Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

There are many great things to look forward to after graduation: the celebrations, the feeling of accomplishment, the relief of being done with school and of course, the gifts. They often come from well-meaning friends and family, but they also can often be a hit or miss. If you’re worried you’ll shoot for a hit but get a miss with your grad gift, here’s a list of ideas to start with.

Money: An easy first answer that any grad will appreciate is a little financial relief, regardless of their tastes. Even if it’s a minimal amount, it can still buy a little extra caffeine and the grad will definitely appreciate it.

Vacation: Graduation and finals tend to take everyone’s energy and focus, so arranging and paying for some stress relief will help take the graduation load off. Hopefully, they will return energized and ready to face the post-graduation world.

A collection of memories: Whether in the form of framed photos or customized decor, putting together a compilation of memories from the grad’s years at Western will be sure to be a hit for a nostalgic graduate.

New laptop: Senior’s laptops have been through years of all-nighters, coffee spills, built up files and hours of streaming that wear down the battery life. Send your graduate into the world prepared to do all these things over again, but with a fresh start for their new careers.

Portfolio or business card holder: A few simple gifts at the cheaper end, professional portfolios, business card holders or planners are gifts to show your support for your graduate’s endeavours.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photo by Paul F. Davis