Need to buy a graduation gift for a young man graduating from high school. I don't want to give money. He is off to college to study business, I believe. I want to give him something of quality, but not too expensive, as I don't want him to sell it...
I looked at mont blanc pens but that is probably better suited for college graduation, and I have seen college students sell those.
I looked at leather satchels that he could use for school, but then I'm worried if he woudl use it or not...
Watches seem to be becoming obsolete, and I don't think he wears one.
Suggestions?
__________________
"Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess." ~ Edna Woolman Chase
I worry a lether satchel would be too nice for a college student to keep in good condition, or too formal for most students. If you do go leather, maybe a pebbled leather. If you could find a nice canvas messanger bag one that could go to an interview without looking less than, that might work. A leather portfolio may be useful. A subscription to a business magazine or three would be helpful if he is a serious student, but would be wasteful for some students.
If you engrave the pen he won't have an easy time selling it.... :)
I bet he would use a leather satchel. I think a lot of guys carry them, and a leather one would likely last him his whole college career. I have one that I've used almost every day for 4 years to drag my laptop around, and I don't even take particularly good care of it (I clean and moisturize it like maybe twice a year) and it's still going strong. It wasn't that expensive, either - I think I got it on sale for $80 at Wilson's Leather.
As long as it is relatively plain, a neutral/manly color like gray or black, and is big enough to hold a widescreen laptop, I can't think of many objections he could have to it. Unless you really don't think it suits his style. I can't think of very many guys I know who wouldn't like one, but I definitely can think of a few so I could see how it wouldn't suit every single person.
__________________
Fashion is art you live your life in. - Devil Wears Prada | formerly ttara123
How about a decent wallet? I'm betting that he's never spent the money on a nice looking wallet (if he even has one.) He'll be on him own more and will have to carry his ids on him at all times once he's in college.
A nice piece of rolling luggage could be a good idea. Most 18 year olds don't have their own and will need it for trips home/back to school(or maybe even spring break excursions!)
Another idea is more practical and less fun. Most freshmen need the basics for their dorms, like a microwave or a small TV or mini fridge. Less exciting, but will be very appreciated by a kid living on his own for the first time.
One of the most appreciated gifts you can give out of all the great personalized gift ideas available are the ones that they can continue to use long after they have graduated. Being able to give something that honors their effort and celebrates the occasion with a gift that will give years of service, looks great and is personalized will be a cherished gift in their eyes. Graduation, whether it is from high school or college, is an exciting and transformative time. But what do you give to the latest generation to prepare them for entry into society and the workforce? Classic gifts are great, but personalized gifts with their name engraved on it are even better.