5 Top Picks for Christmas Holiday Like a Fairytale

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

As the festive period of the year sneaks up on us in a couple of weeks from now, it might be a good idea to plan ahead if you are looking to spend the holidays somewhere special. Not sure on where to go? Then here are some hidden gems to consider if you want to enjoy an experience that resembles the most to a Christmas fairytale like the one you have dreamed about. These are about as close as it gets to the real thing! 

Whichever idea you may have set as the perfect Christmas fairytale, it probably entails white days, warm nights, campfires, theme markets, warm drinks and cozy nights in. It’s a part of what many of us see Christmas as the favorite holiday season– the white ground laden with a magical feeling floating in the air! There are definitely quite a few places that can fit this description, yet we’ve gathered 5 top choices promising to offer majestically Christmas vacation.

Bibuby, Cotswolds, UK

This wonderful rural part of the United Kingdom can feel like a true Christmas special. If you find that you want to enjoy the beauty of Christmas in a fine festive theme, this might be the place to go. With fabulous thatched roofs to the old-school yellow-stone walls, Bibuby is a location that manages to capture that iconic Christmas look in kind.

If you were to receive a post card of this place, you would likely believe it was a fictional location made just for the setting of a Christmas movie, such is the quaint and wonderful nature of the town.

Dinant, Belgium

Dinant, one of the most picturesque towns in Belgium’s Wallonia region is a fine place to visit if you want to experience something that is bound to have that true festive feeling to it. This is a lovely hotspot for winter travel, based just on the beauty of the Meuse River. It looks magnificent during this cold weather, with the shine of the frost coming down and landing perfectly across the ground to make that true Winter Wonderland feeling.

Add in the fact that old ivy-clad castles and forts still stand so proudly here, and you can easily see why people might feel more than comfortable coming here for a winter break. It carries a unique and charming design that is pretty hard to forget, as well as a city that has all the appeal of a true Christmas fairytale story. 

For a picturesque Christmas this year that looks the part, Dinant is the perfect choice.

Rakotz Bridge, Kromlau Town, Germany

Don’t let the name fool you. This stunning bridge called Rakotzbrücke (Devil’s Bridge) as the locals call it can be found in Kromlau, Germany and is one of the most fantastically designed and detailed locations for a festive feeling and shine. It’s got a classy look that can be hard to forget, as well as a fine combination between the beauty of nature and the hardship of man to make that beauty stand out even more than ever before. 

This is a location that manages to fit the two perfectly together. The awesome stone bridge manages to appear almost natural, with a rather uneven look making it appear as if it was all put together without human touch!

For a Christmas wonderland design, this is the perfect place to pick and experience winter tranquility like never before. Constructed over 150 years ago, the bridge itself has a wonderful river below it that reflects wonderfully.

This creates the impression of a circular design – especially in the winter, when the snap of the ground illuminates back up and creates the perfect look down below. Hence, it goes to show that choosing Kromlau and Rakotz Bridge as your travel destination is definitely bound to be one of the most memorable sights at Christmas!

Giethoorn Village, Netherlands

This stunning like Dutch ton in the northeastern province of Overijssel, Netherlands is the perfect place to spend Christmas if you are looking for a place away from the bigger cities and be somewhere far more natural, less bothersome and nowhere near as busy. This stunning little town is known by many as the “Venice of the North” due to the fact that it’s loaded with canals like the famous Italian city.

When the frost of the winter helps to bring this all together and create something exemplary, it does create that truly wonderful Christmas fairytale look. If you arrive before the frost sets in then you can hire a little boat and go along the canals, taking in a winter sight that is truly hard to top.

From the shining lights from the houses and the locals to the stunning reflection of the town on the water, this manages to sell the picture of winter like few other places in this wonderful nation.

If you are going to be in the Netherlands for Christmas, then you should definitely do yourself a favor and pop down to the Giethoorn area to take in one of the most relaxing festive periods around.

Shirakawa Village, Japan

As a location well-known for making the most stunning take on winter-style designs, Japan makes its mark on this list with the pristine and wonderful Shirakawa Village, located in Ōno District, Gifu Prefecture. Easily seen by many as one of the most natural and fitting winter images around, this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a good reason. The small traditional village is something that can appear like it came directly from the tomes of a Christmas book, with a welcoming and engaging layout mixed with the tranquil, calm nature of the wilderness.

From stunning farmhouses which are centuries old to the snowcapped roofs that have stood for equally as long, this is a little location that really helps to show everyone what the true heart and beauty of Christmas is.

Final Words

Feel like you want to grab your passport and take the first flight to reach one of these destinations? We know the feeling! If you want Christmas this year to be a little bit more exciting than before, these magical places are worth considering. Obviously, these are just a few locations to check out, but each offers a distinctive and rather amazing Christmas fairytale type holiday for you and your loved ones.

From the comfort and calmness of a festive period to the beauty of lights and layout, the above list can satisfy any curiosity and preference, adding some stardust to your Christmas! Enjoy!

NOW READ: Tech Gadgets That Make Traveling a Breeze

Need more articles? No problem! Be sure to subscribe to our Daily Newsletter and YouTube channel. It's just that easy.

*by andreascy*

8 Ways Digital Storytelling Transforms Learning in 21st Century Education: The Research Evidence

Posted by Dr Stephania Savva

Description :

Following the proliferation of technology and multimedia an evolution in making and telling stories has resulted in digital storytelling (DST). 

Here we get into the basics of DST and how research findings in the past decade suggest it works as a transforming tool for learning in 21st century education. 

What is Digital Storytelling?

Digital storytelling is a constructivist approach to learning that emerged in the late 1980’s at the Center for Digital Storytelling (CDS) in California. This technique is a “modern expression of the ancient art of storytelling” (The Digital Storytelling Association 2011). Storytelling throughout the centuries has been a popular and compelling way to communicate and share knowledge and experiences, and has been used as a pedagogical tool long now. 

In today’s digitized world with teachers entering classrooms with digital natives (Prensky 2001), digital storytelling emerged as a consequence of a more systematic use of educational technology for learning. Although there is not a single definition for the term, the basic understanding is that digital storytelling uses digital tools and means such as video, audio, social media, blogging to share and communicate ideas and information effectively (Robin 2008). 

How Does it Work in the Classroom?

Digital storytelling could be integrated in the curriculum across a number of subjects despite it is seen as more useful in lessons such as Language Arts. Drawing on the principles of “learning by doing” and Dewey’s conceptualisations of education, to implement digital storytelling in the classroom students are actively engaged as creators to make original products that can be shared with their peers and the broader community, allowing for audience interaction and feedback. In other words students are put in the driver’s seat as they navigate their way through the following four phases of the digital storytelling process: 1) Pre-production; 2) Production; 3) Post-production; and 4) Distribution. 

The Center for Digital Storytelling is known for developing and disseminating the Seven Elements of Digital Storytelling: Point, Dramatic Question, Emotional Content, Pacing, Gift of your Voice, Economy and Soundtrack. These are often cited as a useful starting point for effective instructional use of digital stories in the classroom. A more recent adaptation of the Seven Elements is found in Samantha Morra’s (Google certified teacher) explanation and visual on the process of digital storytelling. This process comprises 8 steps (Figure 1):

• Begin with an Idea

• Research/Explore and Learn

• Write/Script

• Storyboard/Plan

• Gather/Create images, Gather/Create Audio, Gather Create Video

• Put it all together

• Share

• Feedback and Reflect 

Figure 1: Digital Storytelling Process by Samantha Morra

Little empirical research has been conducted to date that investigates the benefits of digital storytelling in the classroom although it has been acknowledged as a technology-integrated approach for meaningful and engaged student learning. In the rather limited research that is available, the overarching agreement is that digital storytelling enhances students’ uptake of essential 21st-century literacy competencies or 4Cs of Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity (Partnership for 21st century learning) and enables a deeper understanding in all areas of the curriculum.

How Digital Storytelling Transforms Education: Research Findings 

In the following paragraphs we summarize eight ways that illustrate the transformative impact of digital storytelling for learning based on comparing findings from a number of empirical studies (e.g. Dreon, Kerper, & Landis 2011; Malita & Martin 2010; Robin 2008; Smeda, Dakich & Nalin Sharda 2014; Yang & Wu 2012) that were conducted in the last decade. 

1. Embraces Learning of 21st Literacies 

It is the responsibility of policy makers and educators to design and deliver curriculum that engages students in learning experiences that address the increasing demands of a multicultural, constantly evolving multimedia-based world. Literacy pedagogy and research are incremental towards such a direction: literacy refers to a repertoire of practices learners use to engage in meaning making that derives from spoken, print, and multimedia. Various literacies have been identified such as media, visual, global and digital literacy. Research suggests that students who engage in creating digital stories develop deep understanding of these literacies through the different steps needed to create their digital stories and thus gain knowledge on how to employ literacies in a way that is meaningful and empowers them as learners in a postmodern world.

2. Advances Critical Thinking and Deeper Learning 

Another main learning influence of digital storytelling as the research points out is in advancing students' critical thinking and deeper learning. The research skills needed as students explore their topic to create their digital stories, require higher level thinking skills such as evaluating evidence, editing and curation, and production timelines. Students have to critically reflect on sources by using databases and combine tools in meaningful ways to create their work. Through this process deeper learning is promoted as students master core academic content drawn from the curriculum and learn to solve complex problems that arise during the production of the digital story. In many occasions the research findings suggest, students were able to reach to metacognitive understandings through engagement in digital storytelling. 

3. Enhances Academic Achievement and Student Outcomes

A crucial indication of the impact of digital storytelling is the effect on students’ academic performance or as often stated student outcomes. The findings from evaluation of students’ performance through means of both qualitative and quantitative methods exemplify how digital storytelling in particular is effective for language learning for example for second language learners, as it enhances their writing, communication and listening comprehension skills. Such evidence complies with reports published by the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) which suggest that the educational uses of technology produce improved student learning outcomes.

4. Boosts Students’ Engagement and Motivation

A definite conclusion for digital storytelling that is found across research findings is how the use of digital media and other tools to engage in creating digital stories, highlight the increased levels of student engagement and motivation. Technology-rich classrooms are in general producing higher levels of engagement amongst students and digital storytelling is one compelling method to achieve such performance. The perceived usefulness students see in digital storytelling as they are challenged to actively participate and complete different tasks, lead to higher levels of learning motivation. The use of appropriate resources and editing tools is instrumental to reach student motivation and possible beneficial effects this can have. 

5. Empowers Students as Creators and Individuals

As creativity is acknowledged to be a critical competence for young learners to survive and succeed in today’s societies, the creative use of technology through means of digital storytelling is of the most significant ways that research posits transform the student learning experience. Students as creators are given the freedom and power to select their own topic and create their digital story from scratch, using an array of tools such as apps and other software. This process allows for their expressive potential to nourish in a number of ways through design, photography, writing their story and presenting it. Students are empowered and feel more confident as they use their own voice and foster a sense of individuality and “owning” their creations. They are encouraged to expose their identity and show features of their personality. 

6. Fosters Collaborative Project Based Learning

Research evidence suggests that digital storytelling can effectively promote collaborative work in the classroom. Students develop team spirit and leadership through actively working in groups to carry out their digital stories. They practice social skills as they organize their ideas together and manage their time and activities while they engage with digital content. Thus digital storytelling is a means to have students meaningfully collaborate and interact as part of an engaged community of learners. 

7. Provides an Alternative Form of Assessment

One other significant indication of the transformative effect of digital storytelling is found in its use as an alternative method of assessment. An issue that has puzzled the education sectors for years and is currently undergoing change, assessment as it is derived from findings in recent research, could benefit significantly from the use of digital storytelling. A natural fit for e-portfolios, digital storytelling could be a powerful tool for a formative form of assessment rather than the mere summative which is interested in measurable skills and scores through a test or essay. Digital storytelling allows students to assemble a meaningful piece of work that is indicative of their understanding or the content they were taught and the competencies they possess. Students demonstrate their learning and growth through presenting their digital story to a real audience in a compelling manner and receive feedback in a way that is interactive and interesting to both themselves and the teachers and their peers.

8. Offers a Personalized and Authentic Learning Experience

The importance of engaging students in meaningful and authentic learning tasks that are personally relevant according to individual needs and background is only recently gaining momentum in formal learning institutions through policy making and relevant instructional approaches. Digital storytelling is such an approach to learning as it provides authentic scenarios for students to work with and accommodates for their needs and personal learning styles and background experiences, making the lesson seem valuable and impactful through concrete products. In this sense digital storytelling caters for the diversity among the student population, whether this results from cultural, linguistic or other difference.

Conclusion 

Digital storytelling is seen as a vehicle for implementing innovative teaching and learning practices. In this article we explored how research in particular suggests it works as a powerful pedagogical learning tool for students. However, further investigation is required to establish a more holistic picture of the impact of digital storytelling in education. 

Thanks for taking the time to read this article. Let us know how you liked it and join us on our vision for more interesting stuff.

Keeping Your Treasured Photos Safe

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Just imagine all the thousands of photos stored in phones, digital cameras and laptops. The Daily Mail estimates that almost 40 percent of such individuals have no backup of those files. 

These devices break, wear out or are damaged every day, and with them thousands of photos are lost. Make sure you have backup plan for your treasured memories. Those moments in time can be lost forever if you don't protect them.

Local Backups and Broken Hard Drives

Most people know they should back up their files regularly. This often happens at home to a computer hard drive or maybe to an external drive. Local backups are a good idea because it does make a copy of the files. However, it's not such a good idea for long-term storage because hardware does break.

Backblaze estimates that 22 percent of hard drives, on average, fail in the first four years of use. The failure rate is higher if the computer or hard drive is used continually, or is used in hot, dusty environments. You also could experience a failure if there is a sudden spike on the electric circuit, such as during a lighting storm. You could lose years of photos on one failed drive.

While there are recovery services who will attempt to retrieve files off of a dead hard drive for you, these are expensive with no guarantee the recovery will be 100 percent successful. A better option is to have multiple ways of backing up your photos.

Backing Up to the Cloud

Cloud Storage Services have matured into an easy way for people to save all types of files, including photos. Most are easy to set up. Some offer automated backup, so you don't even have to remember to do the backup yourself. Some vendors require you to load small programs onto your computer to do the backup while others rely on a browser-based online application.

Having a combination of backups is safest. Do a local backup of your photos from your phone or camera to the computer and a regular backup to your cloud storage. One way to use your cloud storage is as an archival system.

Since your files are in the cloud, you have access to them anywhere. For example, photos you take during a vacation can be uploaded to your cloud storage from your hotel room and then you can access them again when you get home. Or you can check on photos you took during your last trip to your destination to see if you already have photos of certain scenic spots.

The Safety of Your Photos

USA Today finds that cloud storage is as safe as other storage options. Most cloud service providers use encryption to store your files so they can't be viewed by others. Data is stored on huge disk farms, which are constantly monitored for potential disk failures. The systems cloud providers use allow the replacement of disk drives without creating any downtime. You don't have to worry about a drive failing and losing photos.

Keeping Those Non-Digital Photos Safe

If you have a number of regular film photos, you can keep them save as well. CNET shows how you can scan those photos to create digital copies. Or you can have a service do that for you. A digital copy of a film photo is easier to store, doesn't fade, or get damaged by water or fire. You could scan your print photos and store the originals in a fireproof box or in a safe deposit box with your bank.

RECOMMENDED: 5 Ways to Preserve Precious Family Photos

We'd like to take a moment to thank everyone here for being a member of THE OFFICIAL ANDREASCY club! It's because of your great feedback and constant support that we're able to continue as a powerful community. More will come. 😊😊

*by andreascy*

5 Ways to Preserve Precious Family Photos

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

It's worse than a punch in the gut—that awful realization that your computer has crashed and your wedding photos are gone, your beach vacation photos are gone, and your baby's first birthday photos ... gone. 

You scold yourself for not backing them up, saving them to a disk, or leaving them on your memory card. You swear you'll never make that mistake again, but how can you prevent a virus from wiping out your priceless photos again? Here are a few ways to make sure they're stored safely and securely.

1. Keep them in the Cloud

Upload your precious photos to cloud storage where they'll be safely stored until you need them again. Accessing them at any time is easy, and you'll never again experience that sinking feeling that comes with knowing you've lost an entire year's worth of memories to one annoying computer crash. Different features and fee structures are available at the various providers, so do your research—decide what type of storage you need and research cloud storage rankings for dependability.

2. Save them to Disc

Another efficient way of saving your digital memories is to burn them onto a disc. According to the International Journal for the Preservation of Library and Archival Material, CD-R discs made with phthalocynine dye are the ones that stand the test of time. They're less likely to exhibit laser rot and deterioration over time. The fact that the disc is a CD-R instead of a CD-RW, also means you can't accidently copy over the photos you have stored.

If you choose this method of storage, it's still a good idea to have a backup system in place. Even the best CDs deteriorate over time, so have an alternative storage method.

3. Use an External Hard Drive

Although external hard drives can be susceptible to viruses, they're a good back up to discs and to the regular hard drive on your PC. External hard drives hold a ton of photos without slowing things down and they're easy to retrieve when you need them. PC Magazine recommends the top five external hard drives, which include: 

•  LaCie Little Big Disk Thunderbolt (1TB SSD) 

•  LaCie Rugged USB 3.0 Thunderbolt (120GB SSD) 

•  Lenovo ThinkPad USB 3.0 Secure Hard Drive 

•  Seagate Backup Plus 

•  Seagate Backup Plus Portable Drive for Mac (1TB) 

4. SD Card

SD Cards are the small memory sticks that go inside your camera before you leave on a photo expedition. These are a viable option for storing photos, except that they have a size limit and can fill up quickly if you're not cautious of your volume of large file sizes. These are also not foolproof for life, but they'll do until you have a chance to upload your memories to the cloud.

5. Combination Storage

Of all these options, cloud storage is the safest file storage method of hanging onto precious digital files. Be extra safe, however, by using a combination of storage solutions. With more than one dependable storage solutions in place, your cherished memories will be safe and secure for years to come.

SEE ALSO: Keeping Your Treasured Photos Safe

We’ve shared our ideas, now we want to ask you – how do you preserve your family memories and not lose them forever? Share them with us in a comment below!

*by andreascy*

Six Awesome Family Vacation Ideas

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

If you happen to be planning or want to plan a family vacation and have run out of ideas, you have come to the right place! 

While it may not be very exciting, advanced planning is necessary to ensure a great, stress-free vacation, and the first step in planning ahead is picking your perfect vacation spot! Here are six awesome family vacation ideas that you can consider.

1. The Grand Canyon

This might sound rote, but it can actually be a fun and inspiring experience to visit the Grand Canyon. While it is a popular location, you have to make advanced reservations. You cannot wait until the last minute, especially if you want to experience some interesting things like the mule trip.

The South Rim is opened all year round. However, you can only access it during the months of May through October. If you have never been to the Grand Canyon, this is a great experience for the entire family. Its scenic view and awe-inspiring geography will positively captivate you.

2. The Outer Banks

In the state of North Carolina, the Outer Banks is a great place to visit during your family vacation. It is a chain of barrier islands connected to bridges and ferries. The beaches are magnificent.

Throughout the year, weather is usually mild. However, in August and September, you can expect a change in weather because of the hurricane season. The off-season is between September and May. You may be able to get better rates then.

3. Miami, Florida

Miami, Florida, is a hot (literally!) vacation spot where you will find so many things to do as a family. You can go shopping or visit the museum, zoo, and parks. Miami has many street fairs, concerts and festivals, as well. There will never be a boring day on your Miami vacation.

For active, outdoor fun, you can go scuba diving, sailing, biking, snorkeling and fishing. You can also play golf or tennis. And be prepared to do a lot of walking if you are a shopaholic! On South Beach, there are fun night clubs to enjoy, as well as a diverse cultural cuisine at exotic restaurants.

4. Maine Coast

The Maine Coast is a long stretch of white, sandy beaches. There are many hotels, rentals and beautiful beach villas to choose from. There are also restaurants located along the ocean.

You will be able to do all of your shopping in Freeport. The peak season is during July and August, but the best to vacation on the Main Coast is after Labor Day in September.

5. Great Wolf Lodge

If you live in a cold climate and want to escape the snow without leaving the country, the Great Wolf Lodge, an indoor water park, is a great option (especially if you have young kids!).

These indoor water park resorts can be found all over the country, including North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Texas, Wisconsin, Missouri and Kansas just to name a few. It’s also a great option if you live in a tropical climate (like Florida) and want to escape somewhere colder without being entirely at the mercy of snow!

6. Caribbean Cruise

To get away during the winter, you can opt for a Caribbean cruise. Places like the Bahamas, Jamaica and Barbados are ideal vacation spots all year round.

The climate is similar to Florida’s. A cruise offers fun and interesting things to do for the entire family!

Which one would you choose? 😍😎

GIVE THE GIFT OF MEMORIES: 5 Top Picks for Christmas Holiday Like a Fairytale

Subscribe on our Newsletter for more updates straight to your inbox. Like, share, and comment if you are currently looking into great experiences. If you need an expert on planning trips, someone with years of experience as a travel agent, then we can help you.

*by andreascy*

Office and Productivity - Metro Icons by Orphydian

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Icons are one of those things that are produced by the thousands. Creating icons is such a specialty that there are companies and designers who are devoted 100% to designing icons like the popular Icon Factory. 

Metro is a design language so it can be applied to any platform or technology. It's influenced by the International Typographic Style or Swiss Style which in turn learned also from the Bauhaus school of Architecture and Design. 

Using metro icons in your projects is part of defining the identity of your project itself, your brand, your value proposition and even business model. Branding is a whole big area of conversation. It’s also about color, style, value proposition, identity and others aspects.

We’ve found many free Metro icons around the web and some for sale. Icons that can be used in everything from Powerpoint presentations to applications. You guys loved the Amazing Metro Icon Sets so we thought of adding even more for all you developers and enthusiasts out there.

This time we feature two Astonishing Office and Productivity Metro Icon Sets with over 100 icons (Uinvert Custom Icon Set and Modern Tile Set) by Orphydian, the same person who gave us the last metro icon set.

Check out the images, download links and author's comments for more.

1. Modern Uinvert Custom Icon Set I Office and Productivity

"This set contains over 60 modern Uinvert Icons ( in both .ico and .png format) to be used on any Windows desktop depicting most of the rellevant software out there used for Word processing, Team collaboration, Project management, PDF and OCR editing/converting, Reference and Bibliography management, Compressing and archiving, Desktop publishing etc."

Download link

2. Windows 8 Modern Tile Set I Office and Productivity

" This set contains over 60 modern UI style PNG's proper to be used for Windows 8 startscreen depicting most of the rellevant software out there used for Word processing, Team collaboration, Project management, PDF and OCR editing/converting, Reference and Bibliography management, Compressing and archiving, Desktop publishing etc."

Download link

SEE ALSO: 

Amazing Metro Icon Sets by dAKirby309

Finesse Icon Pack : 125 Excellent Icons Now Available for Purchase!

Want to be featured on our Blog? Send us your suggestions via Twitter (@andreaschriscy) or use this contact form. Subscribe also on our RSS feed to get all the latest updates to your inbox.

*by andreascy*

Four Creative And Truly Inspiring Photographs

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Cameras are everywhere these days. This access to photography, coupled with the rise of social media, means that not only can everyone shoot photos, but they can also share them with a lot of people. 

There are so many beautiful/captivating/amazing things going on in this world and our friend Brebenel Silviu is just opening that magnificent window. 

One Picture, Many Words...

Innovation doesn't just come out of nowhere... you need a creative spark before you can fan the flames! So we scoured the web looking for some of the coolest photos.

Without further ado, here we are sharing some of his creative, as well as expressive, stunning and mind-blowing images-pictures for you to get inspired. Hope you enjoy!

1.

Image: Early Autumn

2.

Image: Sensual Rose

3.

Image: Purple Desire

4.

Image: Summer Gold

Want more of Silviu in your life? Then check out his cute Google Now Desktop Wallpaper Collections.

If you think we missed something really awesome, then we’d love to hear about it. Also, if it’s worthy for you to be featured in our exclusive lists, then keep sending us your suggestions on Twitter. 

Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter for updates straight to your inbox.

*by andreascy*

Four Interesting Graduation Present Ideas

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Graduation can be one of the most important times in the life of a young person. Whether it is commencement from college, the end of high school or even the last day of elementary school, graduation represents a turning point in one's life that should be celebrated. However, sometimes giving a gift isn’t so simple. 

It can be difficult to find a creative gift to present to a recent graduate, however, and many givers opt for money. This list is a great utility for any type of occasion, but especially recent graduates. But if you are looking to give something truly meaningful, here are four creative gift ideas that will send your graduate off to the next phase in life with a smile on their face. 

1. Decorate a New Apartment 

This gift works well for a recent high-school or college graduate who plans on living away from home. It serves as a much-welcomed surprise to a young person without a lot of money. Instead of gifting money, offer to help purchase items for their new apartment, decorate it with them or even hire a professional decorator to truly create a beautiful atmosphere in their new abode. The graduate will be thanking you all year! 

2. Membership to a Gym 

Many recent graduates discover the stresses of real life once they graduate from high school or college. Often, gym memberships, which can actually serve to help relieve stress, are passed up due to how expensive they can be! Don't let the recent graduate in your life fall prey to a sedentary lifestyle. Purchase them a gym membership and help start their new life off on a healthy track. 

3. A Case for Business Cards 

If the recent college graduate in your life is off to start a new job, they will soon have business cards that represent their new status in the world. If this is the case, the graduate will need a place to put them. While a wallet is a convenient carrying pouch, it can easily get cluttered with a variety of cards and papers. Help solve the problem by gifting them a case for their new business cards. Your present will help send them into the working world in style. 

4. Camera 

As the young graduate you know takes the next step toward their future, they will likely begin to make a host of new memories that they will want to capture forever. Help them save all of the moments they treasure with a new camera. You can purchase them a digital camera, a disposable camera or even a Polaroid camera; any sort of camera is fine, as long as it is fits into their new life. 

Moving on After Graduation 

Graduation is a culmination of one portion of life and a chance to peek into a future to see what it holds. Receiving a thoughtful gift in a transitional phase of life is a very heartwarming thing to experience. With these four great gift ideas, you can give a creative present to the recent graduate in your life and help them begin their future in happiness and style.

 Need an event planner? Our community has some good experience in planning events and giving gifts! Make some research on different gift ideas and let us know how it goes.

*by andreascy*