Graduation day is fast approaching, and you wish that your parents could give you the perfect graduation gift. You're thinking about your own apartment, where you don't need to pay the monthly rent. You don't mind the bare necessities, but you would do a bit of splurging on the bed linens and pillowcases. You almost forgot the bath towels. It might be too much for your folks, though.
And then you've been reminded about the hard work that you've been putting since your junior year in high school. You've been thinking about a European holiday, but your parents fancy the beach. You have mentioned the Mediterranean a number of times, emphasizing Ibiza (or Nice). They prefer Florida. It may be better to set aside a fraction of your earnings for that getaway in Europe. Reading Dan Brown's books (starring Robert Langdon) would make you imagine about your own search for adventure in the cobbled streets crowded by tourists. You're about to settle with a car until recalling an electric car not far from where you live. It seems impractical at the moment.
Generosity would wash all over you, as you smile at the thought of showing off your (undergraduate) degree to your parents. It's the least you can do, probably the best gift that you can give to them. You don't mind a little something in return, though.
The Stuff That College Graduates Like
A bouquet of flowers. You understand your folks not having an extra hour or two to look for that perfect graduation gift. You won't sulk on Graduation Day, as you believe that they can make it up sooner or later. A bouquet of flower would be good enough (if you're a girl). No need to feel bad (if you're a boy). It might be a case of absent mindedness. You'll give it (happily) to your coursemate who has been giving you tips on your assignments.
Hardbound book. You're thinking of Rick Riordan's generosity in helping a troika of authors, who happen to know more about legends not related to Ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, Ancient Egypt, and the Norse mythology. Your roommate didn't mind the paperbacks littering the floor in your room, most of which fall under secondary reading. (Studying literature is not a walk in a park.) You have a change of mind, as you remember the upcoming novel by Philip Pullman. You haven't told your folks about it, as they might be worried about your supposedly agnostic beliefs. You happen to be a college graduate looking for adventure.
A picture frame with a nice design. It's the only sign that you're a sentimental person, and you don't dare look at your mother's reaction after seeing a shot of your happy face with your coursemates. (You were delighted that it was the first day of Reading Week.) A good memory would deserve a picture frame with a nice design. You don't want the frame to be noticed first, though.
Journal (to write down your thoughts). You haven't thought about a career in authorship. You didn't even answer your tutor's query on the possibility of going back to the university (and pursue a graduate degree). You've been wanting to write down your thoughts on a journal, though. You could have done it on your laptop, but social media have distracted you one too many.
A bottle of wine and other goodies. ** You want to share the occasion with your college buddies, and you're grateful to your parents for helping you out on this one.
Work bag. You'll look for a job very soon, and you need a work bag. You prefer a black-colored bag, big enough for the necessities. And you don't mind retro. (Your folks should be experts on this one.)
Coffee maker. ** It's arguably the perfect graduation gift. You'll save lots of money if you prepare your own cup of coffee than going to Starbucks every morning. On the other hand, your parents may be wasting their money on a coffee maker if you still have trouble getting up early.
Toolkit. You've been ducking your responsibilities when it comes to repairing your very own home. You must deal with it, as you'll be having your own space. Don't be embarrassed about asking your soon-to-be college mates about this tool or two. It should save you time, which you need for a much-needed rest after a long day's work.
The latest iPad (or Mac book). You've been using an older model, not showing your envious reaction to your coursemates (who have the latest edition). Your folks didn't seem to object to their buying an iPad (or Mac book) when you have brought it up on a number of occasions. Make sure that you won't be attached to it.
Jewelry (or watch). It might be impractical to buy one, but there's nothing wrong about showing off a bit. After all, you need to be reminded (on an hourly basis) about how your parents show their genuine appreciation on how you've worked so hard during your college years. (A little exaggeration won't hurt at this point.) Don't be a bit too careless about it.
If You Want More
If you want a holiday, then it must be a family affair. Don't be grumpy after walking along your mother's (trolley) luggage for an hour or more. Don't be annoyed if your father seems to be asking you favors when you're admiring a tourist attraction. And don't get upset when they remind you to look at them (and not at some good-looking tourist). They're paying for the holiday, so you must make a compromise.
