Unique Gifts for Graduates

Quite often, I find myself stuffing money into an envelope when someone is graduating from high school or college. I know most graduates prefer to get money, even if they won’t say so, but I’m getting tired of giving the same old thing.

Money is, of course, probably the most useful and wished-for gift, but with a little imagination you can come up with something fun and useful your graduate will enjoy.

High School Graduates

After high school, graduates go in one of two directions: work or college. Ask the parents what the graduate will be doing, if you don’t already know, and go from there. You should also keep in mind the personality of the graduate. If the graduate has trouble keeping their mind on schoolwork, you really don’t want to send them off to college with a new video game system.

Gift Certificates: Find out where the graduate is going to school and where they will be living. Get the addresses of each place if they are different, and find out what stores and restaurants are nearby. Looking into buying them gift certificates for food and groceries.

If you know the student studies hard, get them a few gift certificates they can use for relaxation. This might be a manicure for or an afternoon at the golf course. Get them passes to movies or something else they may enjoy.

Phone Cards: This was one gift I was definitely pleased with when I went to college. This is a great one for kids going to school far from home. Adjusting to life away from home is trying for anyone, and this gives him or her the freedom to call home if they need to hear a familiar voice.

Memory Book: This will take a little time and some cooperation from family members, but it’s worth the effort. Have everyone close to the graduate give you his or her favorite pictures for a photo album or scrapbook. It doesn’t have to be large or elaborate. Have them offer words of encouragement to the graduate. They may look at you a little funny when you give it to them, but they’ll use it when they miss home. It may help them adapt to life away from the family and give them the push they need.