Gift Ideas for 2015 Grads

Here are 9 gift ideas that you might want to consider for your 2015 U of A grad:

1  An Alma Mater Hoodie

Available at the U of A Bookstore

On a practical note, the hoodie will provide your new grad with warmth on those chillier days - but on a higher level, every time they put on their hoodie, it will be like a getting a cozy hug from their school. And from you (if you purchase it for them).

2  A Degree Frame

Available here

Although it's only a piece of paper, a university degree represents at least four years of achievement and hard work. That achievement deserves to be celebrated and acknowledged. Plus, the degree should be kept in a safe place - so why not stick it in a frame! Show that degree off!

3  Bears

Available at The Bookstore

No, not the actual athletics teams, and definitely not the real thing, but stuffed teddy bears are 1 - cute, 2 - good travel companions 3 - adorable 4 - a reminder of your grad's school mascots. (Although Guba and Patches aren't available...)

4  Drink Ware

Available at The Bookstore

At some point in time, your grad is going to get thirsty... so having a school branded mug and or other beverage container will be handy for them to have. Plus, most mugs, water bottles, glasses, etc. are reusable which makes the gift of drink ware environmentally friendly and sustainable. So really, a mug is a gift for your grad AND everyone else (since your grad will be saving the environment one sip at a time).

5  A Book

Available wherever you like to buy books.

During their degree, your grad probably read a lot of books. Like, LOTS of books. And chances are that the majority of those books were textbooks. Now that they've graduated though, your grad will likely get to read for FUN! You can always get them the classic "Oh, The Places You'll Go" or you can find them a book in their favourite genre, or you can offer them something that might help them navigate their post-school journey. We have a few book suggestions that we think students (and new grads) might appreciate here.
Now that they finished their degree, your grad is going to have so much time to do all of the things that they used to put off... like reading! More specifically, reading for fun! We have a few ideas for what they might want to read here.

6  Money

Available wherever you keep your cash. (If you have cash to give... it's a-okay if you don't.)

Every little bit helps, so if you'd like to help your grad begin their post-graduation savings plan, then a small (or if you're lucky, large) donation would be appreciated. 

7  A Professional Wardrobe

Available wherever your grad likes to shop.

During their time in school, your grad likely wore the average comfy university student uniform of jeans/sweatpants and a hoodie/t-shirt with pride... and that might not cut it when they enter the full-time work force. Helping your grad invest in a few professional clothing items will likely help them get their career going.

(And yes, you can totally buy them a U of A bowtie, and it WILL look awesome.)

8  A Trip

Available wherever adventure takes them.

If your grad doesn't have a job ready and waiting for them after they've finished walking the stage at convocation, that's OKAY. It means that they'll have time to look for the job that best suits them and it means that they'll have some time to explore the world beyond their classroom. If you can afford to send your grad on an exotic trip to distant lands, go for it. And if you can't, you can always send them to visit family or friends that they haven't been able to see for a while.

9  Your Congrats

Available from you.

Sometimes the most meaningful gift can simply be knowing that your loved ones are proud of you... so share your pride with them!

Bonus Gift Idea

If you can find it, I highly recommend that you offer your grad the most U of A gift out there - a Butterdome Butterdish.

Limited Availability... you might have to hunt for one.