Top 10 Graduation Gifts for 2009

Graduations are events that graduates may take for granted so it's up to friends and family to mark the occasion for them. A good sprinkling of memory gifts mean the graduate can look back on the day fondly. Remember, graduation took some serious work for the graduate to achieve, your gift should acknowledge that.

Dream, Believe and Achieve Bracelet

The Dream, Believe and Achieve bracelet is an ideal gift from grandparents to their granddaughters who are graduating high school in 2009. While the gift can be a cute idea for kids graduating from Kindergarten, this is the type of gift that granddaughters will treasure for years to come. Average cost is about $12.00 plus shipping from Amazon.

Italian Valenti 150s Worsted Wool Canvas Chest Mens Suits Complete Suit Jacket and Pants Dark Grey

A dark grey wool suit is the perfect gift for the young man graduating from college in 2009. An inexpensive bargain at $129.00 from Amazon, the suit is a great way to start looking for work post-college and in the modern economy, every leg up whether it's a dark grey suit, a recommendation or simple belief in the graduate will help.

Graduation Class of 2009 Rainbow-Picture Frame

A classy picture frame for the graduate to display their graduation photo in is a snazzy gift whether graduating from Kindergarten, high school or college. Graduation is a huge step in the life of any young adult and while they may not treasure that cap and gown picture now, it's going to mean a great deal down the road. Give them a frame to display their success, At just $7.99 from Amazon, it's an inexpensive, yet thoughtful gift.

Black Wood Document Frame

Graduates don't think about displaying their own diplomas, but those diplomas whether high school or college took time, effort and dedication to earn. Spend a few dollars and frame their diploma for them. The gift may come a few weeks after the actual graduation when the diplomas physically arrive, framing the diploma is another excuse to celebrate graduation as a family.

Apple Mac Book Laptop

Every high school graduate will benefit from the gift of a laptop. Averaging a cost of about $1500, Mac Books can be customized by color or go for the standard white. They are light and easily transportable. Buy a second battery so that one is always fully charged. For future college students, the laptop will be a lifesaver for taking notes, studying, doing assignments and keeping in touch with the family at home.

4^th Generation iPod Nano

Get the iPod in whatever color the graduate likes. With plenty of storage space, the affordable $140.00 gift lets them take videos and music wherever they are going. For graduates facing a potential commute this is an entertaining and worthwhile investment.

Create a Scrapbook

Be creative and put together a scrapbook detailing the graduate's achievements through all their years of school. This fun walk back in time down memory lane will provide conversation for years to come. Parents will enjoy the opportunity of looking at their babies in all their ages and stages and graduates will enjoy the tales, even the embarrassing ones.

Sew a Quilt

A quilt is a gift that was designed for giving. Take fabric swatches from old clothes, blankets and sheets. Sew them together to create some nine-patch squares. The quilt should be twin or full size so the graduate can take it with them. This is a really good idea for high school graduates. The quilt can go with them to college. Be sure to use colors that will appeal to the graduate so they can wrap themselves up in the love of their family every night whether at home or away.

Graduation T-Shirt

Looking for a fun gift for a sibling or friend who's graduating? This t-shirt is an inexpensive, yet fun way to say congratulations on graduating. The saying is pretty pithy too: "I graduated! Can I go back to bed now?"

Gift Certificates

A gift certificate is the underdog of the graduation gift idea pool. While gift certificates are generic, they do allow the graduate to spoil themselves. A gift certificate to their favorite store or spa can treat the graduate to a fun day of shopping or pampering. This is a good gift idea if none of the others fit or are already taken.