College Survival Kits

For high school graduation gifts this year I've been giving "College Survival Kits." I start with a large shower caddy I got at Target's dollar spot (although it was $2.50) www.target.com.

I stand my Three Steps to Time Management for the College Student (www.1-2-3GetOrganized.com/collegemgt.html) in the back section of the caddy and surround it with scissors, a can opener, one setting of silverware, a mug, a screwdriver set, index cards, a glue stick, super glue, a glass with measuring cup markings on it, some candy, a granola bar, some instant oatmeal, a chip clip, a squirt gun :-), a first aid kit, a sewing kit, a pop-up mesh laundry basket, and a stain stick. I'm sure I'm forgetting something!

My graduation gifts this year have been for girls, but you could use a small trashcan or other storage container for guys. For either gender you could add coffee or restaurant gift cards if you wish.

Then I place the container in a gift basket bag and tie it up with colorful ribbons. I print up a personalized card on my computer, "Becca's College Survival Kit," for example, sign the back, punch a hole in a corner and slide a ribbon through it and tie it onto the package.

If you know the graduate well, you can personalize the goodies. One of our foster daughters is graduating this year. I know she doesn't like oatmeal, so I substituted a canned latte drink instead the granola bar and oatmeal. And she loves gummy candy, so that's what I chose for her.

Another idea is to give a gift certificate of a cookie care package each month. It's fun to think outside the box when giving gifts!