2008 Woodie Awards
Money, gadgets make great gifts for graduates
Aron Phillips
Issue date: 5/13/08 Section: OPINION
As graduation nears for NT seniors, those closest to them look for gifts to celebrate the occasion. Graduation gifts can be both pragmatic and fun. Here are some of the gadgets and other gifts that seniors might want.
Will Patterson, a Keller junior, knew exactly what would be at the top of his list when he graduates, money or a vacation.
"A vacation would be nice because I just finished twenty years of school," Patterson said.
Money is versatile. With money, there is no hassle of taking a gift back or having to spend it at a particular location. Patterson pointed out other reasons as well.
"The typical college grad is desperately in need of money. Especially me because I'm probably going into teaching," Patterson said.
For those with students who loved their experience at NT, tying the gifts back to the school might be a good idea.
Buying season tickets to next year's football or basketball games would give students who love the school a way to stay connected, provided they live close enough to use the tickets.
For students who are moving away, buying a flag or blanket from the bookstore would remind them of NT well after they leave.
Seniors that are technically adept and like using electronics would appreciate receiving new hardware.
Laptops can be used for games, work, and with an internet connection, allow people to stay connected to the world. A customized Alienware Area-51 m15x high performance gaming notebook computer with nearly every upgrade, warranty and accessory costs just over $7,500.
The basic package starts at $1,500. Gift buyers can choose the best laptop for their student, or for their wallets, using online features at any major computer manufacturer's Web site to customize many features of the laptop.
Brian Inscho, a Keller senior, mentioned laptops among his top picks for a gift. He would prefer a Mac to a PC, he said.
"I had a PC for a while," Inscho said, "I've just heard a lot of good things about Macs."
Basic MacBooks start as low as $1,100 and go as high as $3,800 or higher. The relatively new MacBook Air is more expensive, costing $1,800 to over $5,000.
Camcorders make great gifts as well, allowing graduates to make memories and save them.
"Camcorders are just cool," Patterson said.
Camcorders cost start at around $250 and go up to $1,500 and higher.
For seniors moving out on their own, furniture or giftcards would be appreciated.
"Giftcards to Ikea and furniture, whether it's new or used, would be pretty nice," Ischo said.
Ikea sofas and bedframes run anywhere from $50 to a couple hundred.
Will Patterson, a Keller junior, knew exactly what would be at the top of his list when he graduates, money or a vacation.
"A vacation would be nice because I just finished twenty years of school," Patterson said.
Money is versatile. With money, there is no hassle of taking a gift back or having to spend it at a particular location. Patterson pointed out other reasons as well.
"The typical college grad is desperately in need of money. Especially me because I'm probably going into teaching," Patterson said.
For those with students who loved their experience at NT, tying the gifts back to the school might be a good idea.
Buying season tickets to next year's football or basketball games would give students who love the school a way to stay connected, provided they live close enough to use the tickets.
For students who are moving away, buying a flag or blanket from the bookstore would remind them of NT well after they leave.
Seniors that are technically adept and like using electronics would appreciate receiving new hardware.
Laptops can be used for games, work, and with an internet connection, allow people to stay connected to the world. A customized Alienware Area-51 m15x high performance gaming notebook computer with nearly every upgrade, warranty and accessory costs just over $7,500.
The basic package starts at $1,500. Gift buyers can choose the best laptop for their student, or for their wallets, using online features at any major computer manufacturer's Web site to customize many features of the laptop.
Brian Inscho, a Keller senior, mentioned laptops among his top picks for a gift. He would prefer a Mac to a PC, he said.
"I had a PC for a while," Inscho said, "I've just heard a lot of good things about Macs."
Basic MacBooks start as low as $1,100 and go as high as $3,800 or higher. The relatively new MacBook Air is more expensive, costing $1,800 to over $5,000.
Camcorders make great gifts as well, allowing graduates to make memories and save them.
"Camcorders are just cool," Patterson said.
Camcorders cost start at around $250 and go up to $1,500 and higher.
For seniors moving out on their own, furniture or giftcards would be appreciated.
"Giftcards to Ikea and furniture, whether it's new or used, would be pretty nice," Ischo said.
Ikea sofas and bedframes run anywhere from $50 to a couple hundred.
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