5 possible presents for your graduating millennial

I could still remember asking my mom for a Nokia 3310 cellphone for my high school graduation present more than a decade and a half ago. She bought me a blue one.

How I wish I had requested something more timeless and classic instead of a gadget that would last for only a couple of years.

In the modern times of social media, many millennials do not chase after material things so much as seek out life and cultural experiences. Memories and priceless moments in faraway places will outlive any cutting-edge smartphone, tablet, or technology-enabled stuff.

Here are some (hopefully timeless!) gift suggestions for your graduating child, sibling, grandchild, niece or nephew.

Analog wristwatch

The thing with an analog (a watch with minute, hour, and second hands) is that their don’t have to be expensive, nor be bought and given brand-new.

Most analog watches might not offer any other function other than telling the time and date, but their style and aesthetic value are what makes them timeless and classic.

International or domestic trip

Landmarks, attractions, culture, and cuisine—and experiencing a new place: No present quite gets the juices of young people going nowadays than leaving Metro Manila or the Philippines on an all-expenses paid trip.

Whatever destination you choose: the provinces (Cebu, Bohol, or Davao), somewhere within Asia (Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, or South Korea) or inter-continental (Australia, Europe, North America), make sure to take lots of photos, sample to local dishes, and spend quality time with the new graduate in the family.

Cruise

This next option might not sound sexy or exciting at first—but experience-wise, it may win the pound-for-pound title in this graduation gift list.

Star Cruise’s flagship, the SuperStar Virgo (left), will dock at the port of Manila in the next few days. Available until May 23, the six-day/five-night cruise will take passengers from Manila (Manila South Harbour) to Laoag, Ilocos Norte then on to Kaohsiung in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and then back to Manila for disembarkation.

Rates start at $1,310 for two persons, inclusive of full-board meals, access to the ship’s facilities, and entertainment options.

Class ring

To really commemorate your new graduate’s accomplishment, a class ring or college ring with his/her alma mater’s logo and year of graduation is the perfect choice. It is ideal to have one made with a trusted and experienced jeweler; if you don’t have one, Helen Jewelry Shop on 927 Ongpin Street, Binondo, Manila makes class rings in men’s and women’s sizes in whatever material (gold, silver, etc.) and design you desire.

Water and dust-resistant smartphones

If your new graduate really insists on getting a smartphone for his/her gift, make sure that that gadget would last more than two or three years; that means being water-, dust-, and shockproof.

Here are some brands and models you might want to check out:

Samsung’s midrange Galaxy A Series (the A5 with a 5.2-inch Super AMOLED screen, and the bigger A7 with a 5.7-inch display) is dust-resistant and can be immersed in 1.5 meters of freshwater for 30 minutes; in short, pretty much indestructible.

The rest of the specifications aren’t too shabby either: 1.9GHz octa-core processors, 3GB of RAM, and 16 megapixel front and rear cameras. The A5 (P19,990) comes in black and gold colors while the A7 (P23,990) includes an exclusive blue color option.

For the more budget-conscious, there’s the water-resistant Vivo V5 (P12,990, with an Android 6.0 Marshmallow, an octa-core processor, 32GB of storage, 3GB RAM, 13MP rear camera, and 16MP front-facing/selfie camera).

High-end options include Apple’s iPhone 7 (starts at P37,990 for the 32GB version) and 7 Plus (starts at P44,990 for the 32GB) which come with IP67 ratings, iOS 10, and new jet black finishes; and Samsung’s flagship S7 (P34,980, 32GB) and S7 Edge (P39,984, 32GB) phones, both with IP68 ratings.

Happy shopping! — BM, GMA News