With graduation just around the corner for thousands of students around the UK, there will be many proud parents and grand parents looking for that extra special gift for their child’s big day.
We have gathered together some ideas for the new class of 2009.
iPods – The ultimate gadget for the 21st century so far, much more than just an mp3 player – Apple rule for cool when it comes to hand help portable music / video / photo / games players. The Apple iPod range is now wide and varied with prices from £30 up to £250. The iPod classic offers the most storage (120gb) and is rrp at £175. The newest model is the iPod touch (basically an iphone without a phone) which offers the users the latest technology including a wifi connections, countless numbers of downloadable applications (you may have seen the adverts) and rrps at £165. There are two other iPod ranges the shuffle and nano, the shuffle is the smallest player and is just an mp3 player (no screen) and is aimed at the primarily at jogger and gym user, there is two versions of this available at the moment (2nd & 3rd generations), the older 2nd gen comes in 4 multiple colours and the newer 3rd generation comes in black and silver. The final iPod available is the Nano, it comes in 2 sizes (8gb & 16gb) and uniquely to the iPod family is available in 8 different multi-colours from pink to orange, rrp is £105 and £145. You can find the Cheapest iPod prices here.
Champagne – A celebration of such magnitude as a graduation is not complete without some champers, there are quite a few places to buy online and usually a lot cheaper than any supermarket, espcially when buying a case (6 or more). Right now Oddbins have some Awesome Deals on Champagne and Sparkling Wines and Laithwaites usually have good deals on cases of Champagne and Sparkling Wine.
Toys – your graduate has likely been studying for the last 3 years why not surprise them with simple childhood toy, for me it was Thundercats and He-Man – and to get something along this theme would a be a fun nostalgic gift. Ebay will be your best place for old used toys, but you might find something apt thats new in places like Hamleys.
Days Out – There are many places to book online “experience days” – wether it be a driving experience like a Ferrari or Porsche driving day or maybe a learn to fly or glide gift. More simpler it could be a Spa day, you could even book your self in for a Mother and daughter day and share in the gift.
Money – Lets face it, your graduate is probably “skint”, most students leave uni with on average more than £10k worth of debt and no savings. I would’nt necessarily give a straight handout, perhaps you pay an outstanding bill or an upcoming bill (maybe first rent cheuque on new house).
New Suit – After Graduation comes job interviews, it may well be the toughest time on record to get a new job, so make sure your graduate looks the part. A new suit doesnt have to cost the earth, high street shops like Next and M&S have good range to choose from.
Travel Insurance – Many graduates head off on their travels, so make sure their fully-insured, if they are back packing then will likley need special back packers insurance which is slightly more expenesive. Any other travel-related gift may be good too, a tent, an international phone card, a new suitcase, a map home just in case. If there going traveling then there will be countless things you can get them.