Graduation Gifts: The Best and the Worst

Graduating from high school or college does not only mean you get a diploma. It also means gifts! Since I have experienced two graduations myself I feel I am an expert on graduation gifts. I know what students like and I know what they hate. If you have a graduating student to buy a gift for, make sure you know the best and the worst gifts to give.

The Best

Money!
There is nothing a teenager or young adult wants or needs more than money. If the graduating student is going off to college, this can be a great way to get a savings account started with a little cash. Money can also be given to purchase items for school such as couches, refrigerators, computers, book bags, etc. I remember every time I opened a graduation card with money inside, my spirits lifted just a little.

Personalized Gifts
Graduation is a time to give gifts of sentimental value. For instance, one of my friends gave us all a video montage of our high school career together. Another friend gave us pillow cases with all of our senior pictures printed on the outside. The more personalized a graduation gift, the better.

Heartfelt Letter
There is no reason you need to buy a graduation present. Simply get the student a card and write a heartfelt letter about what he/she means to you. If you were special friends, or if he/she got you through an important time in your life. Make sure you recall those moments in your letter.

The Worst

Figurines
Let me say this one time: Graduation figurines are the last thing students want to receive as a gift. These gifts take little time and effort to purchase and hold little or no sentimental value for the graduating senior. If you want to give something, save your money and write a check to the student.

Children's Books
Believe it or not, one of the most popular graduation gifts is the children's book "Oh the Places You Will Go". I got 3 copies when I graduated from high school and two when I graduated from college. I had no need for 1 book, much less 5. Again, if you would like to give something, make it money instead of a pointless children's books.

Of course it is always the thought that counts when you give a present for any occasion. However, no one wants to give a horrible present. That is why you must always think about the person you are buying for. Graduating seniors want two things: money and gifts of sentimental value.