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Graduation Gift Ideas

Find a Gift for Your Graduate

Mom and Dad don’t have to worry too much about giving a gift. I mean you are either going to pay tuition or just finished paying it.  You’re paying for the graduation party.  Enough! (or at least that’s what I said when mine graduated). However if you’re invited to a graduation party or if you are a more generous parent than I was here are some great graduation gift ideas.

The Big Prize.  Some ideas that will make the graduate’s head spin.

• Vacation. Europe? The Caribbean? Hawaii?  

• Car. I actually did give my kid’s a car when they graduated. It was a beater so it didn’t cost much and I made sure they had no excuse not to go to work.

• Money.  Always the perfect gift.

• Laptop computer.  You have to be careful here. Many colleges are requiring specific programs and set up.

• Cell phone.  We just continued the family plan. I said they had no excuse not to call their mother once a week.

• Furniture. I don’t really recommend this unless you know the space they are using.

• Small refrigerator.  I think this is a perfect present for a college freshman.

Really Useful Graduation Gifts That Won’t Break the Budget

• Briefcase.  Perfect for a professional (lawyer, accountant, etc.)

• Gift Cards.  I’ve never met a college graduate who wasn’t tight on cash.  Buy a card for a clothing store and you can be pretty sure that they’ll get something they need and appreciate.

• Watch. Be careful here. More people are using their cell phones as watches. Givers tend to attach a lot of sentiment to this gift that sometimes is not understood by the graduate.

• Set of luggage. 

• Camera.  Digital of course!

• Television.  Remember that dorm rooms aren’t that big so that 72” plasma won’t work.

• DVD player. Inexpensive and appreciated.

• IPOD.  Too big for your budget? There’s the IPOD Shuffle for a lot less.

• Sound System.  Some kid’s still use CDs. You can get a very good system at a low cost.

• Tool box with basic tools. I bought one of these for my nephew. Hated it when I gave it. Told me later it was one of the most useful presents he ever received. Go figure.

• Engraved jewelry or Personalized Graduation Item.  A keepsake for a special day. 

• Books.  Get a book that made a difference to you or one that addresses their future field of study.

• Photo album with family pictures.  Really great when it comes from Mom or Grandma

• Phone card. Make it easy for the graduate to call you.

These are just a few graduation gift ideas. Remember to pick a gift that the graduate wants, not one that you want.  And stick to the budget!