 to Human Relations (16 answers total)

I don't know any teenagers that would turn their nose up at money...if I didn't know them that well I would put $50 (or whatever you think is appropriate) in with a nice card and call it a day.

If the relationship has been a mentor type thing and you know what they're going to do next, maybe something related to your shared interest / profession? Like if you're a plumber and they're going into trade school for plumbing, a good set of tools. Or if you're an academic and they're interested in English, a nice copy of a style guide or reference book that's useful for college.
posted by cpatterson at 4:27 AM on June 2, 2018 [6 favorites]

Money.
posted by salvia at 4:35 AM on June 2, 2018

The very best presents my 3 kids got were gifts that reminded them there are always opportunities to learn fun things and to never be hemmed in by the notion that important learning only happens in a classroom. An acrylic set with small canvases, drawing pencils and pads, some Kurt Vonnegut to read for pleasure, cookbooks catering to their vegetarianism, knitting needles and yard, origami paper, binoculars with a bird watching book, a recorder to play.

Anything that put faith in their abilities as smart, inquisitive people who will always reach for new knowledge were the most treasured gifts; things that were not strictly school-related.

Also cash.
posted by yes I said yes I will Yes at 4:38 AM on June 2, 2018 [1 favorite]

Offer to be a reference for him when he applies for campus/summer jobs.
posted by Hypatia at 5:24 AM on June 2, 2018 [3 favorites]

Please DON'T give Dr Seuss' Oh, The Places You'll Go. Save your money. I see way too many unwanted copies at Goodwill, used book sales, etc.
posted by Neeuq Nus at 6:05 AM on June 2, 2018 [9 favorites]

Money and professional reference. Also, if you have the ability to help him get an internship or other professional opportunity that would help.

Also, if he needs a pair of business casual pants, you’re in a position to have noticed. If he does, please go with him to Nordstrom or similar, have the personal shopper select a few options in your budget, and impress upon him the importance of having at least one pair of well fitted pants for some situations. Then buy him a pair of well fitting pants, the benefit of Nordstrom is they’ll any necessary hemming on site. Have him keep the tags so that he can have an easier time buying himself the second pair. (This is gender neutral advice, it’s also important for women to have at least one pair of nice-ish, well fitting pants.)
posted by bilabial at 6:21 AM on June 2, 2018 [4 favorites]

I have one kid in college and one kid about to graduate high school (next week!!): money. Tuck it into a nice card that you've written some heartfelt words and encouragement on, and mention that you'll be happy to be a reference if needed.
posted by cooker girl at 7:09 AM on June 2, 2018 [2 favorites]

My clarinet teacher gave me a small monogrammed duffel bag for my high school graduation. I still use it, twenty years later.
posted by ewok_academy at 10:16 AM on June 2, 2018 [3 favorites]

I still remember the luggage that I received. It's something that will come in handy.

Though cash is useful, it's not memorable.
posted by hydra77 at 11:37 AM on June 2, 2018 [1 favorite]

My best friend gave my son a jug of Tide and a laundry bag for college with a much-appreciated check. She knew money was the most appreciated gift, but she didn't want to let go of a practical gift. He was thankful for both.
posted by citygirl at 6:22 PM on June 2, 2018 [2 favorites]

Agree with the combination of money and a small physical gift.

Off the wall, but a nice pen? You can get a Lamy Safari for like 20 bucks on Amazon and it's a really good pen for the price, plus it makes for a useful and more imporantly easily portable keepsake.
posted by Tamanna at 11:30 PM on June 2, 2018

How to Boil Water.
posted by tzikeh at 5:27 AM on June 3, 2018 [1 favorite]

Also cash. Or an Amazon gift card, so he can choose his own gift.
posted by tzikeh at 5:28 AM on June 3, 2018

I don't know, wouldn't money be tacky for someone who has professional contact with a student (esp. if it is paid contact, ie tutoring or lessons?) I say give something meaningful -- I remember I got a copy of Emerson's essays and a guidebook to the new city where my college was and it was so kind and thoughtful. If it's a voucher, at least a meaningful one (like a voucher to a great restaurant/music shop in new city, etc.) I love the luggage idea too.
posted by heavenknows at 9:43 AM on June 3, 2018 [2 favorites]

My aunt bought me my first set of luggage. My uncle gave me a stereo I took to college. My other relatives gave me money. Of course I appreciated the money, but I remember how grownup the luggage made me feel, and I certainly enjoyed the stereo.
posted by happyturtle at 12:20 PM on June 3, 2018

Well, nearly 30 years later I remember that one of my mother's friends gave me a hand-carved box that was specifically meant to hold (and was only big enough to hold) a 100 count roll of US postage stamps. It did not contain any stamps.

Anything's gotta be better than that.

These days my husband and I give either a large bill, or Amazon gift cards.
posted by vignettist at 3:57 PM on June 3, 2018