culture@dailylobo.com
What do you get for the college graduates who have everything, now that they have their bachelor’s degrees? If your friends are moving on to the job market, you’ll want to get them something meaningful to remind them of all that was good and bad — and ugly — about UNM life. But it’s best to leave the generic diploma frames and gift cards to the aunts and uncles. Here are some cheap, alternative gift ideas for the red robes of 2013, courtesy of the Daily Lobo.
A beer
It’s classic. It works. Take your pals out to Brickyard or Carraro’s for a final taste of student ghetto spirits. You can wax reminiscent or use the occasion as an excuse to act like irresponsible youths one last time before your friends have to answer to their grown-up diplomas.
Free labor
Although you may have already helped them move multiple times, you can still use graduation as an opportunity to say, “Don’t worry — I’m happy to help.” Even if you’re not, your friends will appreciate the gesture. Just make sure you don’t play the “you owe me” card later, lest you spoil the sentiment.
One last meal swipe
Why not take your pals to LaPo for a graduation meal? Oh yeah — that’s why.
A job
Finding a job is hard, and finding a career — is harder. So get your feelers out there and make the job search easier on your chums. Hit up contacts for possible openings or offer a discerning look at your friends’ résumés. If nothing else, you can help them find temporary “pay your bills” jobs while they look for their dream careers.
A picture together
Sure, it’s cliché, but sometimes simple is best. Why not immortalize your time at Red Rally or Fiestas in a sweet frame? Coming up short on UNM memories? Hit up Star Wars Day at 11 a.m. tomorrow in the SUB and make some new ones. Use a Polaroid camera for an antique touch — or just to make them feel old.
Netflix membership
Instant streaming is pretty much an entertainment necessity nowadays, so topping off someone’s Netflix membership is almost the same as giving cash, but with Netflix you can constantly badger your friends about the TV shows they haven’t watched yet.
