AARP Hearing Center
| The coronavirus outbreak has turned the world upside-down for the Class of 2020. Schools abruptly closed this spring for the remainder of the academic year, and there's uncertainty whether college campuses will reopen in the fall. Graduates entering the workforce face one of the bleakest job markets in generations.
While 2020 grads will miss out on many of the traditional milestones, from crossing a stage to receive a diploma to donning gowns and tossing caps in the air, they don't need to miss out on great graduation gifts. Here are several ideas, drawn from gift-giving experts and veteran gift-givers, that run the gamut from practical to inspirational.
Books
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People ($19, amazon.com): For three decades, Stephen R. Covey's book has empowered and inspired readers to be successful in attaining their goals. An adaptation, 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, might be right for a high school graduate.
Siimon and Schuster
College Survival Guide: Tips, Tricks & a Little Financial Aid ($13, hallmark.com): Not only does this book by Kara Goodier and Megan Langford provide real-world advice, it has plenty of fun pockets to stash cash, gift cards, stamps and more. “I have gifted this to my nieces and nephews and they have loved it. You can also give as much or little as you want,” says gifting expert Julie Kenney.
How to Cook Everything ($33, barnesandnoble.com): If your grad will be living alone for the first time, either off-campus or in a first apartment, they will probably be cooking more out of necessity. This is one in a series of books by Mark Bittman that makes food and cooking accessible to even the greenest of kitchen novices.
What Color Is Your Parachute? 2020 ($30, barnesandnoble.com): The latest edition of the Richard N. Bolles book is a classic for job seekers of all ages. Another book in the series, this one written by Carol Christen, is aimed at younger grads: What Color Is Your Parachute? For Teens.
Stuff for college
School-branded gear. Visit the virtual bookstore of your high school grad's soon-to-be college to surprise them with a little school spirit. Think supplies like pens, pencils and water bottles, as well as attire and accessories. “This idea is great for graduating seniors who had to cut visits short, shift to virtual visits or who will miss the orientations where they'd normally snag their swag,” says Shelley Hunter, gifting expert at GiftCards.com.
Toiletries. Fill an Ikea FRAKTA Storage Bag ($4.99, ikea.com) with toiletries and personal items that your favorite grad could use in their dorm. Include everything from hand sanitizer and detergent to a DIY mani/pedi kit. The sturdy, 20-gallon FRAKTA storage bag also doubles as a laundry bag.
