It is definitely Graduation Gift Season! I’ve been told that everyone likes CASH (or gift cards); that girls love anything monogrammed; and that everyone likes memorabilia from their college destination!
I asked some close friends with recent graduates about suggestions for monetary amounts. I asked them separately and they both told me the same thing:
- For a relative or close dear friend: $100
- An average amount: $40-$50
- For someone you don’t really know but are friends with their parents and they sent you an invitation: $20-$25
Share your comments on this post! I’d love to know what you think are good graduation gift ideas and guidelines!
I have an increasing scale of $ where college grads get more than HS, etc.
$$$ is the Best for the Grads 🙂
I think a very nice passport folder/wallet is a great idea…”for the places you will go…” Anything monogrammed is also fun…especially for young women.
For someone you don’t want to spend that much on, an id holder case thing like Vera Bradley is great for the girls.
A gift I received that has been the best was a small toolbox with 3m command hooks, hammer and nails, and a screwdriver set, measuring tape, leveler, etc. Was great for setting up dorms and apartments in college and I still use it today! It was a great idea that I don’t think would have to cost a lot but it was useful and stuff I wouldn’t have thought I needed otherwise.
I agree – Vera Bradley makeup bags are nice for the girls, also totes or laptop sleeves. Monograms are nice for the girls, but my son received some monogrammed towels which were nice and he always knew which ones were his. Also for boys who are going Greek a school tie comes in handy for the football games.
a gift card to Ikea or container store is always a favorite as they will need something to put in their dorm room. I also have found girls like those silver or silver plated jewerly boxes with their monogram.
Pearls and Leather for the girls. So casual but so feminine. Goes with jeans and dresses. Handmade by artist Sandi Cheek, available at the Wild Hope Art Gallery in Ellard Village
Dogeared Jewelry – on their site or on Amazon’s site if you prefer. Necklace has a very delicate chain with a huge variety of pendant charms, thoughts, wishes. Also a variety of silver and gold.
(Full Disclosure: I sell stationery products) Graduates and engaged couples suddenly find themselves with loads of gifts and they need Thank You notes! I have thousands of styles including monograms, photos, masculine and feminine in all price ranges. paperink@mindspring.com.
Personalized Stationery:-)
http://www.asipink.com/
I usually give $50 for highschool grads and $75 -$100 for college grads. I also like to get monogrammed towel body wraps for the girls going to college.
I recommend Stitch Chick (in Sandy Springs) for monogrammed things like towels, great collapsible coolers, tower wraps, etc. She is very busy this time of year, so get there quickly. Not opened on Sundays or Mondays. LL Bean duffles are also awesome.
I come from an ethnic family and we always gave $$$. I recall how it came in handy for me.
Ikea sells a compact but comprehensive tool kit in a plastic case and I create a custom cover with the graduates picture and school logo so they have every tool they (and the rest of their freshman friends) need all year ad they always get it back when they loan it out because of the personalized cover. I’ve been told numerous times by grads that it’s the best grad gift ever (besides money, of course!). Contact me if you want more details or to order one.
I give something personal for closer friends, and cash for others. Last summer gave a few nice gifts from James Avery. Can I add that MOM (and DADS) – your grad might need reminding to send a thank you! I don’t give to be thanked, but it is so appreciated to know that the grad liked something you chose for them. I got NO thank you notes last year!!
Amazon gift cards are always a hit- everything available there!
When I graduated I got jewelry from my family/relatives with the date I graduated. I think IKEA gift cards ( think dorm rooms) container store are great along with 31 catalogue duffel bag or a shower caddy w/mongram
I personally like to find a yummy non chain restaurant in the town of their college destination and buy them a gift card. It’s fun to me to think of treating them to a yummy meal one day while they are hungry at college and tired of eating ramen noodles. Additionally, my favorite gift cards to buy for Auburn bound kids are Acre and Amsterdam!
High School: I do towels in their college colors from Costco or Target. Ellen Mauldin does a nice monogram for $8. For a special grad I also do a “kit” with medicines, a thermometer, tools, tape measure, sewing kit, etc. Very useful. COLLEGE: I do leather portfolios. Black for guys, and black, red or hot pink for the gals. I also do a silver pen from Costco that can be shipped directly. Or if they are going to grad school, I’ll do their college grad school in a sweatshirt or T shirt. Remember to write Thank Yous. It’s super annoying not to get a Thank you!
I have a talented friend/artist who designs boards with a Scripture on it or their name and meaning. She paints them in their college school colors and they have been a great graduation gift.
Hey, it’s Eric at UFC GYM. We have found that a self-defense seminar is very helpful for graduates getting ready to go off to school (or just learning to drive). Plus they can do it with a group of their friends! We can host them for only $20 per attendee.
I love the “Alex and Ani” bangles and there is one for Georgia. I received one as a recent graduation gift and loved it!