Graduation is a huge milestone, and it’s also an expensive one. With the cost of tuition skyrocketing, many students graduate with tens of thousands in debt to their name. While you want to celebrate your child’s achievement and help them start their adult life on the right foot, you may not be able to afford a lavish graduation present. This blog post will explore what are good graduation present ideas for all different budgets—from $25-30 up through around $1,000.
A good graduation gift should be thoughtful, memorable, and appropriate for the graduate’s new life stage. The following list was written to be universal, but as always, you know your grad best.
Diploma Frame
Classic, timeless, and a great gift for all graduates, diploma frames memorialize the hard work and dedication it takes to earn a diploma. The folks at Church Hill Classics put it perfectly when describing their Liberty University diploma frame: a striking diploma frame “is the added spirit that forever reminds you of the fond memories you hold for your school.” This is one of those gifts that will travel will your new graduate through every twist and turn on the road to whatever successes await them.
Hometown Souvenir
If graduation means moving away from home, a hometown souvenir is a thoughtful way to commemorate your graduate’s formative years. Whether that’s an old-fashioned keychain with the name of your town on it or a customized pillowcase, this gift will show how much their roots matter in the backdrop of all future achievements.
Quality Luggage
Taking time off after graduation to travel the world is a rite of passage for many graduates. For those who are taking that time off, it can be difficult to use cheap luggage and risk losing everything they have with them on their trip. Instead, invest in quality luggage that will continue looking great through all kinds of wear and tear as your graduate travels.
What if your graduate doesn’t plan on traveling? Even if it’s not practical to travel the world after graduation, many colleges encourage taking a break after graduation to help process everything before jumping into a new job. Consider gifts that encourage your graduate to take a breather.
Quality Stationery
Standing out in a sea of job applications is no easy feat. It can be especially difficult if they have to send the same cover letter and resume over and over again until they hear back from someone. Staying organized with quality stationery helps your graduate stand out among their peers. You can even get personalized stationery for them to use as they start their new job.
Ticket Stub Diary
Keeping a diary of all the events they attended during their college years is a great way to show how much they have grown. A ticket stub diary will help them remember every event and connect with old friends who might be going through similar experiences as them now that graduation has happened. It’s also just an interesting gift for someone who is in a moment of reflection.
Phone Cases
Even though this blog post is about graduation presents, let’s not forget the modern-day necessity of having a smartphone. If your graduate has recently upgraded their phone or you know they are planning to purchase one soon after graduating, consider gifting them with a phone case that suits their personality. There are so many different types of cases available, from minimalist yet stylish ones to loud and fun designs. This gift will be the one they use every single day—so make sure it’s something they like!
A New Computer
There is nothing worse than trying to apply for a job while writing on an out-of-date computer. A new laptop or desktop can be one of the most practical gifts your graduate could ask for, especially if their specialization involves working on a computer. The best part about this gift is that it will provide them with the tools they need to be successful in their new career.
Remind Them You Care
Whatever you choose to get your graduate, make it personal, and be sure to include an encouraging note inside the gift. Your grad will appreciate knowing how much you care for them and are proud of their hard work.
