create your own cologne

19 DIY HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION GIFT BASKETS YOUR GRAD WILL ADORE

With graduation season quickly approaching, finding the perfect gift for your special graduate can be a fun challenge. A gift basket is a fantastic option! With endless possibilities to personalize, you can fill it with anything from college essentials to indulgent snacks, or even relaxing spa products. It’s a thoughtful and affordable way to make your grad feel extra special.

Whether they’re heading to college, trade school, or starting a new job, a DIY high school graduation gift basket wrapped with care will bring a smile to their face! Plus, what’s not to love about a basket filled with hand-picked goodies just for them? Here are 19 creative and thoughtful DIY high school graduation gift basket ideas to inspire you!

For Coffee Lovers

When you’re in college, noon is practically “early!” That’s why most college students become coffee drinkers (even if they swore they never would). Between early mornings and late-night study sessions, coffee is their best friend. Have some fun with this basket idea by including a bag of coffee (of course), along with a few of their favorite snacks, a cute mug or coffee cup, and anything else you think your coffee-loving grad would adore! It’s the perfect pick-me-up for their busy college life!

Late-Night Snack & Study Basket

A college survival kit like this is sure to bring some laughs to your graduating senior! This basket is packed with everything they’ll need for late-night study sessions and snack breaks. Fill it with their favorite snacks and drinks, along with something personal, like a coffee tumbler. Don’t forget to add a few messages of encouragement to help them stay motivated and ace those tests!

DIY College Survival Kit with FREE Printable Card

If your grad is heading off to college, a survival kit gift basket (complete with an adorable FREE printable card) is guaranteed to put a huge smile on their face! Just picture their reaction when you hand them this thoughtful and fun basket packed with all the essentials they’ll need for college life!

The Tassel Was Worth the Hassle Basket

Here’s a festive basket we absolutely love, and we’re sure your grad will too! You can color-coordinate the basket with your grad’s college colors or create a custom theme. Fill it with whatever you think they’ll love! We especially like the “The Tassel Was Worth the Hassle” cup with gold confetti—it’s the perfect fun touch. This gift will definitely stand out on the gift table!

Tiered Cake for Grads

We absolutely love this fun and creative tiered “cake” design for grads! It’s a clever way to stack all their study supplies, along with college essentials like Ramen noodles and an energy drink for those late-night study sessions. Tie each layer with a colorful wide ribbon and use strong double-sided tape to keep everything in place. It’s both practical and playful—your grad will adore it!

“Take Time for YOU “Personalized Basket

Whether your grad is heading to college, taking a gap year to travel, or starting a new job, life transitions can be stressful. This “Take Time for YOU” personalized basket is a perfect reminder for her to prioritize self-care, no matter how busy life gets. Fill it with things she loves, like lavender bar soap, bath salts, lotion, and body spray. Complete the theme with a matching pillow, loofah, candle, and a beautiful bow. Your grad will absolutely LOVE it!

New Beginnings Basket

New beginnings are always exciting! Whether your grad is off to college or starting a new job, they’re going to need a lot of essentials. Celebrate this exciting new chapter in their life by helping them get prepared! This basket is packed with a thoughtful variety of supplies, from laundry detergent and markers to a stapler and Ramen noodles. The chocolate, ribbon, and sunflower add the perfect finishing touches to make it extra special!

New Apartment Supplies Kit

For grads stepping into apartment life, this New Apartment Supplies gift is the ultimate starter kit they’ll appreciate! From toilet paper and paper towels to cleaning supplies and storage bags, this thoughtful and practical gift has everything they need to settle into their new place. Any apartment-bound grad will love this fun and useful gesture!

 Charming Sentiments

We just LOVE the look of this charming grad basket, filled with sweet messages and heartfelt touches. It’s easily adaptable for both girls and guys, and with a little creativity, you can personalize it with a variety of items that carry warm, meaningful sentiments. This thoughtful basket is sure to make your grad feel extra special!

Shower Caddy Gift Basket

Every college-bound student needs a shower caddy! This practical gift is perfect for both girls and guys. Fill it with essential shower and bath products like shampoo, conditioner, razors, shower gel, a brush, a comb, and more. It’s a thoughtful and useful way to help them get ready for dorm life!

Guys Essentials Basket

This cute container (perfect for desk or bath supplies!) holds a little bit of everything your special guy will need. From shaving cream and razors to body wash and laundry detergent, he’ll put all of these essentials to good use, whether he’s heading off to college or starting out on his own! And of course, we’re sure the Oreo cookies will be a huge hit too!

The Ultimate Grad Candy Basket

Add some fun to your grad’s basket by including a selection of candy bars with witty and clever sayings! Need some inspiration? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Specialty Basket Just for Guys

Don’t be fooled… guys love a bit of pampering just as much as anyone else! This “just for him” basket is a thoughtful way to remind him that a little relaxation goes a long way when life gets busy. Fill it with his favorite personal care items—like Axe body wash, specialty soap, cologne, and shaving cream—along with a soft face towel. He’ll appreciate this personalized basket made just for him!

College Survival Kit with FREE Printable

This is one of the cutest little baskets we found, and what we absolutely love about it is how easy it is to put together—simple enough for even a younger sibling to make! It’s packed with all sorts of college essentials that any grad will appreciate. Use this as inspiration or personalize it with everything your favorite grad will love!

Dollar Store Grad Basket

DIY high school graduation gift baskets don’t have to be expensive! You can create a thoughtful and affordable graduation basket using finds from your local Dollar Store. For under $15, you can fill it with everything from desk supplies and household essentials to snacks, candy, and cute knick-knacks. Add a personal touch by tying it all together with colorful wrapping, tissue paper, or a festive bow for the perfect finishing touch!

Beach-Bound Basket

Got a grad heading to the beach? Whether they’re off to college in sunny California or Florida, or starting a new job on a coastline across the globe, they’ll love this beach-bound basket! Fill it with seashell-shaped soap, a sea breeze candle, a cute sign, and fragrant “ocean-inspired” hand lotion. It’s the perfect way to send them off with a little coastal charm!

Sorority Basket

If you have a daughter or a special grad heading into sorority life, this could be the perfect basket for her! Get creative by filling it with her favorite spa products, sorority logo items, and even a cozy throw like the grey one shown here. Add a personalized sign or any other thoughtful touches, and this is one basket she’ll treasure and never forget!

Off to College Basket

Make your grad’s transition into college fun and exciting with this vibrant “Off to College” gift basket! Fill it with their favorite snacks, dorm essentials, and all the little necessities they’ll need to settle in. From practical items to fun surprises, the sky’s the limit when it comes to customizing this basket to make it special and memorable!

“Time to Put on Your Big Girl Panties” Basket

When it comes to DIY high school graduation gift baskets, this one takes the cake… literally! Your grad will be thrilled with this fun tower of gifts! Packed with everything from notebooks and pens to Ramen and energy drinks, this tower is a perfect collection of college essentials to help them power through exams. You can use any sign you like, but we think this one really says it all!

conclusion

How to Put On Cologne: A Guide for Men

If you’re looking to improve your scent, there’s nothing better than a good cologne. But, how do you apply it effectively so that you don’t overdo it or underdo it?

 In this article, we’ll go through all the steps on how to put on cologne effectively.

Why Do Men Wear Cologne?

Cologne is an essential part of any man’s grooming routine. 

As you know, cologne is traditionally associated with men, while other fragrances, such as perfume, are more associated with women. Just because cologne typically has a more woody, musky scent, while perfume typically has a more floral, powdery scent.

It provides a pleasant scent and can make a good first impression. In fact, cologne is less concentrated than perfume, so it has a lighter, more subtle scent. This is ideal for men, who often do not want to smell overpowering. Wearing cologne has been shown to increase confidence levels and make men feel more attractive. A study published in the journal Evolutionary Psychology found that women were more attracted to men who wore cologne than men who did not wear cologne. Additionally, if you have an active lifestyle, wearing cologne can help you smell fresh and clean even after a long day.

how to apply cologne for maximum effect

When it comes to comparing different methods of applying cologne, there are a few things to consider. For example, some people prefer to spray cologne directly onto their skin, while others spray it into the air and walk into the mist. Additionally, some people apply cologne to their hair or clothing, while others stick to the traditional areas of the neck, chest, and wrists. Ultimately, the best method is the one that works for you.

Choose the Right Cologne

The first step to putting on cologne is choosing the right one. You want to select a cologne that aligns with your personality and style. When selecting a cologne, consider the occasion as well. A musky, dark cologne may be appropriate for a formal event, while a lighter, fresher scent may be more suited for a casual setting. Take the time to test different colognes to find the one that works best for you.

Shower and Dry Off

Before applying cologne, it’s best to shower and dry off. This ensures that your skin is clean and free from any odors. When you take a shower, use unscented soap and avoid using hot water as it can dry out your skin. After showering, pat yourself dry with a clean towel.

Apply Moisturizer

After drying off, it’s time to apply moisturizer. This step is often overlooked, but it’s essential for keeping your skin hydrated, preventing irritation, and helping the cologne last longer. Apply a small amount of unscented moisturizer to your neck, chest, and wrists.

Apply Cologne Strategically

  • Spray the cologne onto your pulse points. Pulse points are areas where the blood vessels are close to the surface of the skin, such as your wrists, neck, and chest. The heat from your pulse points will help to diffuse the cologne throughout the day.
  • Spray Bottles: Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin. For each pulse point, spray once or twice. Avoid rubbing your wrists together, as this can crush the fragrance molecules and alter the scent.
  • Dab-On or Splash Bottles: Gently dab your finger onto the opening and then apply to your pulse points. Be careful not to use too much, as these bottles can be more concentrated.

Don’t Overdo It

While it’s important to smell good, you don’t want to overdo it with cologne. A little goes a long way, and too much cologne can be off-putting. Stick to just two or three sprays and reapply throughout the day as necessary.

how to choose the right cologne

  • Consider your personal preferences. What kind of scents do you like? Do you prefer fresh, citrusy scents, or more woody, musky scents? Once you have a general idea of your preferences, you can start narrowing down your choices.
  • Think about the occasion. Are you looking for a cologne to wear every day, or for special occasions? If you are looking for a cologne to wear every day, you may want to choose a more versatile scent. If you are looking for a cologne to wear for special occasions, you may want to choose a more unique or luxurious scent.
  • Ask for recommendations. If you are not sure where to start, ask your friends, family, or a salesperson for recommendations. They can help you to find colognes that match your personal preferences and budget.
  • Try on different colognes. The best way to find the right cologne is to try on different ones. Go to a department store or perfumery and sample a few different colognes. Don’t be afraid to ask the salesperson for help.
  • Give the cologne time to settle. Once you have found a cologne that you like, give it some time to settle on your skin before you decide whether or not to buy it. The scent of cologne can change over time, so it is important to give it a chance to develop on your skin.

Tips for Long-Lasting Fragrance

  • Less is more: It’s better to use too little cologne than too much.
  • Test before you buy: Before purchasing a new cologne, it’s a good idea to test it out first. Many stores offer samples or testers that you can try before making a purchase. This allows you to get a sense of how the cologne smells on your skin and whether it’s a good fit for you.
  • Consider the occasion: Different occasions may call for different types of cologne. For example, a formal event may require a more sophisticated scent, while a casual outing may be better suited for a lighter, fresher fragrance.
  • Store correctly: To ensure that your cologne lasts as long as possible, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Additionally, be sure to keep the cap tightly sealed when not in use.
  • Don’t mix scents: Avoid mixing different scents, such as cologne and aftershave, as this can create an overpowering smell.

FAQs

  1. How much cologne should I use? It’s best to start with just a few sprays and build up from there if necessary. A little goes a long way, and using too much cologne can be overwhelming.
  2. Where should I apply cologne? The traditional areas to apply cologne are the neck, chest, and wrists. These areas produce heat and help amplify the scent.
  3. Can I wear cologne every day? Yes, you can wear cologne every day if you like. Just be sure not to overdo it and stick to a scent that works well for everyday wear.
  4. How long does cologne last? The longevity of cologne varies depending on the brand and quality. Generally, high-quality colognes can last anywhere from 6-8 hours.
  5. Can I mix different colognes together? It’s generally not recommended to mix different scents together, as this can create an overpowering smell. Stick to one cologne at a time for the best results.

Final Takeaway

By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to apply cologne effectively and enjoy all the benefits of wearing a pleasant scent. Remember to choose the right cologne for the occasion, shower and dry off before applying, use moisturizer, apply strategically, and don’t overdo it. With a little bit of practice, you’ll soon become a pro at putting on cologne.Done.