Josh Elledge - Chief Executive Angel
– ‘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.
