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What are Some Good Gifts for Graduates?

Amy Pollick
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Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 8,847
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Whether a student is graduating from high school or college, a gift is always appreciated. When thinking about a gift for graduates, the shopper should think about the graduate's personality, needs and wishes. Some people appreciate money and gift cards, while others appreciate gifts that are practical for use in college or the real world.

Every personality is different, and these differences certainly will help determine the best gift for a graduate. Some appreciate gifts, some like gift cards, and some would rather have good old-fashioned cash. Even for the cash-lovers, however, there are still some creative gifts that might also fit with the graduate's personality. A professional art set might be a great gift for someone who is artistically inclined and will be taking art classes in college. If the student will need a laptop computer, the giver may want to contribute toward a computer fund.

Most graduates who attend college will need some things for their dorm rooms. Even if they live in a suite, bath items make a great gift for graduates. A plastic bucket with washcloths, disposable razors, shaving cream and shower gel would be an indispensable present. Basically, anything useful in a dorm room is a good gift for college-bound graduates. They will need twin-size sheets, pillowcases, towels, a lap desk, small lamp, small fan — nearly everything will be welcome.

Another good gift for graduates is a wheeled cooler. This may sound odd, but many graduates would not buy this item for themselves, and coolers can come in handy around a dorm room. They can be used for storage, a nightstand or even as an extra seat. A nice touch would be to fill the cooler with goodies, like chips, candy, sodas, and bottled water.

Some graduates will be organized enough to actually have a wish list. This list may include needs, but will also undoubtedly contain some unique items. A giver can usually get some idea of what this list looks like from the graduate's parents. Cash, of course, is always a "need." It's "one size fits all" and nearly everyone needs or wants it.

Another good gift for graduates is cash specifically designated for a bigger gift, like a laptop, an expensive handbag, or a video game system. A gift certificate to a jewelry store could make a great gift, if the graduate has expressed a desire for a nice watch, for instance, or for a luxury pen and pencil set.

For the most part, anything a graduate receives will be welcome. His or her parents also need to make sure the graduate has a supply of thank you notes and stamps on hand to show his or her gratitude.

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Amy Pollick
By Amy Pollick
Amy Pollick, a talented content writer and editor, brings her diverse writing background to her work at WiseGeek. With experience in various roles and numerous articles under her belt, she crafts compelling content that informs and engages readers across various platforms on topics of all levels of complexity.

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Discussion Comments
By mutsy — On May 27, 2011

@Sunny27 - I think that another memorable gift idea for graduation is a piece of jewelry. Jewelry will always act as a memorable reminder of the event. A nice watch that is engraved or a pretty bracelet or necklace for a female graduate would keep the memories of the graduation moment fresh in the mind of the gift recipient.

Whenever they think of the jewelry, they will be reminded of the graduation event and the person that gave them the gift. I think that these graduation gift ideas are very memorable.

By Sunny27 — On May 26, 2011

@Crispety - Those are nice gifts for college graduates, but most college graduates would love to receive gift cards so that they could buy what they need. Some of them will be getting an apartment for the first time and they will also need to furnish it with appliances.

It is really a tossup between a business wardrobe and furnishings for their new apartment. A great graduation gift for friends could also include a gift card to go to the movies or a nice restaurant. As a college student, the graduate probably did not have too much time to dine out or splurge on a movie because of the lack of time so this is a nice alternative that most graduates would enjoy.

By Crispety — On May 24, 2011

I think that great college graduation gifts are things that could be used for the corporate world like brief cases and fancy pens. A brief case is really a great idea because most college graduates will be going into the workforce and will be needing one.

I know that when I graduated from college my sister bought me a few suits and that was also great because I needed suits to go on interviews. I remember that the people at my job got me a fancy pen monogrammed with my initials. It was really thoughtful and something that I will always remember.

Amy Pollick
Amy Pollick
Amy Pollick, a talented content writer and editor, brings her diverse writing background to her work at WiseGeek. With...
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