Fun Ways to Give Grads What They Need on the Cheap

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It's that time of year again – Graduation!

Graduation gifts can be difficult to choose. And if you find yourself just popping a check or gift card in an envelope last minute ““ expensive. Want to save and still give a welcomed gift? Remember, they are going out on their own. They'll need things! Here are some gift ideas with a theme . . .

‘Starter Chef': Look through kitchen item clearance sections, or even at the dollar store (they often have good, solid pieces available), for a handful of standard items someone starting out will need. Even if the graduate is going to be on a dining plan for the first year, most do some light food prep of favorite things. Consider items like a small coffee maker, measuring spoons, standard kitchen utensils, and microwaveable bowls.

‘A Few of My Favorite Things': Late-night cravings are the norm at school, but by then the cafeteria and most restaurants are closed. A box filled with favorite comfort foods will be a welcomed gift. Think microwaveable mac ‘n cheese cups, bottled water, bottled or instant coffee, cocoa, tea, soups in microwavable containers, favorite candies, crackers, anything they love.

‘Bath and Beauty': It may seem a bit odd, but let's face it — every graduate is going to need bath and health/beauty care items. Don't be shy to make a nice basket of body wash, soap, shampoo, conditioner, shave gel, razors, lotion, toothbrushes, toothpaste… all bought at a fraction of retail price, of course. You could even consider adding a clearance find of a nice towel set or a shower caddie.

‘The Maid Retired': Mom's not going with them to college, so it's time to know the business end of a broom very well. A small cleaning supplies set should get good use. Think cleaning cloths, a toilet bowl scrub, and the like. A small waste basket or cleaning caddie makes a useful container for it all, too.

‘All-Nighter Survival Kit': No student sets out wanting to pull all-nighters, but most end up doing it at least once. Use a large snack bowl (dollar stores are great for these), and add a variety of instant coffee and/or cocoa mixes, bottled water, candy, microwave popcorn, dried fruit, nuts, crackers, pretzels… all things snackable and shelf-stable. If you are making more than one of these, buy large packages and divide up the spoils.

‘Mount Washmore': The parents of any grad will bless you many times over for this one; as it just might help their bird not return to the nest with a mountain of undone wash. Snag a deal on laundry soap, fabric softener (liquid or sheets), and stain remover and place in a sturdy laundry basket or bag. If you're feeling particularly giving, consider adding a roll or two of quarters to get them started.

‘Mr./Miss Fix-It': From a torn hem to a splinter in the finger — just like at home, something will happen to someone or something. Create a small rescue kit that contains items like band-aids, tissues, a pair of tweezers, a miniature sewing kit, antiseptic wipes or gel, sunscreen, eyeglass repair kit and lens wipe, small bottle of contact lens solution (if applicable), hand sanitizer, insect repellent, a small tool set… let your imagination (and maybe your eyes) rove over the items and tools you use occasionally. If you use it, they'll probably end up needing it.

‘Teach a Kid to Fish': Buy an expandable folder system with a clasp. Add, and nicely organize, a few weeks' worth of newspaper coupon inserts. Include a vocabulary sheet with common savings terms, such as “Catalina”, “B10G1F”, and “BOGO”. Include a message explaining that you're ready and willing to teach them how to coupon. This is, by far, the basket that keeps giving; especially for a ‘starving student' with loans.

 

Written by Josh Elledge - Chief Executive Angel

Josh Elledge Consumer Savings Expert and Founder/Chief Executive Angel, SavingsAngel.com®

Josh Elledge is on a mission to help Americans save money and time so they can give. He is Founder and Chief Executive Angel of SavingsAngel.com®, which was created to bolster the buying power of the average U.S. family by combining technology, coupons and smart thinking for extreme savings on household consumables and everyday items.

Through his work with SavingsAngel.com, Elledge has emerged as one of the nation's leading experts on consumer savings appearing in the media more than 2,000 times!

READ MY FULL BIO HERE: https://savingsangel.com/josh

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