What do you give for graduation gifts??

[ltt]

Over the past few years, I have tried to get away from giving cash for graduation gifts---I'm not sure why, but have bought other items that might have more meaning or purpose, such as a nice pen and key chain or a book.

It's very hard, especially when a person doesn't know the graduate that well (and probably won't run into them much in the future).

For those kids that are planning on attending college, what might be a practical gift (that's fairly compact) that they would get a lot of use out of?

What about gifts for those kids that are not planning on further education?

[I'm a red panda]

Well, this doesn't help your problem of not wanting to give cash, but we give a card and $20.  Fits whether they go to college or not.

If they are someone we know well, we typically also give a really nice pen for a college graduation.  It is a traditional graduation gift, and my husband turns pens so he always makes really nice ones specifically for that person.  I personally wouldn't give a store bought pen though. I mean, I don't think a really nice pen is a very practical gift. I have some gorgeous ones from my husband and still favor the cheapy from Pilot in my actual work.  It's more of a traditional/sentimental thing.

[okits]

If you don't want to give cash, how about a good personal finance book?  Whatever future young people choose, they will surely require financial knowledge.

[shelivesthedream]

+1 to a fountain pen. It's something symbolically associated with learning and being a grown up, and it's probably something they wouldn't buy for themself.

If that's too expensive, I'd pick a book that would mean a lot to someone that age and give that book every time (something about growing up, morality... "To Kill a Mockingbird" leaps to mind, as does "Les Miserables" and "I Capture the Castle")

[Mr Dorothy Dollar]

Money!

Don't think of yourself e.g., wanting the user to remember you every time they use it. Giving me a gift to always remember you is selfish giving. Giving me an advantage in life is selfless.

Think about what students need going to school: a DD, fake ID, money, books, tuition, new circle of friends. You are most likely not going to cart around their drunk-self nor help them procure booze so you might as well help pay for the educational aspects. 

[2lazy2retire]

Money!

Don't think of yourself e.g., wanting the user to remember you every time they use it. Giving me a gift to always remember you is selfish giving. Giving me an advantage in life is selfless.

Think about what students need going to school: a DD, fake ID, money, books, tuition, new circle of friends. You are most likely not going to cart around their drunk-self nor help them procure booze so you might as well help pay for the educational aspects.

Everything we do is selfish as it makes us feel good about our choice, just that some people have more sophisticated tastes when it comes to what makes them happy. Like charitable giving - your doing it because it makes you feel good - no more or less selfish than pissing it away down the pub ( if your happy with your choice)  - maybe just a more sophisticated choice.

[dsmexpat]

A handshake and a beer.

[Bracken_Joy]

Money.

Nice pens don't help me buy groceries when I'm trying to not go into debt. Starting out is really hard. I know most people take school loans now, but not all of us.

[gimp]

Cash and/or liquor.

[Exhale]

If you don't want to give cash, how about a good personal finance book?  Whatever future young people choose, they will surely require financial knowledge.

That would've been the best gift anyone could've given to me - way more valuable than cash.

[firewalker]

A phone number for a summer job and a free membership to the MMM forum.

[Blindsquirrel]

 Cash and a copy of The Millionaire Next Door.

[Otsog]

Gifts for graduating what?

[takeahike]

Money.

[Villanelle]

First, if I don't know the person well, I likely don't give a gift.  Sending "announcements" to people one barely knows is a thinly-veiled beg for presents. 

For those I don know and care about, I tend to send money, Visa gift cards, or other fairly generic gift cards that might help setting up a new home (assuming they are headed off to college or if graduated from college are starting a job and moving). 

If I know their tastes and or some specifics about the situation, I might get something more personal. 

[MsPeacock]

Money or a giftcard for Target.

Not sure about others - but I recall many friends having multiples of nice pens and finding them absurd and pretty close to useless (e.g. likely to be lost, expensive to refill, etc... ). This was 30 years ago - given that people now take online courses in college and/or use their laptops to take notes I suspect that a pen has sunk even further on the list of things someone would appreciate as a graduation gift. However, YMMV.

[rubybeth]

Just give 'em money. Unless you know them well--like a niece, nephew, or other relative pr friend who you see a lot and really know--'personal' gifts are just weird and you have no idea if they will even get used (in other words: they immediately become junk). For kids you are close to, give them money AND something personal you know they will use (for girls, I'd suggest jewelry in their style, for boys, whatever they're into).

[ltt]

Gifts for graduating what?

High school (and one community college)

First, if I don't know the person well, I likely don't give a gift.  Sending "announcements" to people one barely knows is a thinly-veiled beg for presents. 
 

Yes, and this is a continual issue.  We've received in the past graduation announcements from the parents of the graduate, and the parents don't even talk to us.  I don't know if it's an issue of self-importance or what? 

[Kris]

I give cash, because this is one occasion where I feel that the graduate needs money more than they need any specific thing.

[Bracken_Joy]

Yes, and this is a continual issue.  We've received in the past graduation announcements from the parents of the graduate, and the parents don't even talk to us.  I don't know if it's an issue of self-importance or what?

My parents mom sent grad announcements to people I had never heard of. It certainly wasn't a bid to get me money (I don't think she cared about that). I was just the first person in a huge family other than her to get a college degree. I think it was her way of announcing to the community "see? Our family is getting it together! But ignore the cousin that just went to prison, he doesn't count"  ;)

A kid graduating is a huge gold star to parents, they feel like it means they did stuff 'right'. I think that's a huge part of the whole thing. IMO, the money to the grad is kinda a consolation prize for their parents taking credit for the achievements (just kidding! mainly...)

[Apples]

A personal finance book at h.s. graduation probably won't get taken along to school if the graduate is going on to college.  Dorm rooms are tiny, and the book will probably collect dust at home.  Also, most college students that I knew had to work to be able to pay rent and utilities, and have some fun money.  While there are people out there who will go into excessive student loan or credit card debt, I'm not sure giving them a book at 18 will solve anything.  But other people may think differently.

Cash is king in this situation I think.  Most of what 18 year olds get and need are consumables anyway.  In five years they won't have the same clothing, they will have different furniture, they will have gone through zillions of pounds of office supplies, and may have different priorities than they do now.  It's very hard to gauge what exactly a kid will hang on to for that time.  So I vote for cash or a gift card.  It makes a big difference in college dorm room shopping.

[mak1277]

For those kids that are planning on attending college, what might be a practical gift (that's fairly compact) that they would get a lot of use out of?

Nothing is more practical than cash...I imagine a few things are more compact, but not many...and cash allows the recipient to get exactly the use they most desire.

[LiveLean]

Chipotle gift cards. They always go over well with the 18 to 25 year old crowd. Heck, I'm 45 and I'm pumped when I get one.

[MillenialMustache]

If they are going to college, and you can give it in person, a basket of "starting out" items could be nice. Laundry detergent, paper towels, toilet paper, etc. I would not give a pen. I was a journalism major and have a master's in English, and I have never had a use for a nice pen. I think my DH has one someone gave him, and we use it until the ink it came with ran out and now it just collects dust. I got a nice set of bookends as a graduation gift that I really love. Mostly it was cash, which was very, very helpful because I used it to pay tuition and keep down my student loans.

[teacherwithamustache]

As a teacher who gets invited to a lot of these my go to gift if I like the kid is....

A pair of crocs in his or her future college colors.  If I do not like the kid or feeling cheap I get them a cool bottle cap opener keychain of their future college.

[Sam E]

If you don't want to give cash, how about a good personal finance book?  Whatever future young people choose, they will surely require financial knowledge.

+1 to this idea. Maybe even secretly tape a $20 bill inside the back cover or last few pages as a reward for reading and a means to practice what they learned. ;)

[RunHappy]

Chipotle gift cards. They always go over well with the 18 to 25 year old crowd. Heck, I'm 45 and I'm pumped when I get one.

I'm asking for these on my next birthday!

[MrsPete]

I tend to receive these only from family members, and I give $100 plus a trinket (we're a girl-heavy family, so I've typically given the money IN a wristlet wallet, a handy thing for a college girl to have).  I usually have enough credit card rewards points that I can give a gift card without taking actual money from my pocket.  The kids in our family are all college bound, so the money'll be used for books, dorm items, whatever. 

My daughter received so much laundry detergent (and other laundry stuff) that she's literally still using it.  She's just finishing her junior year in college. 

When my brother and I finished high school, somehow blankets were the thing.  He and I each received about six blankets apiece.  No, neither of us chose to go to school in a snowy climate.  However, on that same topic, towels seem to be a popular item to gift to dorm-bound students (either bath towels or beach towels); everyone needs them, and embroidering the graduate's name makes sure they won't walk away. 

A fountain pen might've been a nice gift a generation ago, but today kids use computers for everything. 

I think parents tend to OFTEN give laptops as graduation gifts; however, if you're a family member you might ask the parents about whether an accessory would be useful:  A printer, ink cartridges, a nice carry bag. 

Another thing to avoid:  The Dr. Seuss book Oh the Places You'll Go.  Yeah, it's cute, but it's cliche now, and over-popular.  I think my daughter received three -- all with an inscription in the front, so they can't be returned or regifted. 

Giving an item "to remember" isn't selfish.  It's not a remembrance of the gift giver so much as a reminder of a special moment in the person's life.  Of course, I also love my wedding china and use it frequently. 

[Pigeon]

Cash.  It's what people who are starting out can use most.

That said, I don't send gifts to everyone who sends out graduation announcements.  I mostly ignore them unless they are from a family member or someone close to us.  I'm not letting my high school senior do a mass a mailing, either, because I think announcements are silly.  You graduated high school?  Sorry, but that's just not a big deal to anybody but maybe your family.

[elicoolio]

A very popular gift that I gave to both high school and college grads was/is a soft sided cooler.  It's the kind that you can fold up and throw in your trunk, etc.  There are some really cheaply made ones, but I found a brand (California something or another) that I really like.  Depending on my relationship to the grad, some times a favorite beverage was placed inside and/or cash was included. 

[Bracken_Joy]

I tend to receive these only from family members, and I give $100 plus a trinket (we're a girl-heavy family, so I've typically given the money IN a wristlet wallet, a handy thing for a college girl to have).  I usually have enough credit card rewards points that I can give a gift card without taking actual money from my pocket.  The kids in our family are all college bound, so the money'll be used for books, dorm items, whatever. 

My daughter received so much laundry detergent (and other laundry stuff) that she's literally still using it.  She's just finishing her junior year in college. 

When my brother and I finished high school, somehow blankets were the thing.  He and I each received about six blankets apiece.  No, neither of us chose to go to school in a snowy climate.  However, on that same topic, towels seem to be a popular item to gift to dorm-bound students (either bath towels or beach towels); everyone needs them, and embroidering the graduate's name makes sure they won't walk away. 

A fountain pen might've been a nice gift a generation ago, but today kids use computers for everything. 

I think parents tend to OFTEN give laptops as graduation gifts; however, if you're a family member you might ask the parents about whether an accessory would be useful:  A printer, ink cartridges, a nice carry bag. 

Another thing to avoid:  The Dr. Seuss book Oh the Places You'll Go.  Yeah, it's cute, but it's cliche now, and over-popular.  I think my daughter received three -- all with an inscription in the front, so they can't be returned or regifted. 

Giving an item "to remember" isn't selfish.  It's not a remembrance of the gift giver so much as a reminder of a special moment in the person's life.  Of course, I also love my wedding china and use it frequently.

Can I give you some emails and you can send this to my extended family? ;)

When I graduated high school: metric tons of detergent, check (which I have skin allergies... not useful). Several fleece "tie" blankets. Check. I didn't get the dr suess book until college grad. Oh, and school pens- I actually liked the one that played my school's fight song when you clicked it on, it was fun for campus events. Pretty sure it cost $5 at a walmart. =P

My main concerns with gifts are- as MrsPete mentioned, most people tend to get the same things, there are fads for sure. But most of all, for me at least, "things" were giving me a gift of GUILT. It is more stuff they need to sort through when moving out of their parents. It's more stuff they have to give away, throw away, or sell. Dorm rooms and starter apartments are small. Minimalism is hard. Don't give them more hard choices =\ Even small stuff adds up very very quickly.

Gifts I used: tasteful school color sweatshirt (must be cute. College girl requirements. Cute>warm), money (duh), small document fire safe for the back of my closet. Aforementioned pen. Pretty much everything else was tossed, re-gifted, or dragged around until the need for space overwhelmed my personal guilt about getting rid of the item.

Rambling, but hopefully useful for someone.

[CupcakeGuru]

If I am close to the graduate and they are going to college I usually give cash or a gift card to the college bookstore. If they are going to work, i give a gas card.

For the ones who send announcements just looking for money I send a greeting card only.

[CommonCents]

I tend to receive these only from family members, and I give $100 plus a trinket (we're a girl-heavy family, so I've typically given the money IN a wristlet wallet, a handy thing for a college girl to have).  I usually have enough credit card rewards points that I can give a gift card without taking actual money from my pocket.  The kids in our family are all college bound, so the money'll be used for books, dorm items, whatever. 

My daughter received so much laundry detergent (and other laundry stuff) that she's literally still using it.  She's just finishing her junior year in college. 

When my brother and I finished high school, somehow blankets were the thing.  He and I each received about six blankets apiece.  No, neither of us chose to go to school in a snowy climate.  However, on that same topic, towels seem to be a popular item to gift to dorm-bound students (either bath towels or beach towels); everyone needs them, and embroidering the graduate's name makes sure they won't walk away. 

A fountain pen might've been a nice gift a generation ago, but today kids use computers for everything. 

I think parents tend to OFTEN give laptops as graduation gifts; however, if you're a family member you might ask the parents about whether an accessory would be useful:  A printer, ink cartridges, a nice carry bag. 

Another thing to avoid:  The Dr. Seuss book Oh the Places You'll Go.  Yeah, it's cute, but it's cliche now, and over-popular.  I think my daughter received three -- all with an inscription in the front, so they can't be returned or regifted. 

Giving an item "to remember" isn't selfish.  It's not a remembrance of the gift giver so much as a reminder of a special moment in the person's life.  Of course, I also love my wedding china and use it frequently.

I like the laptop accessory item idea a lot!  When in doubt, ask the parents.

I'm going to fourth or fifth no fountain pens.  I received three when I graduated from high school.

[On a side note, I never knew there was a tradition of giving gifts when someone graduates.  I was blown away to receive money when I graduated from high school - it was like money literally fell from the sky.  It's like the first Christmas bonus I ever received (for about $75) - I was so astonished and happy.  All other graduations/holiday bonuses I knew I might receive money so it wasn't nearly as exciting.]

[MrsPete]

College sweatshirts are a great idea. 

[midweststache]

Cash monies. GCs (grocerers, Target, Chipotle, Jimmy Johns, etc.) if you don't want to fund vice habits.

I also think the "want, need, wear, read" is a great gift-giving tool for any occasion, and can fit any budget.
 
Want - Cash ($20)
Need - Grocery GC ($20)
Wear - College T-Shirt ($10)
Read - PF Book ($10 or less, used on Amazon)

$60 is probably a bit much, unless the graduate is close family, but this could be modified easily, depending on the recipient.

[Otsog]

Is this a regional thing? I've never heard of this in Canada.

[Pooja Sharma]

Over the past few years, I have tried to get away from giving cash for graduation gifts---I'm not sure why, but have bought other items that might have more meaning or purpose, such as a nice pen and key chain or a book.

Book is a good choice but a pen and a key chain is not a proper gift for a grad. And also into books what book you give?

It's very hard, especially when a person doesn't know the graduate that well (and probably won't run into them much in the future).

Strangers should be wished and blessed that's all they need

For those kids that are planning on attending college, what might be a practical gift (that's fairly compact) that they would get a lot of use out of?

Who would be going to college for them advise could be the best option Or if you really want to surprise that grad then I would suggest a bag could be a new concept in your gift list. what say?

What about gifts for those kids that are not planning on further education?

Who are not planning further studies if possible give them voucher/tickets/passes etc for club, holiday places, concerts, matches, etc (only for once)


Hope this help.

[Bracken_Joy]

Who are not planning further studies if possible give them voucher/tickets/passes etc for club, holiday places, concerts, matches, etc (only for once)

Hope this help.

This is a great idea too. I think you can buy gift cards for groupon in general, and it has some really cool deals for activities, massages, restaurants, etc. A little goes a long way on groupon. At least where I live, it's totally an acceptable gift, too. I've both given and received groupons as presents.

[Sibley]

Thinking back, I got a mixture of cash and stuff for HS graduation. Didn't really do much for college.

The stuff - mostly people asked me or my mom. We were organized and had a list of what I knew I would need to buy, so would rattle off items from that list. There were some things I got that I didn't want, returned what I could and donated the rest. Took the money and used it to buy what I needed, plus textbooks.

So, give cash in some form. Or make sure there's a gift receipt.

[cmk]

I love the soft-sided cooler idea!  That plus some ice packs, plastic silverware, napkins - I can imagine that being used for fun occasions for years!

Also, all of you who put your fountain pens away to gather dust, please put them on ebay and post the links.  I'd love to get a chance to buy some little-used pens at a bargain price...yes, that's my mustachian guilty pleasure.

[CommonCents]

Also, all of you who put your fountain pens away to gather dust, please put them on ebay and post the links.  I'd love to get a chance to buy some little-used pens at a bargain price...yes, that's my mustachian guilty pleasure.

two of my three had my name engraved...