Memorable Graduation Gifts For Tech Geeks
According to the Washington Post, the technological age is changing the face of college in America. Cynics might say that sounds like a headline created to sell newspapers, but take a look at the data behind the hyperbole, and they have a point. The number seeking tech majors has increased by more than 30 percent over the past six years, while those studying humanities are at an all-time low. There is little doubt we are raising a generation of tech geeks, and every single one of them is going to expect a memorable gift on graduation.
Adding personalization to the gift matters
Graduation is one of the most important life events in US culture, and gifts will be kept and treasured for decades. So choosing a custom graduation gift with the personal touch is absolutely essential. Don’t make the mistake of thinking a tech graduate wants a piece of technology as a gift. Two downsides are that tech gifts tend to be impersonal and the moment they leave the shelf, they are one day closer to becoming obsolete.
Leather is durable and can be personalized
So what sort of non-tech graduation gift might appeal to a tech-focused graduate in the US? It is not such a difficult riddle as it might sound when you think about the types of accessories that tech graduates need. For example, how many youngsters do you see throwing an expensive laptop into a torn backpack, or simply tucking it under an arm?
A leather laptop case looks classy and has a certain retro style about it. At first glance, it looks a little like an old-fashioned card file. They come in a choice of sizes and colors, and can be personalized with the recipient’s initials. That’s just one example of a leather gift that is ideal for tech geeks. Others include a leather desk mat, phone case or lanyard for holding a keyless entry card.
Make the gift practical
Here’s the trouble with most gifts. They end up in a cupboard or a box somewhere and only see the light of day when the recipient moves house every ten years or so. You can avoid this by making the gift practical and relevant. This means thinking about the person, and specifically, what he or she will be doing after graduation.
For example, research by Higher Education marketing agency SimpsonScarborough found that well over a third of graduates in the US take a gap year before entering the world of work or continuing their studies. That usually means significant travel, so a gift like a personalized passport holder is going to be both useful and memorable.
Alternatively, the graduate might be moving on to a new chapter in life, whether that is getting his or her first apartment or moving into university accommodation for the next stage of education. Either way, a decorative gift such as a personalized name sign to hang on the wall would most likely be appreciated.
There are other types of personalized and durable graduation gift that will prove practical in all circumstances. What’s more, they do not have to be expensive. For example, a monogrammed wallet, keychain or card holder is the type of gift that can be pressed straight into use and will always remind the receiver of the giver when it is used. If choosing a wallet, consider 21st century needs, particularly for tech geeks. A long wallet, for example, is designed to hold cash, cards and a cellphone, so is particularly practical for those who favor mobile and contactless transactions.
Food and drink related gifts
If you’re still stuck for ideas, everyone needs to eat and drink. Now taking a graduate out for a celebratory meal doesn’t really check the durable box, but there are food and drink related gifts that will last for years.
CosCups will appeal to any tech geek as they keep a drink at optimum temperature. Or to return to the personalized leather theme, how about a custom can cooler? These come in a choice of colors and can be personalized on one or both sides. It’s a fun gift that will be used in celebrations for years to come.
