Graduation Present

[Cuilidh]

My nephew (27 years old) graduates from UQ on Friday and I would like to get him a graduation present. 

He hasn’t indicated what he would like (although, as he doesn’t have much money he has asked if I could pay for the rental of his academic dress in lieu of a present, which I will do) and I don’t want to give him money (last time I did that it immediately went down the gurgler at the pub!).  He’s a real party person, not an academic type, so I’ve no idea.  There is a strong history of alchoholism in the family so don't want to encourage that.  Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas? 

[achookwoman]

Marina,  two things come to mind.   A book related to what he is studying.  Readings are very good at helping in this area.
                                                    Or if he is living in a flat or 'digs', something like a sandwich toaster,  or similar portable object.
  GOOD LUCK

[stacelee]

Not sure if this will help but the two presents we have for my son when he graduates from high school at the end of the year are a pocket watch (my son is an enormous geek) and a leatherman skeletool.  We brought them in from Amazon, but lots of places sell the skeletools here.  This is what they are http://www.leatherman.com/product/Skeletool

[obbie]

what about a pie maker... Yum

what did he study..

[snappy]

What is he planning to do now?  Is he going into the working world or scientific or academic field?

What about a beautiful pen or a pair of cufflinks if he is going out into the business world?

If he has a girlfriend a voucher for dinner at a nice restaurant to celebrate his graduation.

Or something like red ballon  - Where you can buy 'experiences' as a gift - like a speed boat ride or a flying lessons.

Also like the idea of a book too.

[courton]

A photo frame so that he can have a photo of himself and his dear relatives on grad day.

[foodiepep]

Can I ask what course he's graduating from? 

[Cuilidh]

He's done Spanish and anthropology (I think)! - isn't that terrible, not even being 100% positive.  After a 6 month break (teaching English as a second language, probably in mainland China), he plans to go on to ANU for another year or so then hopes to get work with new immigrants / refugees.

[mcmich]

If he is going over seas, a really good backpack or luggage may be useful.

[cookie1]

Something from Red Balloon would be nice. Give him a voucher and then he can redeem it for what he would like.
             http://www.redballoon.com.au/

[snappy]

If he is going over seas, a really good backpack or luggage may be useful.

Or depending on your budget, a digital camera to capture his travels.

Does he have an ipad? If not, maybe some money towards one so he can use it to stay in touch

[gertbysea]

Gift card at Peters then he can buy whatever.

Gert

[astarra]

Have no boy present ideas so asked DH - he suggested maybe a dictionary  or a torch...   Guess who's DH has a torch collection about as big as my cookbook collection? 

I passed HSC in Spanish!!!! Nice to hear of others studying it!!

[Cuilidh]

Thanks for all your ides everyone.  I think I have narrowed it down to a gift voucher - either Red Balloon (I hadn't even thought of them) or Kathmandu.  He has travelled a lot so will probably have most of his travelling kit.  The leatherman tool also sounds like a good idea so, now, all I need is the time to organise something.

[fundj&e]

 is he a collector of anything marina