Sage Kiernan-Sherrow |  News Editor

Rylie Horrall |  Lifestyle Editor

Graduation is right around the corner, and for many graduates, that means being celebrated for their accomplishments with a graduation party. Traditionally, graduation parties include food, family and maybe some tears shed. They also include gifts, but, like any college student knows, not all gifts are equal. Here are a few of the most desired gifts among college graduates:

Let’s face it — money is always the go-to. Money or gift cards are useful for students who are short on cash and can go towards their savings for the future. Graduates are expected to make big decisions when it comes to where they are going to live and begin life in the workforce; a little extra cash goes a long way in making their dreams a reality.  

Another useful gift idea is household appliances; some graduates are just moving out of the residence halls and might not have the necessary equipment to keep their future dwelling clean or functionable. Consider buying a graduate a vacuum or any of the hundreds of kitchen appliances that make life a little easier. Keurig coffee maker, anyone? 

Subscriptions are another excellent gift idea because they can be personalized to fit the graduate’s hobbies. If a graduate loves to binge-watch Netflix, consider making that payment one less thing to worry about this year. Or maybe the graduate loves to read, and in that case, a subscription to Book of the Month might be ideal. Monthly subscription boxes are also a popular gift idea. For $10 to $50 on average, depending on the box, a graduate could essentially get a care package every month full of goodies like self-care items or new clothing. 

The last gift idea, and arguably one of the most important gift considerations for this day and age, would be upgrading the graduate’s technology. Whether that’s getting them a new sound system for their car, a new laptop or one of hundreds of other add-ons, they are sure to be appreciative. Technology isn’t all expensive either; items like portable bluetooth keyboards and Alexa-enabled car charges average around $50.

Consider sending this list as a little hint to loved ones on what graduates really want for graduation, or use it as inspiration for gift-buying for others.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu