Whether it signals the beginning of a professional career, a move to a new city, or just the end of an era, graduating from college is one of the most memorable moments in our lives.
But choosing a good gift for someone graduating – even someone you know well – can be tough.
Nevertheless, with some thought, you can find presents that are both meaningful and useful without spending too much money along the way.
1) Air Miles
Whether traveling after graduation or going to visit friends in other parts of the country, recent graduates typically have use for air miles. If you have an air miles credit card then its as simple as transferring miles to them (check the fine print to make sure the miles transfer 1:1).
It’s an easy way to give a cool gift while not having to dip into your bank account. On the other hand, if you don’t have an air miles card it’s still simple enough to purchase an airline gift card.
2) Hustle Away Debt
Hustle Away Debt is DC’s new book and it’s perfect for a young adult graduating from college because it’s targeted at millennials who are bogged down with debts.
The cool part about the book is that it isn’t just tips on how to save money more effectively – DC recognizes that sometimes saving alone isn’t enough. This book gives examples of how young adults can start side hustling through sources like the internet to start earning extra money right now.
Side hustles have the benefit of helping pay off debt faster, but it also allows you to explore new fields and develop professional experience in places you otherwise might not have.
3) Barnes & Noble Gift Card
One of the best perks of graduating is having the time to read for fun again. When I was in college I read so much during the semesters that even during the summer a book just didn’t sound appealing, yet within weeks of graduating I found myself perusing bookstores and reading in coffee shops again – I missed reading.
If you know a specific book that your graduate wants, then by all means get it for them. However, if you don’t exactly know what they’d like, then a gift card is probably the best way to show some thought while ensuring they’re receiving a gift they will actually enjoy.
4) Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
Since it was published in 1990, Oh, the Places You’ll Go! has become a classic gift for graduating students and it’s still a great gift to give today.
It was Dr. Seuss’ last published book and it’s lighthearted yet poetic, as you would expect from him. It’s about someone leaving his or her hometown and heading out into the wider-world, not so unlike a recent graduate. Purchasing a copy is not going to set you back much money so it’s great to pair with something like the Barnes and Noble gift card or Hustle Away Debt.
5) Polaroid Camera
If you’ve ever owned a polaroid then you’ll probably know that there’s something about taking a picture and having it develop before your eyes that connects that picture to the moment in a way that digital pictures don’t. Pictures from my polaroid camera become especially meaningful to me – almost like a souvenir of that day.
Giving a polaroid camera as a graduation gift is a great way for your graduate to remember their day in a more meaningful way than selfies and cell phone pictures. Just remember to make sure you give them the gift before, not after, their graduation day.
6) Messenger Bag
As a young adult heading out into the working world, a messenger bag is both practical and stylish. Get a leather bag – black or brown – to ensure a professional look and make sure it’s large enough to hold a laptop as well as other little items, such as pens and paper. Personally, I like the bags from Fossil or Aldo but the important thing is to find a quality product that will last well into their new career.
7) Gym Membership
If you know what city your graduate will be living in, then a gym membership is a great idea. Keeping fit is important for physical and mental health; its a great way to relieve stress while also getting out of the house and meeting new people. A gym membership may also give your graduate a much needed chance to blow off some steam.
Finding the perfect present can seem impossible at times. While you want to try to give them something original and useful as much as you can, it’s still good to remember the saying that it’s the thought behind the giving that counts the most. Instead of spending lots of money trying to make a gift memorable, put some thought into what they might like, write a heartfelt congratulations note, and be there to encourage them on and after their big day.
What gift were you given when you graduated? What are some gift ideas you have?
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Air Miles is a really good idea. I hadn’t thought of that one. Traveling is something most recent college grads (including myself) want to do, so that makes a great gift.
Yes, Hustle Away Debt…seems like it would be pretty valuable to recent grads nowadays. That’s one thing that I kind of regret when I first started working. I didn’t know or think of hustling to make more money. Granted it is easier these days with more opportunities especially with the internet. I spent a lot of time doing unproductive things when I could have been side hustling.
Great ideas! I always have trouble finding the right college graduation gift for people so I’ll definitely be keeping these options in mind. I gained quite a bit of weight in college so personally, I would have loved the gym membership gift and put it to good use :)
Aliyyah Definitely! Anything that makes travel more affordable for a recent college grad is likely to be appreciated.
Andrew LivingRichCheaply I really hope the book can be a bit of a “lifeline” or an “eye-opener” to recent college grads. So many graduate with piles of debt and it’s easy to feel stuck. With salaried jobs working longer hours or working harder doesn’t necessarily translate into making more money. Sure it could after a while, but that doesn’t help people RIGHT NOW who owe student loans. I hope the book helps some college grads see the options and opportunities out there.
While I haven’t read it, Hustle Away Debt would be a great gift; along with other books resources that can educate a recent graduate on personal finance matters. The value of avoiding/minimizing/eliminating debt and starting a robust savings/investment plan (harnessing the power of time and compound interest) early in life can’t be overstated.
Those are some great gift ideas. When I graduated I received money which I didn’t complain about.
Great article! I totally love the idea of giving air miles as a graduation gift. After my graduation a few years ago I took a trip around Europe. Air miles would really have come in handy at that time! U0001f609