It’s graduation season and many family members, aunts, uncles, friends. grandparents and the like are scrambling about to figure out the best gift to give to a graduate. If the parentt or graduate has established a 529 or college fund, you can contribute to that.
Also, trunk parties are back in trend. These events feature parents hosting a gathering for close friends who bring items that the graduate will need for college or their next stage in life for a dorm or apartment.
But if you plan to be at a graduation or a gradution party, you might want to take something with you or send a gift to celebrate the commencement.
Here are some ideas and suggestions to get you started.
Cash
The absolute best thing to give any graduate in 2022 and beyond is cash. Fortunately, we live in a world where things like CashApp, Venmo and Zelle exist. The best thing about cash is that, unlike gift cards, they are less likely to get misplaced, lost or forgotten about. A gift of cash deposited straight into the graduate’s bank account can be used immediately, during post graduation vacations and festivities, or saved for college or apartment shopping later.
Everyone loves cash and no one will begrudge you for not purchasing an actual gift that they may not even like or want.
Gift Card
The next best thing is a gift card to a shop, online marketplace or restaurant that you know the graduate frequents or loves. They are more likely to keep tabs on that card if it is from a fave of theirs. Alternatively, you can give an Amazon gift card because the online retailer sells everything. And with a digital card, you don’t even have to be at the graduation ceremony or send a physical card in the mail.
Get Amazon
Personalized Gift
A graduate is certain to appreciate the thoughtfulness of a personalized gift. A keychain, custom gift box, personalized necklace, monogram weekender bag or a coffee mug with their name on it. Such gifts reflect throughtfulness and forethought.
Financial Literacy Book
After high school or college is the first time that a lot of young people are responsible for themselves and their own finances. Sadly, a lot of schools do not prepare adolescents and young adults for financial management and planning. A book or a set of books like “Why Didn’t They Teach Me This In School?” with 99 personal management principles can help.
Study Skills/Self Care/ Daily Devotions
Depending on how close you are to the graduate and how much of their personal story you are familiar with, you might consider picking up a book that will help them be better students in college, or will help them take better care of their mental health and take more breaks, or get them closer to their Faith.
I hope these suggestions are good enough to get you a head start!
