Graduation is a special time when friends and family members look back on memories and accomplishments while looking ahead to the bright future of a new graduate.
1. Green Giving- Let’s just put it right up front that your typical high school or college graduate is going to appreciate cash more than any other gift. Chances are, they’re saving for a car, college expenses, or a trip, so consider simply purchasing one of the money-holder cards from a Hallmark store and presenting the graduate in your life with the ‘green gift’ that keeps on giving!
2. Time Flies- One thoughtful, appropriate gift for a graduate of either high school or college is an engraved pocket watch. The graduate’s name and graduation date can be engraved on the satin gunmetal pocket watch pictured from thingsremembered.com
3. Packing Up- Another great gift for a graduate is luggage; as they begin their life’s journeys, it’s nice to be able to travel in style. Orvis offers a variety of luggage options including personalized luggage tags which are a thoughtful touch.
4. Off to College- A cute, inexpensive gift idea for a high school student heading off to college is this adorable “Off to College” survival kit- at under $30 it includes a foldable laundry hamper, small toolbox, first aid kit, laundry supplies and snacks.
5. Photo Memories- The gift of a digital frame pre-loaded with graduation and childhood photos is a thoughtful gift, or consider a traditional scrapbook photo album with old clippings, photos and high school memorabilia.
6. The Real World- If your gift is for a college graduate, consider a career-related gift. Gorgeous pens for a writer, a medical bag for a doctor, or a leather portfolio for a business graduate are some ideas, but really you’ll want to personalize a gift to your graduate’s new profession.
7. Technology in Style– If the graduate uses a laptop, a lovely engraved leather laptop carrier would be a thoughtful gift; it is pricier at around $200, but you could always consider a few people pitching in for the gift.
8. Personalized Shower Caddy- If your gift is for a high school graduate headed off to college, a personalized shower caddy is a great gift idea. For under $30 they’ll have an adorable, practical gift personalized with an initial. There are also shower caddies for individual college sports teams.
10. ReallyUnique– Check gifts.com under Graduates and “Unique Gifts” and you’ll find a treasure trove of interesting gifts- from one share of Microsoft, a square acre in Ireland, racecar driving school, USB beverage chillers, “My Life Autobiography Journal,” you name it, there’s something here that the graduate won’t forget!
