Readers Respond: What Are Your Gift Ideas for Adult Students?

Responses: 6

By Deb Peterson, About.com Guide

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What do you buy the non-traditional students on your holiday gift list? Share! We need ideas! Share your ideas!

For the sentimental person, a homemade card with family photo or a collage will be appreciated. Gift cards are always good and tickets to their favorite team play or to a theatrical production to celebrate. Finally, dinner is always nice and you can present your grad with an engraved gift that can be practical or simply sentimental.
—Guest Libb

Students are always cramming, so they're notoriously tired. Give them a Starbucks gift card or put together a Starbucks gift pack with coffee, those DELICIOUS vanilla scones, and a coffeehouse CD. Perfect!
—Kelly_Roell

If the student has children -- offering to take them to a museum, amusement park, or something else while Mom or Dad studies for finals is a Great Big Gift. If the student is commuting and is tight for money, a filled gift card for gas is also a big support. And don't forget to help the student find time and space for herself or himself -- a spa coupon, a CD of relaxing music, etc.
—Guest JJL

The gift that I treasured most was the gift of time. When someone volunteered to help with chores that took away from studying, working fulltime, and raising a child, sincerely appreciated that gift. Not all gifts are monetary. Also, gift certificates are work.
—Guest Martha Grant

I found Swarovski Crystal Stemware Rings. They identify each wine glass (or other stemware) by the color of the crystals. They also have a beautiful filigree bead on each one. They can be informal or formal, and will be used often. They are at: kasarodesigns.com Scroll down the home page to see the Stemware link. We have started using these as our wedding gift/student gift/housewarming gift of choice. They are new and unique and everyone really loves them.
—RobbySmiles

Hi I will be going back to school in January after a 5 year break. If someone were to get a gift for me I would ask for a gift card to help go towards the purchase of textbooks, a gas card (especially for those that have a car and have a long commute) a laptop-something thin and light weight. And an iPad! I will be a commuter and am thinking about getting one. Many textbooks are available on the iPad and is a lot easier than lugging around huge textbooks! :-) that is a pricey gift and I am trying to convince my boyfriend to get it for me! :-D
—Guest Jessica

Deb Peterson
Continuing Education Guide