What is the best gift for a new grad?
Exactly half of consumers said money, money, money, according to a survey from RetailMeNot.com.
Be ready to give generously since on average, consumers consider $165 an appropriate gift for high school graduates, $464 for college graduates, and $772 for graduate school grads. Whoa! You could find a nice gift for a lot less money.
It’s also no secret that most of us spend less on fathers during Father’s Day than we do on moms for Mother’s Day, but again, you don’t have to spend a lot to make dad feel appreciated.
Here are a few reasonably priced gifts for grads and dads that will make them feel good on their special day.
Head to Parish for a "Triple Dog Dare" Father's Day meal featuring a fully loaded local grass-fed beef burger with all the toppings including a sunny side up farm egg, three fried green tomato slices, Farmer Greg's bacon, Tucker Farms lettuce, house-made bread and butter pickles and Sweetgrass Dairy cheese all between an H&F bun. The featured burger is $18, but if dad can finish the whole thing, the restaurant will split the cost. Reserve your burger today by calling 404-681-4434. Parish, 240 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta.
The G-Shock Camouflage 3-D Zebra Watch is a great choice for dads or grads on the go. The watch is shock resistant and water resistant up to 200 meters. It has a range of features such as a backlight and flash alert, multifunction alarm and stopwatch and countdown timer. It costs $130 and is available at gshock.com.
For the dad who loves to grill, head to Kohl's for a range of grilling must-haves from grill master Bobby Flay. Mix and match items such as tongs, skewers and turners priced as low as $15 up to a grill-to-table pan for $75. The items are available in store and online at Kohls.com. Check the website for store availability as stock may vary by location.
Outfit graduates of all ages with a bag that suits them perfectly. Artbird, a small family business in New Hampshire, makes bags that feature original art and graphics in three styles. The Strappy-Go-Lucky Crossbody Sling will get busy students and young professionals out the door quickly with all of their essentials. It has a cotton flannel plaid lining and an adjustable 56-inch nylon strap. The medium "Traveler" is $24.95 (large is $29.95) at Artbird.com.
Modern dads and grads with retro tastes will love the "L!ve" Short Sleeve All Over Camo Printed Woven Shirt from Lacoste. The slim-fitting 100 percent cotton button-down shirt comes in a cool print with the signature croc on the chest. It costs $115 at Lacoste.com.
Take new graduates to McCormick & Schmick's and get a $20.14 discount on lunch or dinner when you show valid proof (diploma, diploma holder, student ID). You can also celebrate with a private dining party and get 10 percent off the tab through June 15. McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks, 600 Ashwood Parkway or 190 Marietta St., 1 CNN Center, Atlanta. See www.mccormickandschmicks.com for reservations and information.
Though it is not the best time to buy luggage, it may be an investment you have to make for the college-bound graduate. Kohl's has an American Tourister three-piece expandable set for $399.99. It rolls upright, has multiple pockets, spinner wheels and reinforced corners. The set includes large, small and carry-on sizes, and comes with a 10-year limited warranty. Online prices may vary from the store prices, so be sure to check both for a price reduction and always use any available coupons.
About the Author
