You come home from work, open the mailbox and there you see it-another high school graduation announcement. You open it, find out it is from one of your coworker’s children and add it to the pile. Sooner or later, you’re going to have to go shopping for cards and gifts for all of those grads. It’s been a while since you graduated from high school so you could use a few pointers on what to buy. If any of the grads on your list are headed off to college in the fall, you will find a plethora of gifts for them.

Money, of course, makes an excellent choice for any college-bound high school grad. Not everyone, however, is comfortable with giving money. If you fall into this category, don’t despair. There are plenty of gifts you can give. Some of these include:

• Basket of laundry supplies. Unless they plan on coming home every weekend, most students will have to do their laundry at college. Give them the tools they need to do so with a basket full of washing detergent, bleach, fabric softener, stain remover and an iron. Toss in a couple rolls of quarters and the basket will be complete.

• City guides. Students attending college far away may be unfamiliar with the area and benefit from a city guide. They will find attractions, activities, maps and more about the area in the guide, making it easier for them to get around.

• College survival guides. Most students could use some tips to get through the first few days of college life. Give the students all of the information they need with a college survival guide.

• Desk supplies. Students usually have a lot of projects to do at college and very little money to spend on the supplies needed for those projects. A stack of computer paper, ink cartridges, pencils, pads, pens and more from you will come in handy.

• Gift certificates to local gas stations and restaurants. Students going to college with a car will need money for gas, and even if they don’t have a car, they will need to eat out from time to time when the cafeteria is closed. Gift certificates to local gas stations and restaurants will come in handy when students are low on money but need to drive or eat.

• Household goods. Whether planning to live on or off campus, students will need a variety of household goods from bath towels to dishes to get through the year. Help students furnish their new abode with household goods.

• Newspaper and magazine subscriptions. Students need to stay informed on what’s going on in the world around them. Make sure they do so with a newspaper or magazine subscription. Don’t forget to set up the subscription to start in the fall and arrive at the students’ school address.

• Paraphernalia from the students’ college. Most students enjoy gifts that reflect the college they are attending. You can find any number of items that fit into this category, including backpacks, cups, hats, pennants, sweatshirts and T-shirts that you may purchase at a local business or from the college bookstore or online.

• Technological gadgets. Students can benefit from a number of technological gadgets ranging from software to palm pilots to calculators. Check with the students’ parents to find out what they don’t have and could use in this area.

These are just some of the numerous gift ideas for the college-bound high school grads in your life. With a little thought and some snooping, you’re sure to uncover tons more.

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