Great gifts for the graduate, next to their diplomas.

By Liz Anne Bautista

HIGH HEELS (Php4,995) Available at Topshop Greenbelt and Rockewell
An old sage once said to me, “Wear good shoes and those good shoes will take you to good places.” Okay, it's no old sage, it's just my mom—but she does know what she's talking about. For a graduate (especially those of the fairer persuasion), it's always nice to have an awesome pair of shoes to accompany them on their new and exciting journey.
MY PILIPINAS MOLESKINE NOTEBOOK (Php995/Php1,480) Available at all National Bookstore branches
Moleskine is the legendary notebook used by artists, writers, and intellectuals like Hemingway and Picasso. And just this February, Moleskine and Collezione-C2 collaborated on a limited-edition notebook that features the Philippine archipelago design on the cover. It's a great gift for young, up-and-coming artists who’ve already got a knack for nationalism.
BARACK OBAMA COMMEMORATIVE WATCH (Php12,000) Available at Lucerne
What better way to inspire a fresh grad than by giving them a Barack Obama commemorative watch from Lucerne, to remind them that nothing is impossible for those willing to do and dare.
JANSPORT AIR CURE LAPTOP BAG (Php5,290) Available at Travel Club
Like an army that’s always ready for battle, a new graduate must be prepared as he joins the corporate world. It is a must that he arms himself with the necessary weapons! They’ll love you forever if you give them a laptop, but a laptop bag would also be greatly appreciated—and less expensive—alternative.
LIMITED EDITION SUBWAY SHADES (P7,990) Ray Ban
Now, not every fresh grad is jumping right off to the workforce. Some will want to take their time, maybe put on their Ray Ban shades and take a vacation once they receive that hard-earned diploma. Besides, March isn’t just all about commencement exercises—it also spells sun, fun, and glorious beaches. Summer fling optional.
N97 MINI (price available upon request) Sold at all Nokia branches
This stylish, sleek, and savvy phone lets new graduates stay connected wherever they go. This newest offering from Nokia lets them access web content and services at a touch, capture high-quality photos and videos, and a built-in Assisted GPS receiver and integrated compass will help them navigate in the right direction, metaphorically and literally.
CANON PIXMA iP100 (Php12, 695) and G11 (Php33,950) Available at all Canon stores and resellers
Give the fresh grad a new hobby to keep them sane whilst they saunter into the fast-paced, corporate world. This Canon combo is all about taking perfect, quality photos and printing them in a snap, which is perfect for their soon-to-be on-the-go lifestyle.
SMOOTH MINERAL FOUNDATION (Php499), SMOOTH MINERAL BLUSH, (Php399), and SMOOTH MINERAL EYE-SHADOW (Php399) All from Avon Cosmetics
For the female graduates, why not give them something to enhance their natural beauty during those nerve-racking job interviews? This new line of mineral makeup, which is made from quality, natural ingredients, is great for everyday use since it’s chemical-free and non-clogging!
CEBU PACIFIC TRAVEL PACKAGES (Check out www.cebupacificair.com for rates and promos)
Open them up to a whole new experience after graduation, by giving them travel packages to exotic places. I'm sure they'll be more than willing to rise to the challenge of exploring a different and unfamiliar environment.
COFFEE MUGS (P450 each) Available at all Team Manila branches
The most caffeine I've ever consumed was during the years following my college graduation. Even if they don't drink coffee now, with the time pressures of work, deadlines, meetings, and such, there is a 90-percent chance they will soon.