Diane Gottsman | Leading Etiquette Expert | Modern Manners Authority

Leading Etiquette Expert and Modern Manners Authority Diane Gottsman’s official blog, with Business Etiquette, University Etiquette, Social Media Etiquette, Dining Etiquette and more.

Merry Moments: Gift Ideas for December Graduates

12 Dec 2022 By: Diane Gottsman

The holiday season promises merry and magic, and for college students graduating this month, friends and family wish to make the occasion even more festive and fitting. So much has led to this moment—often beginning with preparation in middle and high school to earn a coveted acceptance letter. Your student was diligent in their studies and navigated new challenges in recent years, steadily chipping away at their goals and seeing things through. Now, it is time at last to celebrate their accomplishments! Keep reading for gift ideas for December graduates.

Gift Ideas for December Graduates | Proud mother hugging her daughter at her graduation

Merry Moments: Gift Ideas for December Graduates

Frame It

Be on the lookout for mail from your student’s college or university for details on custom framing options. Or, seek out a specialty seller on Etsy featuring artwork of their campus. You may also wish to include their tassel or other memorabilia in a shadow box.

New Year, New Trip Booked

Before your graduate begins their career, give them the gift of an experience that is unmatched—traveling to a new or favorite destination. Design the trip to suit their taste, from a cozy Airbnb to a decked-out hotel suite. Include cash, tickets or certificates for dining, shopping and the arts. Plan for your graduate to bring a plus one so they’ll be able to share these moments with a friend or loved one. Yes, this can get pricey, but if you happen to have air miles or special passes, you can cut the cost and give your graduate a fabulous memory. Safety is always top of the list, so send them a few links to study to ensure they will be well-informed on areas to avoid.

Upgrade Their Technology

Female hands holding new smartphone. Customer taking gadget from post package. Recent model of phone delivery

You’ll want your grad to have the right technology to aid in their job search or new professional role. If their phone was purchased their freshmen year, an upgrade would be a welcome gift. The same applies to their laptop or computer, especially if they are running low on storage or speed. Even a new pair of earbuds will be welcomed by your soon-to-be college grad.

First Impressions

finished jackets on hangers in tailoring atelier close up

If your son or daughter has interviews lined up, offer to cover the cost of their interview outfit. You know them best—perhaps they’d welcome your company on a shopping trip, or maybe they would rather handle the shopping themselves with a gift of cash. Their confidence will climb when they are dressed for the part. It will also speak volumes for your son or daughter to walk into the interview with a crisp white shirt, a clean pair of new shoes and a professional tote.

Beep, Beep!

Gift them the gift of a full car detailing service. Have you ever noticed when your car is clean, you imagine that it also runs better? At any rate, your grad’s spirits will soar as they travel to their interviews in a clean, fresh car. For a special touch, you can put a small kit together with things that may come in handy that day, such as mints, hand sanitizer, a lint roller, lip balm, etc.

Other Essentials

We’ve written about new luggage, a leather portfolio and tech tools in our recent grad gift post. Another idea is a personalized laptop sleeve or bag. Envision items that will help them pull their look together and keep their confidence high.

Energize

Shot of beautiful young woman looking sideways while working with her laptop in a coffee shop.

A gift card to a local coffee shop can be used for more than just coffee. Pick a place and buy a generous gift card so your son or daughter can set up their Wi-Fi, grab a sandwich and research job opportunities. It’s nice for them to have a quiet spot that is not back in your living room as they get on their feet.

Dry Cleaners

One of the most expensive things to get used to in the workplace is keeping your clothes fresh and clean. Many people overuse the dry cleaner, but it’s still an expense. Start your adult kid off on the right foot by covering the cost of dry cleaning for the first three months. This gives them a cushion of time so they can plan accordingly.

Weekly Delivery of Food

African-american man preparing delicious and healthy food in kitchen, cutting fresh vegetables, copy space

We all know the first job may not be the best when it comes to salary. Everyone needs to start somewhere, and in the meantime, help them out with a month of food and supplies they can rely on while they are getting into the routine. Whether it’s groceries or cleaning essentials, every little bit helps.

Self-Care

Still searching for the perfect gift? Spend the afternoon getting manicures together, or gift them a fresh cut with their favorite stylist. Each adult child has their preference, and they may want to include you or do it alone. Either way, it’s a bonus to know they feel good and look good!

For more information about working with Diane, America’s “Go to” social and professional (manners) skills authority, please visit The Protocol School of Texas. 

You may also like Graduation Party Manners. See what Diane is up to by following her on Instagram and Facebook. Find etiquette inspiration on her Pinterest account and keep up with her latest tweets. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, refer to her posts on Inc. and HuffPost. 

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Diane Gottsman

Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert and modern manners professional, sought out industry leader, television personality, accomplished speaker, Huffington Post blogger, author, and the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in executive leadership and etiquette training. Diane is routinely quoted in national and international media including The New York Times, The BBC, CNN, Bloomberg Business Week, Kiplinger, Huffington Post Canada, U.S. News and World Report, and Forbes. She is the resident etiquette expert for two popular morning talk shows, SA Living and Good Day Austin. She has been seen on The TODAY Show, HLN Headline News, WGN Chicago, and CBS Sunday Morning. Her clients range from university students to Fortune 500 companies and her workshops cover topics ranging from tattoos in the workplace to technology at the dinner table and the proper use of social media.