Towards the end of each calendar year, we do a lot of work for high schools on behalf of students or caring teachers and principals who wish to give graduates who are leaving school a memento to remember their education.  For most year 12 students there are many events and pressures happening all at the same time.  However, within a few years, most people will recall their days with a bit of nostalgia. That is why having a year or class gift is a great reward for a successful school career, along with the Year 12 Jersey and the photos that you will no doubt have already.

Selecting Gifts For Australian School Leavers

Despite what you may think selecting branded product ideas for high school graduations is rather difficult.  Why?  Well items that are fun and appealing do not have the sentimental feel or realistically quality to be kept ten years or more.  On the other hand, products that are high in quality and have a more conservative or traditional feel about them can be quite boring and not appealing at the time by the student.

So what products are a good idea and what products are best to be avoided? We reckon there are a few golden rules, based on our years of experience in the industry.

• Think long-term, a good promotional item to give someone would be clothing or a premium pen, which will last years with proper care. While snacks or perishables are great for the day, but aren't a good idea for hold onto as a memento gift.
  
  
• Any item that may stir controversy or convey a negative/illegal/unsafe message should be avoided. For example, underage students can't legally drink alcohol, so stubby coolers aren't an appropriate gift idea.
  
  
• We recommend staying clear of offensive language or anything that is deliberately mean-spirited. After all, leaving school is a time for celebration & enjoyment, so focus on the positives and accomplishments of your students and staff.
  
  
• Long-lasting products aren't all expensive, look at metal pens and keyrings as a budget-friendly alternative for schools with limited funding. Here at Cubic Promote we believe that there's a suitable option for every school to present exquisite, long-lasting gifts to graduating young people!

Personalised Gift Ideas for Graduates

So what ideas work well?  Well, based on our experience, it is how you convey your smart, witty or meaningful messages on products that counts. So, why not try to select an item that gives you the space you need to get that message across! Popular products include the following promotional items:

                  Full Colour Printed Mugs                           

        Personalised Graduation Stuff Toys

Personalised Products for Australian Students

A product that has a specific meaning to you will always be the best possible memento idea. We obviously would not be able to contribute specific ideas for you, but if you are stuck, we can help with some general tips to get your creative juices flowing. Use these tips to come up with the perfect custom branded gift:

1. Is your school near a physical place of interest or landmark?  Perhaps you are lucky enough to be by the seaside then would you consider a stress ball fish or an engraved mug. Maybe your school is surrounded by a large volume of trees then maybe a quality engraved wooden pen would be a great idea. Tell us what landmarks are near your school, and we can come up with ideas for you.
   
   
2. The history of your school. Is there a heritage or a tradition to your school or its school leavers that no one else knows about? Use the images and motifs of this tradition or an actual product that is associated with this tradition for your graduation gifts.
   
   
3. Events that occurred throughout the year which have meaning or resonates. Perhaps it could be significant events that have occurred within the past few years.  Good or bad it may be worthwhile remembering by having it represented onto a branded gift.
   
   
4. Anticipated future events! Is there an event that is common to all that will be happening in the future?  If so use that as the basis for specific product ideas.

Leaving year 12 high school is a significant milestone and using custom branded gifts to remember the occasion is a very sweet way to remember your school days. Check out our tips and ideas page for more great inspiration and ideas.

Cubic Promote delivers personalised student gifts to NSW, VIC, ACT, TAS, SA, WA, QLD, and NT. Order today!

Author Profile: Wendy

Wendy is the general manager of Cubic Promote and has 14 years of experience in the promotional product industry. Wendy is an expert on the successful execution of marketing merchandise strategies and individual products to suit a broad range of recipients. Visit her on LinkedIn.