It can be difficult to buy someone a graduation gift. Finding the perfect balance of something they will enjoy, something they need, something that benefits them, and something that is unique or thoughtful. The following are a few graduation gift ideas that will both please the person, and be appropriate for graduation:
Money: While some people think money is a tacky gift, it is also a traditional graduation gift. Money is something that almost everyone could use, and everyone wants. As a graduation gift goes, it is ideal because no matter what the person is moving on to next, more schooling, a new job, or something more, it will be useful. The problem with giving money as a graduation gift is knowing how much is appropriate. How much to give? The answer is that while there are some basic amounts that are traditional, the fact is, give what you can and what you are comfortable with. If someone complains about how much you give them, they are probably undeserving of it. If you can only do $10-$20, then that is great. If you can do more, then do.
School or work gear: One of the things you can give the graduate is something for their next stage of life. If they are heading off to college, get them a baseball cap, a sweatshirt, or something else that has their new school name and logo on it. If they are graduating from school, and heading off to work, get them a briefcase, a nice computer bag, a new work appropriate outfit, or something that will benefit them in their daily life after graduation. If they are going to be interviewing for jobs, get them some slacks, or a nice shirt, a tie, or something else that will help them make a good impression on their potential employers.
Something fun: Just because it is graduation doesn’t mean you have to get a gift that is graduation themed. Honestly, people love getting presents, so why not get them something they would love for any occasion? These days there are all kinds of gadgets and electronics that are fun to get. What is your budget? What falls within it? A digital camera is a great way to help them catch memories from that day on. An mp3 player can make life more fun. An e-book reader, or something similar all enhance life and make things more fun. So, what do they like? Get them something along those lines.
Trips or vacations: Give them a break. They are finally done with school, or at least a portion of it, so now give them a chance to take some time off and relax. Give them a night away somewhere, or a ticket to go skiing, or to a sports game, or something else. Basically, base your gift off your budget.
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