Meaningful yet Budget Graduation gifts

[HM]

Two favorite grad gifts: Swiss Army Knife and a personalized large tote bag (like Lands End or LLBean). Both were very useful, lasted for years, and reminded me of the person who gave them to me each time I used them.

 

[sk!mom]

Cash is appreciated briefly, then quickly forgotten.

I vote for a nice piece of jewelry, having the diploma professionally framed, a nice hardcover book that they'd enjoy having (though Oh the Places You'll Go is quite overdone for graduates -- you risk being one of three people who'll give them the same book). For a student heading off to college, you can't go wrong with something they'll use in school.

That's how I'm feeling. Once they got past the toy age, I've given them cash or a gc for every birthday. I just would like for them to have something to keep for graduation. I don't want it to be just a dust catcher though. I do know them well so if someone suggests or I find the "right" thing I'll know it.

I agree that Dr. Suess is overdone and giving a repeat gift was a fear there. I'll keep looking for suggestions and then give cash if I don't find anything.

 

[LJSquishy]

For most graduates, there are no real keepsakes they will appreciate unfortunately. They will receive photo frames, albums, books (definitely don't get Dr. Seuss, it is so overdone), and random "graduation" themed items that they will leave behind at Mom & Dad's house!

The most appreciated gift will be cash -- they will have so many expenses that they aren't expecting, including the shock of school book prices, supplies, food, gas, etc. I graduated high school when I was 17 and received lots of cash which I responsibly used for things I truly needed because I moved out right after high school 3hrs away to attend a community college and had my own apartment. I had to buy all of the basic household items on top of pay for books & school supplies.

If you are set on giving them each a gift, I can only think of a few suggestions. A Keurig would probably go over really well with them because they can use it for coffee, tea, or hot cocoa! I would have loved one when I graduated since I was going to school & working at the same time. I think a collection of 5 $20 gift cards to restaurants and/or a movie theater or a coffee shop (Starbucks?) would be great also because when they feel like they don't have any money to spend, they can pull out a gift card and have some fun. I still love receiving gift cards.

 

[VroomVroomLightning]

I guess I am a little different here with the idea of cash. It may be because I am also an aunt who is very close to my niece and nephew. I am crafty so when I read this I was thinking something crafty. Like a scrapbook that they can use; you fill up some of the pages but also give them the stuff to fill out other pages.

If you don't want to go the crafty route, then a USB drive is something that a college kid will use all the time. I know that Things Remembered sells them, and you can get it personalized for them. Also I got my cousin last year a water globe with a nice saying on it from Things Remembered. Just a few ideas from a person who also hates giving cash!

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

I know graduates who have ended up with 6 or 7 "Oh the places you'll go" and they are all written inside.

Nice but over done.

 

[burnurcomputer]

Proof set from the mint. Card and the rest of the $ in cash! $100 well spent!

 

[tms295psu]

For the girls... simple, nice, classic jewelry.

For the boys... money clip, those pins for the cuffs, collar, or tie.

 

[KS_Disney_Dad]

My DW is giving her sister a towel in her college colors with her name embroidered on it and her college graduating year. My DW ALWAYS goes for sentimental over cash.

 

[tms295psu]

Another thought... for those heading off to college. Would be a small locking safe! Somewhere they can keep cash and other small items safe in a dorm/apartment w/ roommates. You could use a paint pen or sharpie and write a small note inside. I will last them well into their adult life. And completely useful!!!!

 

[SaraJayne]

What about a boy? My boss's son is graduating and we are invited to the party. Is it appropriate for the staff to chip and and get him a gift card or should we just do cash? I have only met him a few times.

When I first read this, I was like "she wants to give a boy as a gift??"

 

[marmalade]

What about a boy? My boss's son is graduating and we are invited to the party. Is it appropriate for the staff to chip and and get him a gift card or should we just do cash? I have only met him a few times.

I had to do double take, I thought you were telling OP to give the graduate a boy as a gift.

As far as your question, if the rest of the staff was invited I see no problem with all going in on a gift card. If not, then I would just give a card with some cash.

 

[crisi]

I am not a big keepsake person, and I have pretty specific taste in things like jewelry, my husband still gets it wrong. Plus I hated keepsake jewelry at that age, if it was used, it inevitably got lost. Mrs Pete says cash is forgotten quickly... For me, keepsakes are forgotten immediately, and either regifted, sold at garage sales, or resented every time I have to deal with them. I love my mother in law, but when she dies, half the junk in my house is hitting the trash and I'll set out stuff I like....

I'd go useful. Maybe a small toolkit to extend on the Swiss army knife idea up thread. if she is off to a certain college, a college sweatshirt is thoughtful. And cash.

 

[ceecee]

When I first read this, I was like "she wants to give a boy as a gift??"

REALLY???
I meant what about a gift for a boy, as most posts were girl type gifts.

 

[SaraJayne]

REALLY???
I meant what about a gift for a boy, as most posts were girl type gifts.

Yes, really. Then I re-read it and understood what you were asking. I wasn't the only one that thought that.

 

[swilshire]

I'm going by the credit union to pick up crisp $100 bills for my relatives that are graduating this year.

Sheila

 

[jessica52877]

When I graduated high school I received a set of nice bath towels, we still use the towels today in our bathroom (graduated in '95). My birthday is also at the end of the year so I received some cooking items that someone moving out on their own would need. Best gifts I have ever received. I often think of the person that gave them to me and she is no longer around and meant the world to me, making the gifts even that much more special.

 

[Roo94]

When my neighbor (and babysitter) graduated, we got him a gift card to his college bookstore (was able to do it online) and gave him a gift certificate for two care packages. When we sent the care packages, we baked some cookies, included a copy of the hometown newspaper, and added some candy and other snack foods. He LOVED the care packages.

When I was in college, I had a friend whose Grandma sent her a dozen homemade cookies every month. Another who had an aunt who sent her a homemade banana bread every month. We really looked forward to those packages!!

 

[mrsksmithvt]

I received a large rubbermaid container decorated with stickers from the University I would be attending. In the bin was laundry detergent, box of dryer sheets, a roll of quarters, a very nice bath towel set, items for the desk, a very nice assortment of greeting cards and thank you notes, stamps, a prepaid phone card, and other items for the dorm room.

I still have the rubbermaid container and still think of the neighbor who gave it to me.

 

[Priorityonecb]

I've given the monogrammed Lands End totes, with dorm essentials...including something fun from their future college like a towel or hoodie.

 

[dhardawa]

Cash is appreciated briefly, then quickly forgotten.

I vote for a nice piece of jewelry, having the diploma professionally framed, a nice hardcover book that they'd enjoy having (though Oh the Places You'll Go is quite overdone for graduates -- you risk being one of three people who'll give them the same book). For a student heading off to college, you can't go wrong with something they'll use in school.

So, untrue. The only thing I could tell you that I got for graduation was a $400 check from my grandma. I certainly have not forgotten that.