Help me buy a cool graduation gift!

[TheLittleRoo]

I don't want to give cash... so boring! I need ideas for a good gift around $100-$150 for my two nephews. One is graduating from HS, and the other from college. The HS'er is going to college on an AWESOME baseball scholarship and will likely turn pro after his sophomore year. He'll still be living at home (not a FULL scholarship, LOL) so not so much on furniture or blenders, etc.

The college grad has a job nailed down, otherwise my Palm Pilot would've been a good choice. I'm sure they'll hook him up with gadgetry. He's a big saver. I was thinking about giving him stock in a "guy" company like Lowes or Harley Davidson to help encourage him to start saving young.

Any great ideas from this group? Things you liked getting and things you hated getting? No crystal candlesticks, I promise!

Thanks!

 

[Bounce_Tigger]

Stock is a great idea, but make sure its a company he actually likes - if he's a computer guy, give him Microsoft or Google stock, if he's into cars, go with GM or ford. Don't assume he's into Harleys or carpentry (unless you know he is)
Patriot bonds are also a surefire way of giving an investment

 

[sylvesterT21]

Stock is a great idea, but make sure its a company he actually likes - if he's a computer guy, give him Microsoft or Google stock, if he's into cars, go with GM or ford. Don't assume he's into Harleys or carpentry (unless you know he is)
Patriot bonds are also a surefire way of giving an investment

or Apple ...

or maybe an affordable suit or something for the job?


for the HS grad, maybe some school sweatshirts (if he doesn't have them already) or maybe some computer accessories (especially if he's getting a laptop for college) or even just a good backpack/messenger bag for bringing stuff to class....all more practical things that he may enjoy

 

[RyanS]

Stock is a great idea, but make sure its a company he actually likes - if he's a computer guy, give him Microsoft or Google stock, if he's into cars, go with GM or ford. Don't assume he's into Harleys or carpentry (unless you know he is)
Patriot bonds are also a surefire way of giving an investment

Personally, after having just done an accounting/finance project on the auto industry, I would stay clear of Ford or GM stock, especially Ford. Last year was the first year Ford ever failed to pay a dividend, and their net income has been consistently negative.

http://moneycentral.msn.com/investor/invsub/results/statemnt.aspx?symbol=F

I'd say browse around the msn money website and look for a company that's a relatively steady performer. Of course this is just my opinion. Who knows, buying Ford now while it's low might be a good idea if they get their act together or if they break ground on some amazing new vehicle technology.


I definitely like the idea of stock as a gift though, I'll hint to my parents about then next year when I'm graduating.

 

[RyanS]

Personally, after having just done an accounting/finance project on the auto industry, I would stay clear of Ford or GM stock, especially Ford. Last year was the first year Ford ever failed to pay a dividend, and their net income has been consistently negative.

http://moneycentral.msn.com/investor/invsub/results/statemnt.aspx?symbol=F

I'd say browse around the msn money website and look for a company that's a relatively steady performer. Of course this is just my opinion. Who knows, buying Ford now while it's low might be a good idea if they get their act together or if they break ground on some amazing new vehicle technology.


I definitely like the idea of stock as a gift though, I'll hint to my parents about then next year when I'm graduating.

oops, quoted the wrong post. sorry

 

[seastars]

I don't want to give cash... so boring! I need ideas for a good gift around $100-$150 for my two nephews. One is graduating from HS, and the other from college. The HS'er is going to college on an AWESOME baseball scholarship and will likely turn pro after his sophomore year. He'll still be living at home (not a FULL scholarship, LOL) so not so much on furniture or blenders, etc.

The college grad has a job nailed down, otherwise my Palm Pilot would've been a good choice. I'm sure they'll hook him up with gadgetry. He's a big saver. I was thinking about giving him stock in a "guy" company like Lowes or Harley Davidson to help encourage him to start saving young.

Any great ideas from this group? Things you liked getting and things you hated getting? No crystal candlesticks, I promise!

Thanks!

Does he already have a laptop? That's the best grad gift ever, I use mine constantly.