Good GCSE results are something to celebrate, especially under the current circumstances. With results being given based on predicted grades this year, the hope is that hardworking students will still get the marks they deserve.
For some parents, it is tradition to attach a price tag to each good grade; an exciting incentive which could see their child ‘earning’ a hefty final sum. This year, it has been reported that some students were promised as much as £500 for each Grade 9 they received (the equivalent of an exceptionally high A* ), meaning the highest achievers could have bagged as much as £5,000 when the results came out today.
But some parents prefer to be more creative with their gifting ideas. These are the finest options for your high flying kids.
The dinner with friends
You can’t beat a nice meal out with friends when celebrating, and there’s fine dining options to suit every personality and age. Seabird on the 14th floor of the Hoxton hotel in Southwark (the brand’s third hotel in its home city of London) is the go to spot for the young and hip at the moment with its amazing views, a knockout terrace and Instagram opportunities in every corner, from the dramatic London skyline to the cool decor.
The hotel’s architecture is akin to a stylish city warehouse conversion, and its restaurant feels like a chic beachside cabin, giving it a relaxed vibe. With an extensive oyster menu (the longest in London), cool bearded waiters and a cleverly curated interior, there’s nothing to complain about here. The restaurant is even helmed by Joshua Boissy and Krystof Zizka, the duo behind Maison Premiere, a hit seafood bar in Brooklyn.
14th Floor, 40 Blackfriars Rd, South Bank, London SE1 8PB; seabirdlondon.com
The watch
Nothing says high achiever like a fancy watch, and if your bright young thing understands the value of working hard, then they probably appreciate time keeping too (and if good brains and punctuality don’t come hand in hand, it’s an even better reason to get them a swanky watch).
While designed for graduations, German brand Nomos’ Club Campus watches can also be used for other big milestones. There are six handmade watches in the Club Campus series with three automatic models and three hand-wound. You can also complete the gift with a complimentary engraving.
£1,100 – £2,240; nomos-glashuette.com
The jewellery
Even the greatest mind would be pleased with a beautiful piece of jewellery to add to their collection. Apriati’s 7 Cords bracelet, which has 18-carat rose gold round and square voids, is the chic version of a ‘gap yah’ bracelet.
Cleverly sized to fit the wearer’s wrist exactly, there is no way for them to lose it, so this gift can withstand even the clumsiest of owners. Apriati’s 7 Cords collection is inspired by the number seven itself, which, according to the brand, is “the symbol of perfection, excellence, completeness and blessing.”
£1,310; apriati.com
The gadget
In a world where presidents feel threatened by the popularity of TikTok, nearly three-quarters of Gen Z adults in the US use Instagram, and the majority of people read the news online, it’s fair to say technology has become a big part of our lives. So why not get your star student a gadget that will enrich their downtime with the opportunity to hang out with their friends in real life instead of on Snapchat?
The Epson’s LS500W projector will mean your child and their friends can make a movie theatre out of any room in the house – all you need to do is provide popcorn. Projecting at up to 130″ wide, this is one of the biggest, most exciting home entertainment experiences they could wish for. And surely inviting a group over to watch a movie in high-resolution (or, with easy-to-use HDMI inputs, Youtube videos) is more thrilling than communicating via tiny phone screens.
Unlike many such home projectors, this Epson gadget can be placed very close to the projection area, meaning that it won’t compromise the look and feel of the room it’s in.
£2,799.99; epson.co.uk
The sports equipment
They say a healthy body is a healthy mind, so why not invest in some sports equipment to keep your kids active? Red Paddle Co’s Junior paddle board is designed for high speeds and, at 25″ wide, it is also safe for lighter smaller riders.
Red Paddle Co is the world’s leading stand up paddle board brand, and their Max Race Kids Sup Board Package has everything they’ll need to hit the waves, including a bag designed to make transporting their board as easy as possible, a high pressure inflation pump designed for a younger riders, fins specially engineered to slice through the water, leashes for safety, easy to adjust paddles and replacement parts.
£799; redpaddleco.com
The trip
A luxurious celebration wouldn’t be complete without a superyacht – although it’s not always easy to charter one in the UK. But from August to October, your star pupil can embark upon the perfect private getaway on diYatching’s flagship yacht Vivid.
“Vivid offers a safe option for those jet-setters who are waiting patiently for their next adventure without having to fly overseas,” says Lizzie Abbiss, Director of diYachting. “We pride ourselves on bringing guests unforgettable journeys with exceptional service and we hope this UK itinerary offers guests the chance to explore the South of England by Sea in a remote and isolated setting”.
Vivid also comes with a selection of watersport equipment to keep the young ones entertained and for older family members there’s unbeatable service and a champagne reception.
Weekly rates start from £30,000 all inclusive except special request fine wines and champagne; diyachting.co.uk
The trainers
It’s really hard to go wrong with a nice pair of trainers as a gift and Balenciaga’s cult-favourite Triple-S Logo-Embroidered Leather sneakers come in multiple designs to fit any preference. The design in any of its configurations is a perennial hit.
Chunky trainers in particular have been in vogue among Gen-Zs for a while now and it doesn’t look as if the trend will be going anywhere any time soon. This Balenciaga set, designed with exaggerated proportions and thick soles, is both cool and timelessness at once.
From £725; balenciaga.com
The clay pigeon shoot
Give your kids the opportunity to make new friends and practice their aim with group clay pigeon shooting lessons for under-17s. With bespoke ‘Young Shots’ days led by expert instructors, Bisley Shooting in Surrey ensures that learning how to take aim is fun for all.
The course offers an array of shotguns with light cartridges that give less recoil to ensure an exciting and safe day. Participants are split by age and experience and a light lunch in the clubhouse is included, which allows them extra social time to make friends they can return to the grounds with in the future.
£40 per person including clays and cartridges, tuition, gun hire, all safety equipment and a light lunch. £10 deposit required on booking; bisleyshooting.co.uk
The Vehicle
Vespas have been a chic way to get around since 1946 and with 50cc engine options available, it is the perfect vehicle for a young person keen to hit the road.
A Vespa Primavera 50 is the classiest and one of the most expensive 50cc scooters available, and its retro-style is full of appeal. The rims are made in aluminum alloy and distinguished by a striking five-spoke design that are 12′ to ensure stability, safety and hold on all road surfaces so you won’t have to worry too much about whether they are okay when they head off.
£3,399; vespa.com
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