A few gift ideas for new graduates

The coming weeks will be full of opportunities for family and friends to offer new graduates a congratulatory gift.

Some high school graduates will continue their studies at colleges and universities. Others may pursue careers in various trades. Still, some graduates may be ready to enter the workforce right away. No matter the direction, these gifts can treat graduates to something special.

Travel accessories

Graduates may want to go on a trip before they take the next step in their lives. Quality travel gear is a worthy investment. Select luggage that won’t exceed airport carry-on limits so grads can cut the baggage check lines when they dart away to locales near or far. Carry-on bags also fit easily in bus cargo areas or in the trunks of cars. Pair the gifts with standard or digital luggage tags.

Streaming TV device

While it’s certainly possible to watch favorite shows or films on mobile devices, viewing is that much clearer on televisions. Rather than graduates having to invest in cable television wherever they go, streaming devices like AppleTV or Roku are portable, which means they can be used at home, in a dorm room or on vacation.

Secured credit card

Individuals typically are eligible to apply for credit cards once they reach age 18, which is the age most students are when they graduate high school. Credit cards are one method of establishing solid credit, so it can be beneficial for a teen to have one. But it can be challenging for individuals with no credit histories to get approval. A secured card, according to CapitalOne, is a credit card that requires money deposited with the credit card issuer in order to open the account. This security deposit is held by the issuer as long as the account is open. Often the security deposit is the same as the credit limit. Gift-givers can help establish secured cards for grads by providing the funds for the security deposits.

Wireless earbuds or headphones

Upgrade grads’ audio with the newest wireless earbuds or headphones. This way they can take them to the gym or use them to listen to shows or music while sharing spaces with others, including college roommates.

Smartphone wallet case

Teenagers are seldom with - out their phones. A smartphone wallet case enables graduates to stash IDs, credit or debit cards and some cash into specially designed pockets built into the phone cases. This keeps all essentials in one spot.

Framed memorabilia

Whether a graduate was a star athlete or a premier member of the marching band, gift-givers can provide special memories of time spent in school. Frame ticket stubs, sports jerseys, show programs, or other memorabilia that commemorates a graduate’s glory days at their alma mater.

— MetroCreative

Kimberly W. Young

YOUNG, Kimberly W., of Mechanicsville, Va., went to be with the Lord on May 22, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents, Oris (Buddy) and Rose Marie Wyatt. She is survived by her beloved husband, David A. Young of 24 years; her brother, Michael Wyatt, wife, Kim; and sister, Jackie Franklin, husband, Steve; and aunt to Ashley, Caitlyn, Alan and Meredith whom each held a special place in her heart. A graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Kim enjoyed a successful business career through Horizon Hobby and Media General Corporation where lifelong friendships were made with those that helped shape her personal and professional life. Upon retiring from Media General, Kim found her niche working in the finance office at Cool Spring Baptist Church where she met David, her future husband. Playing golf with her friends in the Belmont Ladies Golf Association and on her vacations with David was her passion. Her strength and drive to overcome all obstacles, love of her family and faith leads us forward as our shining light. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. with a memorial service to follow at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at Cool Spring Baptist Church, 9283 Atlee Station Rd., Mechanicsville, Va. Special thanks to the Cool Spring Ministry team, countless friends and family that were so supportive of her during these times. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in her memory to Giving — Cool Spring Baptist Church Benevolent fund.

Tips for a healthier summer

Colds might not be as common in summer as they are in winter, but anyone who has ever had a cold when the weather outside is warm and inviting knows just how unpleasant a runny nose, sore throat and lack of energy can be when everyone else seems to be outside soaking up the sun. Indeed, there’s no substitute for feeling fit and healthy in summer. A healthy summer is one when individuals avoid illness and make the most of a time of year when no one wants to battle colds or other issues that affect their wellbeing. The following are a handful of strategies that can help people enjoy a healthy summer.

Protect your skin from the sun. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends individuals apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun-protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher before going outside. Sunscreen should then be reapplied as necessary and especially after swimming or excessive sweating. The American Cancer Society notes that sunburn that blisters can increase risk for skin cancer, but sunburns affect short-term health as