Unique Gifts for Graduates

Quite often, I find myself stuffing money into an envelope when someone is graduating from high school or college. I know most graduates prefer to get money, even if they won't say so, but I'm getting tired of giving the same old thing.

Money is, of course, probably the most useful and wished-for gift, but with a little imagination you can come up with something fun and useful your graduate will enjoy.

High School Graduates

After high school, graduates go in one of two directions: work or college. Ask the parents what the graduate will be doing, if you don't already know, and go from there. You should also keep in mind the personality of the graduate. If the graduate has trouble keeping their mind on schoolwork, you really don't want to send them off to college with a new video game system.

Gift Certificates: Find out where the graduate is going to school and where they will be living. Get the addresses of each place if they are different, and find out what stores and restaurants are nearby. Looking into buying them gift certificates for food and groceries.

If you know the student studies hard, get them a few gift certificates they can use for relaxation. This might be a manicure for or an afternoon at the golf course. Get them passes to movies or something else they may enjoy.

Phone Cards: This was one gift I was definitely pleased with when I went to college. This is a great one for kids going to school far from home. Adjusting to life away from home is trying for anyone, and this gives him or her the freedom to call home if they need to hear a familiar voice.

Memory Book: This will take a little time and some cooperation from family members, but it's worth the effort. Have everyone close to the graduate give you his or her favorite pictures for a photo album or scrapbook. It doesn't have to be large or elaborate. Have them offer words of encouragement to the graduate. They may look at you a little funny when you give it to them, but they'll use it when they miss home. It may help them adapt to life away from the family and give them the push they need.

Shopping: Instead of guessing what someone needs, take them shopping and let them choose! This works great for college-bound graduates as well as ones who are going off to work. This gift could end up being a bit costly, so let them know how much you want to spend and what they should be looking to get (clothes, practical needs for dorm room, school supplies, etc.).

College Graduates

College graduates often have a set direction and they may be easier to buy for. If you don't know what's going on with them, give their parents a call and ask what they think the graduate might need and what their next move will be.

Utilities: Offer to pay for their first few months of electric or cable. Some companies offer gift certificates, which you can buy and give directly to the graduate. Starting out right after college is often hard, and this little bit of help will mean the world to them.

Clothes: One of the biggest worries a graduate has is going on job interviews. You can either offer to get them a gift certificate or take them shopping yourself, and let them pick out one or two great 'interview' outfits. Never choose the clothes yourself; everyone needs a great outfit for interviewing they feel extremely comfortable and confident in, and the chances of you figuring out what that outfit might be are slim to none.

Supplies: No matter what career the graduate is pursuing, there are needs they may have. Chefs require uniforms, business or law grads may want a nice briefcase, or nurses may need to get comfortable, industry standard shoes. This really is a gift you should discuss with them however, so you aren't buying what they don't need.

Final Thoughts

Life takes detours and can turn on a dime, so find out what's going on in a grad's life before you decide what gift to give them. The best gifts are practical and useful no matter where a person may be headed in their life. Wherever your graduate may be going, they will appreciate your thoughtfulness.