Issue 20.16
For many of us with children and/or grandchildren that are graduating in the next few weeks, we want to acknowledge their good work and accomplishment. A nice thoughtful or funny greeting card is a worthwhile approach and if there is a $20 or $50 bill included, that’s even better at least as far as the graduate is concerned.
I thought that it would be nice to share a few ideas that might be worth considering if you want to do something a little more personal or meaningful for the graduate in your lives.
Graduation presents don’t need to be expensive. There are a number of techie products that might be of value to those moving to the next educational or work oriented experience. You will likely want to check and be sure they don’t already have these items as many of our young people are spoiled to the extent that they already have any electronics they know about and want.
On lower end of the scale are things like cell-phone cradles that double as alarm clocks, radios and even CD players. They are available in the $30-70 range from any electronics store or department stores like Wal-Mart, Kmart, etc. Another item that is popular is the fitness activity monitors from Jawbone and Fitbit on the inexpensive end and the Apple iWatch or Samsung Gear products that add connectivity with your cell-phone and a number of other options, but cost more in the $300-$600 range.
I have mentioned the Amazon Echo family of products which would be great for those going to college or setting up an apartment of their own. The provide lots of music and information just by asking and run from $90-$200 depending on features and size. Blue-tooth speakers and accessories are really fun and give you a way to play music or videos from your computer or tablet at a higher volume while many of them are battery operated and totally wireless. They run from $30-$200. We use them at our house all the time.
For those leaving home, a new or used computer can be a real blessing, especially for those going to college. On the inexpensive end are the tablets, chrome-books and used computers. These are usually in the $100-$250 range but the more powerful ones can be in the $500 price area. If you go this way, make sure the computer or tablet will meet their needs. If you are buying a new computer for your graduate, realize that most will come with Windows 10 Operating System and will run from $400-$1000 depending on speed, memory, storage (hard drive space) and included programs. If they would prefer a Windows 7 machine, you will want to special order one or have a computer dealer do so for you because they are not on the shelves of most electronics or computer stores.
Accessories such as printers, cameras and other peripherals are also a good gift idea if they are needed. I think it is a good idea to either consult with the graduate about what they want, or buy from a store that will allow them to exchange it if it doesn’t fit their needs or if they already have the item. Just do your homework – and remember to always have a backup of anything important.
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 33 years, 26 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently works as a computer consultant. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or shaun@musicomp.net.