Graduation Gift Guide

There are standards of graduation gift giving that have been in place for decades: flowers, stationery, teddy bears in graduation cap and gowns, and at least one copy of Oh The Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss. While any of those ideas would do the trick, they may seem a little underwhelming given the importance of this remarkable milestone of a person’s life.

Not to worry, though. We’ve got some ideas to fit a variety of budgets.

Keep in mind too that most of these suggestions work just fine even if the graduate in question isn’t going off to college: anyone can make use of these gift ideas.

It’s useful, it’s portable, and everyone can use one, even if the graduate doesn’t currently have any further education plan.

If the graduate in question already has an idea about what they’ll need in a new laptop, talk with them to make sure you can provide the best tool available at your budget.

Whether it’s a phone or a digital reader, just about everyone has a portable device. And since those devices need recharging, everybody can use a portable charger.

If you’ve ever had to fight for a wall jack at a crowded airport, you’ll appreciate the joy that comes with having a personal charging device at your disposal.

Once again, this particular gift works great for a graduate headed off to a crowded college dorm or a person that needs to shut out all the ambient noise at their new job.

Full disclosure: like most electronic devices, the higher-quality headphones will command a bigger price tag. But don’t despair; a variety of solid devices can be purchased for less than $100. Just remember to think about getting the warranty with this device; noise-canceling headphones that don’t cancel noise end up as useless headgear.

Don’t be afraid to get a little creative with jewelry options. If you’re giving a gift to a high school graduate, check to see if they don’t already have a class ring. If not, try finding a simple band with something meaningful inscribed in the interior.

Necklaces can be pretty standard, but consider wrist and ankle bracelets, too. There’s also charms to go on any necklaces or bracelets the grads already own, and they tend to be cheaper than purchasing a new set.

Try to think of your own experiences in your 20s. Now try to think about how much easier they would have been if you’d had a tool for some of those challenges.

Doesn’t matter if it’s a set of screwdrivers, a socket wrench collection, or an industrial jackhammer: everyone can use tools. Never assume that tools should only be used in the name of home improvement or car repair; if you’ve got a graduate that’s headed somewhere new, they’ll probably get great use out of a hex wrench or a reversible screwdriver.

But no matter what you decide, remember it’s all about the graduate, so do it with pride and love. And maybe think twice about not getting the warranty; things break, but memories remain.