Throughout the academic year, Melinda Giampietro, Options Founder/President, will share some of her favourite things in her monthly Founder’s Feature. Melinda loves reading, data, research, and following academic and adolescent news around the world.
I love graduations. From the robes to the commencement speeches, I find so much inspiration in them. This year was a special event for our family; my son graduated from university. As Covid hit in March of his first year, he had a unique experience. He learned many tough lessons on pivoting, managing expectations, building resilience, going with the flow, and creating your own unique experience; these will serve him well as he enters the “real world.”
After three years of boarding school and four years of university, we have learned what helps students thrive in a residential living environment. So, I’d love to share some of our post-secondary necessities, which all make super graduation gifts.
1) Herschel pencil kit $30
The Settleman Case, by Herschel, is the perfect place to hold pens, pencils, and paperclips for class. I have a navy polka dot one, and my son has a camo one. We have both used them for over five years. Mine lives permanently in my work backpack. It’s one of my favourite high school graduation gifts.
2) Ikea blue bags $39
My son has used these every year of moving in and out of boarding school and university. They are just so stinking practical. They are easy to label (with a good black Sharpie), durable, and no nonsense. I use them at home to store our off-season clothes.
3) Semester wall calendar $54
This is another very practical gift, and one that students will use all their post-secondary years. It’s really important to not miss assignment and assessment dates. This four-month wall calendar is so helpful to keep above a student’s desk to visualize what is due and when. It helps them spot ugly weeks before they arrive so that they can start preparing early.
Here are some fun markers, too (they are magnetic!).
4) Super comfy sheets $119
These PB Teen sheets were my son’s favourites and come in the most popular residence size (single/twin XL). They are classic and last for years. They are also easy to wash and fold up small to easily store an extra set in a dresser.
5) Patagonia toiletry kit $45
This Patagonia Black Hole Cube is the perfect thing to bring back and forth to the shower. This makes a super good graduation gift for boys.
Necessities for your desk
6) LED desk lamp $52
Every student needs a desk lamp for late night study sessions without bothering their roommate. This is a great, practical one. It has nine brightness levels, storage for pens and pencils, and a place to hold your phone.
7) Desk chair cushion $34
Most residence chairs are made of hard wood. They are not comfortable for long study sessions. This chair cushion helps to support students’ backs and posture.
8) Doorstop (thanks JW!) $16
A great strategy to meet people the first week of school is to leave your door open so that new friends can wander in. These doorstops make that super simple.
9) Noise canceling headphones $183
There is so much research out there about the effectiveness of noise canceling headphones as study and concentration aids. Universities and colleges are noisy places, so these can be a first line of defense to be able to study anywhere. I am a big fan of these Jabra Elite 85t’s as an alternative to the standard AirPod Pros.
10) NutriBulletPro 900 $110
I highly recommend buying a mini-fridge with a freezer. Your student will be able to keep frozen fruit in it and make a healthy smoothie anytime. Smoothies are one of the best, easiest, most nutritious snacks for student brains. This NutriBullet is easy to use and easy to clean without a full kitchen. Here is my go-to smoothie recipe.
For more move-in essentials and graduation gift ideas, see our teen holiday gift guide. Remember, too, to follow along on our Instagram page @optionssolutions! Happy summer.
