How To Find Gifts For New Graduates

 Carolyn J. Braden3 Minute Read 

How To Find Gifts For New Graduates

Finding gifts for new graduates is something that many people have to do every year, especially those with large families where new people are entering adulthood all the time. 

But how do you find gifts for these people? What are you supposed to get students once they finish their studies and move out into the world of work? 

That’s what this post is all about. It explores some of the techniques and methods you can use to find gifts for new graduates so they don’t go home empty-handed. 

graduation photo ideas

Biodegradable glitter can make for a fun graduate photo

Find Something Relevant To Their Field Of Study Or Career Path

Getting the graduate something that’s relevant to their field of study or career path is one option (which often works out in the long term). It shows you care about what they’ve done, and you understand that they want to continue pursuing it into the future. 

For example, if they want to go into computing, you might get them a coding book. Or if they are a STEM grad, you could get them a high-tech gadget. 

graduation gift ideas

Cufflinks are a great gift for parents and graduates

Choose Something Practical 

Another option is to choose something practical that sets them up for adult life. For example, you could get them a fancy pen or stylish planner, especially if they have a home to run or are getting a clerical job. 

You might also want to provide them with a gift card to a coffee shop. This way, if they have any exams left, they can go and study them there. 

what to give a graduate

Celebrate your graduation with family and friends

Choose A Gift That Celebrates Their Milestones

Choosing personalized gifts is another option. They celebrate their graduation and communicate to them how proud you are of them. 

For example, you could get them a keychain with their graduation date on it, or a bottle of champagne with their name written on it. The list of potential options here is endless, especially now as more companies are offering various forms of personalization. 

rose flower bouquet

Flowers make for a nice graduation gift

Pick Something That Helps Them Manage A Budget

Another option is to pick a gift that helps the student in your life manage their budget. Usually, the transition from college to work can be difficult financially, especially with student loan payments piling up. Therefore, offering them books on managing personal finances or how to improve their financial standing during their twenties can be an excellent way to get them off on the right foot when it comes to their working lives. 

painted graduation cap

Help a creative graduate paint their cap as a nice memento

Tap Into Their Hobbies

You can also seek gifts that tap into their hobbies. The more they feel like you’re supporting them in what they enjoy, the more appreciative they’ll be. 

I love my hand painted “Wirkin” and this or a bag like it with a graduates graduation date would be a great gift to make! Get the tutorial in our article here or in the 1-minute video tutorial below or via our YouTube channel @carolynjbraden:

For example, if they like gaming, art or fitness, lean into those. Providing them with items related to these pastimes, like games controllers, can be highly appreciated. 

Choose Items With Lasting Value

Finally, many graduates want gifts with lasting value that they can bring with them for life. They don’t want cheap items that are going to break within the first few months. 

Therefore, you could get the graduate in your life something like a wallet or pro cookware. 

If you loved this article, then we know you’ll love this one too: How to Make a Giant Customizable Friendship Bracelet Banner

Carolyn J. Braden is the owner of Carolyn’s Blooming Creations is a regular contributor and editor for CBC. She has been featured in numerous media publications such as InStyle Magazine, on HGTV, on Bustle.com, and more. She is the author of the books Georgia McMasters in Amethyst Lake Cemetery, How To Be Yourself: 3 Ways To Help You Being You, and the illustrator for the children’s book Bridging Connections. She is a former classroom teacher that now dedicates her life to educating others on how to live their most healthy, creative and happy life. Learn more about her visiting our About Us page.

This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links. All opinions and ideas expressed in this post, however, are based on my personal point of view.