Picking a gift for the high school and college graduates in your life can be a challenge.
While money is always appreciated, it can sometimes feel impersonal and insignificant to mark this important milestone. Plus, the graduate will likely receive a whole pile of knick-knack items, coffee mugs, and spirit wear anyway.
Instead, check out these three gift ideas to get inspired to give something unique this season.
A Gift to Offset the Costs of College or Life After Graduation
While everyone knows the cost of college tuition steadily rises year after year, there are plenty of other expenses high school graduates must deal with as they take the next step in pursuing higher education. From textbooks to food to transportation, there’s a lot to pay for, and, for many, not a ton of free time to work a job while also attending classes.
One great gift idea for the graduate in your life that goes beyond simply stuffing cash in an envelope is giving them money for a specific expense. Offer to pay for their first semester’s textbooks. Or, create a gift basket full of snacks and gift cards to restaurants that are close to their dorm room. These are great ways to help give them a break from the endless expenses they’ll soon face, a thoughtful gift they’re certain to appreciate.
The gift card idea is also great for new college grads starting their next chapter. Another idea is to purchase gift cards for home goods stores, where they can purchase furniture, towels and other items they’ll need for their first grown-up apartment.
Personalized Gear for Their Dorm Room or Apartment
Moving into a dorm or your first adult apartment is no doubt a great memory you still enjoy thinking back on today. If you have fond memories of a cozy dorm or tiny studio apartment, why not help the grad in your life start creating similar memories of their own?
Personalized gifts for a dorm or apartment are a great way to add a personal touch to their decor. From custom art pieces that depict their childhood home to metallic foil-pressed map artwork showcasing their neighborhood streets, these gifts are a fun, unique idea you’ll love to give and they’ll love to receive.
A Keepsake They’ll Cherish
If you want to gift something a bit more special than a chair or artwork, opt for a personalized keepsake item.
From a necklace with their initials to heirloom items like their very first tree skirt, these keepsakes are something the graduate in your life will look back on for years to come, helping them to remember this special moment in their lives.
One great gift for grads of all ages is a personalized duffel bag or tote. As they move on to the next chapter of their lives, they’ll be able to use the bag to move into a new apartment or to take that special graduation trip. Each time they do, they’ll be reminded of you and of what they’ve achieved.
Choosing the Right Gift Idea for Your Graduate
This graduation season, go beyond simply stuffing money into an envelope. Instead, let these ideas inspire you to select a special, thoughtful gift for the high school or college grad in your life that he or she will love and cherish.
