Courtesy of Samsung U.S.
Prom is coming up, and caps and gowns are soon to follow. The next step will be a big for seniors who will continue on with their education. They’ll finally get the freedom they’ve been yearning for, but what’s that? Responsibilities come with that? Oh yes, young grasshopper, you will need to do laundry, prepare meals occasionally, and condense your life into the space of half a dorm room. You will be granted one wish… the help from adults in form of a gift. So adults, if there is a special grad-to-be in your life, here’s a creative list of fun gifts, and fun versions of practical gifts for your high school seniors.
TECH
Samsung Galaxy Camera – This 21x optical zoom camera runs on Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) and can access apps, music, video, etc., making this a very smart camera, and still relevant compared to smart phones.
Macbook Pro – The Macbook Pro has a retina display and is a true workhorse, which is why it’s very popular with college students. It can be bought at Creative Computing.
HTC One or Samsung Galaxy S4 – These two phones will be battling it out for the number one spot, and either would make an excellent gift. The S4 will be available on more carriers.
HyperJuice Plug – This high-capacity (15,600mAh) portable battery back will fully power up a mobile phone and a tablet simultaneously in about 1.5 hours. A must have for power-hungry smart phones.
Vizio Smart TV – The built-in apps include Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Crackle, Hulu Plus, YouTube, Facebook, Pandora and more for video on demand, streaming music, and viewing photos.
Compact 85-Lumen Pocket Projector – Brookstone’s portable projector connected to a smartphone, tablet, or laptop could display video, and substitute for a TV if you don’t need live programming. It also enhances watching a movie.
Courtesy of Roku
Roku 3 – Already have a TV for your grad? Then pick up this streaming player to convert it into a smart TV. It has the same apps as the Vizio above plus HBO GO, for a total of 750 channels for on-demand viewing.
iPad with Retina Display – Great for streaming video, gaming, and listening to music in bed with headphones. Of course, it can be used for a number of other purposes!
Streaming Movies – Sign up for Netflix or Amazon Instant Video if you don’t already have an account, and give your password to your graduate who can watch movies and TV shows via a smart phone, tablet, laptop, Roku, or smart TV.
Headphones – B&W P5, Klipsch Image One, Bang & Olufsen Form 2, or Etymotic hf5 are all great choices for private listening or mobile calling.
Cloud Storage – Pay for space on iCloud, DropBox, or Box for them to store (back-up) files, music, videos, etc.
Seagate Backup Plus – This 1TB external hard drive is compatible with PCs and Macs right out of the box, and can be used to store documents, music, photos, video, etc. and back up files.
Wireless Speaker – Choose either one of the Braven speakers that have a built-in battery charger, or the Pill from Beats by Dr. Dre. They both operate via Bluetooth and provide a clear speaker phone.
DORM
Keurig – Single cup brewing system for a fresh cup of Joe to wake up to, or keep them awake while cramming.
Dry-Erase Write Fridge – Allows you to write messages on front of the fridge.
Pizza Oven and Microwave – This is a winning combo for a dorm.
Master Lock Portable Safe – This can protect small items like a wallet, passport, phone, etc. in a container that can be secured with the lock and cable. Available at Home Depot.
CAMPUS LIFE
Decked – This shop in town carries skateboards that can be used for transportation or recreation on campus.
Tailgate Party – Freshman usually don’t get to have cars on campus, but that shouldn’t stop them from tailgating. Buy tickets to the homecoming game and pick up some customized tailgating and stadium gear from Sports Unlimited or Team Tailgate Shop.
Check out last year’s post for more ideas!