Money makes a great graduation gift.
When you show up to a high school and college graduation party, you want to have a gift for the new graduate. Think about the graduate's hobbies and interests when buying a gift, or you can give them a gift that will help them in the future, whether they are starting college or a new career.
Practical Gifts
Give the graduate a practical gift that will help them transition into the new phase of their lives. High school graduates would love a new smartphone so they can keep in touch with family and friends back home. A smartphone would also help a college graduate stay organized and connected in their new profession. (See Reference 2.) Recent graduates also need laptops and printers. If you have the funds, you could buy the graduate a car. More economical, though still practical, gifts include a briefcase or backpack, a leather portfolio or a lock box for valuables, clothing, a toolbox, self-help or inspirational books and gift cards to clothing stores, grocery stores or restaurants. (See Reference 2.)
Entertainment
Recent graduates have already put in a lot of hard work graduating from school. Give them a gift that they can enjoy in their leisure time. Buy them a gaming console so they can unwind from class or work by playing video games. Don't forget to include a video game or two. (See Reference 1.) Or, buy them an MP3 player that they can listen to while walking to class or in the car on the way to work. Purchasing a DVD player is a fine idea, or a digital camera that allows graduates to record all the memories they're making. (See Reference 2.) Less expensive gifts include novels, board games, DVDs, a subscription to Netflix and sports equipment. (See Reference 1.)
Home Furnishings
Whether the graduate is moving into a dorm room, apartment or house, he's going to need home furnishings. Give furniture such as couches, chairs, tables, bookcases, stools, beds, dressers and chests. A graduates also needs a microwave, toaster, blender, alarm clock, mini-refrigerator and television. Buy plates, glasses, mugs and silverware. Give him new bedding, curtains, towels or rugs. To decorate a graduate's new abode so it feels like home, buy him mirrors, artwork and knick-knacks that suit his personality. (See Reference 2.)
Sentimental Gifts
Buy the graduate a gift that will touch his heart and help him remember you or where he came from. Give him a piece of jewelry such as a ring, a locket, or a watch or pocket watch engraved with a message saying just how proud you are of him. You can also engrave a special message into an item he'll see or use every day such as a pen or picture frame. Purchase a photo album and fill it with photos of him, his family and his friends. (See Reference 1.)
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