As those tasseled caps are tossed into the air all across Canada, parents are taking the opportunity to reward their graduates, whether they be finishing high school or university, for all the hard work they’ve put in over the years.

To help proud moms and dads pick the gifts that will get the top grades, Robin Keeler, Yorkdale Shopping Centre’s expert shopper and fashion director, has these suggestions:

Give a Gift of Guidance: Celebrate your grad’s hard work and help them look ahead to a successful future. With that in mind, think about the person who is graduating and what would be meaningful and useful to them.

Prepare your tech savvy grad for their next big ‘gig’:
The Apple Store
MacBook: From $1,249 CAD
The decision is black and white: Intel Core 2 Duo, iLife, built-in iSight, Front Row

Make a Sentimental Statement: The gift should make the grad feel cared for and special. Take the time to put some thought into their gift; they put a lot of time into their studies! Try to find something sentimental or meaningful that will remind your graduate of their great achievement.

Give your grad wings to help them shine:
Swarovski
Leaves Square Picture Frame: $260 CAD
Butterfly, Light Peridot and Jonquil: $140 CAD

Say it with Love: Your gift can become a treasured keepsake or memento of this educational milestone. Include a card that describes thoughts and feelings about the grad’s accomplishments.

Cherish the precious moments and prepare for the new adventures to come:
Indigo
Class of ’07 Graduation Frame

Extra Credit for Teacher: Don’t forget to reward the ones who work hard behind the scenes!

Recognize the driving force behind your graduate’s accomplishments with gifts to help teachers unwind and prepare for their next group of scholars.

Aveda
Hand Relief: $28
Foot Relief: $28
Manicure: $30
Pedicure: $50
Manicure & Pedicure: $75

HMV
DVDs at various prices

Kernels
Creamy Caramel Popcorn Bucket: $13.95

These are all suggestions from Yorkdale but are available no matter where you live. It serves as a mini guide and hopefully you can draw some great ideas from them.