The Complete Guide to Graduation Gifts

Survival tip number 1: comfort. We all want to look our best, of course, especially when thousands of eyes will be on us. However, graduation day requires a lot of moving around. For this reason, mixing comfort with style is the key. Pick an age-appropriate attire that is semiformal and comfortable all while representing you! Stay away from tight-fitting, itchy, or stiff clothing.

Graduation day can be very long. A lot of standing and waiting is involved. Need we remind you that there is nothing fun about enduring the pain of blisters on the feet? For young ladies who absolutely must wear heels on stage, it is worth purchasing a pair of flexible ballet flats to wear until it is time to go on stage. You’ll be happy you took this suggestion seriously!

Plan to arrive a bit early to prepare yourself, get familiar with the space, and find good seats for your guests. The worst possible thing would be for you to be late or to miss your graduation! Not only would being late stress you out, but it would disappoint the friends and family who have waited all this time to see you only to not see you.

Graduation caps are not the most flattering hats. They tend to be one-size-fits-most and quite awkward to secure on the head. When planning out your graduation day hairstyle, make sure you choose something that will look good with a cap. Girls especially should be careful not to have their hair tied up too high on the head. Most Canadian girls decide to have their hair down.

Pick one of your family members or another one of your guests to be your designated photographer for the event. This way, you can plan together which photos you would like to have taken. Make sure your photographer has a good camera, and plan where they will stand when you receive your diploma so you know where to look! Now that’s the money shot!

Depending on which province you live in, the weather can get quite warm come graduation time. And, unlike high school, many universities and college graduation ceremonies are in the middle of summer. In some Canadian cities, the weather can go up to 40° Celsius. That’s hot on the face. Whether the ceremony is outside or you anticipate long outdoor photo sessions, make sure you do not get a sunburn while you wait around under the sun. Lay it on!

Unless you are attending your graduation alone and have no choice but to carry a bag around with you, try to set it aside for the ceremony and pictures. Have a designated purse holder, like your mom or a friend to hold your bag during the ceremony.

Though the fanny pack might be regarded as one of those funny 80s fashion items, they’re invisible under a graduation robe. Because you cannot bring your big purse with you on stage, this makes it difficult to look your best by the time you step out in front of the crowd. Have your essentials (a comb, a lipstick, tissues) in a fanny pack under your robe so you can discretely have your things ready when you need them.

Imagine fainting on stage because you are parched and starved. Scary. Make sure you eat a good meal beforehand to avoid a mini disaster. Take some vitamins in the morning along with a healthy breakfast. You could also pack a snack or two in your bag to munch on throughout the day. Energy bars and nuts don’t take much space and work wonders!

As much as you may feel exhausted from waiting around, remember to smile for your pictures and make the most out of your day. These photos will be in your mom and grandmother’s wallet for . . . eternity, so make them good!