Gifts For Grads

They’ve got brains in their heads and feet in their shoes; they can steer themselves any direction they choose. For some it may be leaving home for the first time ever and spending 4 of the best years of their lives in some college town, for others it may entering the big, bad real world and figuring out where to go from there. Change is scary. They are going to need a little encouragement from their friends and family. And by encouragement, I mean a gift. If you don’t know what to get your 2015 grad, let me help you out! Check out these graduation gifts that cover every budget.

The Basics

Money is always going to be a welcomed gift from any graduate. I know I loved getting extra cash in my cards when I was opening up gifts, but it isn’t the most thought-worthy of gifts out there. Nonetheless, if you are going to give money, add a sentimental card with it or include your favorite inspirational quote. Giving something that your grad can bring with them and look at every once and awhile that first year after graduation will remind them that they aren’t alone.

Gift cards are also a great idea for a graduate. Cards to stores like Target, Wal-Mart, and Bed, Bath, and Beyond will quickly go to use. You can also check out what restaurants are in the area they are moving and get some of those. Getting a break from cooking for yourself or going to a dining hall is a nice treat. I would check how quickly the gift cards expire and make sure to give your grad that date. There is nothing worse than wasting money on a gift card that never gets used.  

Pinterest also has really cute gift baskets ideas that don’t have to cost a lot of money, but still show you thought of them. Fill the basket with anything from favorite snacks to laundry essentials to classroom must-haves for the perfect going away present.

For Their Room

Don’t want to give money, why not help them decorate their room. Especially true for college, the walls are a blank canvas, something one might compare to an insane asylum. ThinkGeek has some great posters for the perfectly nerdy grad in your life. Star Trek, Game of Thrones, Nintendo…they have it all. I am personally a huge fan of the vintage posters that they are carrying. If that isn’t your grad’s cup of tea, AllPosters has something for everyone’s taste and at great prices. Try going for something out of the ordinary though like a piece of canvas art or photography. Top of the gift off with hooks or adhesives that are safe to use on paint and they will be set to go once they move in.

For your jewelry loving grad, get them something to organize all of their favorite pieces. A jewelry armoire is the perfect addition to any girl’s room. If they are limited on space, an over the door armoire will do just the trick. It will organize and display everything, without getting in the way. Plus, having a full-length mirror will make getting ready and off to class or work that much easier for her! You could also just get a jewelry stand to hang her rings, bracelets, and necklaces from if her collection isn’t that big. A smaller one can fit on a desk or dresser or be stored away if needed. Get her what she needs at a great price with our Bellacor coupons.

For the boys, make his room the spot to hang out with a new futon. Whether playing video games for hours or hanging out with friends, having extra sitting furniture will automatically make his room the go-to. Bellacor has a perfect solution to limited space with their Zou Sleeper Chair. He can have it set up as a chair during the day, and then when needed, flatten it out into twin sized “mattress”. To make it even cooler, the colors it comes in will add a pop to the room, without it making look like they tried too hard. This gift is really one that will keep giving.

Continued Education

If you really want to go all out for your grad, give them the gift of travel. I was lucky enough to get a trip to Australia for my college graduation, and it was the best trip of my life. Take a final trip as a family or send them off alone, I promise they will remember it forever. If you are sending them to a foreign country and they don’t know the language, surprise them by giving them a language learning software like Rosetta Stone and include the trip information in the box. Not only will it be an amazing gift, but you also get to see their reaction when they open up what just looks like software as a gift. Maybe playing tricks is just something my family does, but either way having them learn a language will only help them have a better experience, learn the culture, and actually save money! Plus we have Rosetta Stone coupons to make it even easier to get. Include a sturdy backpack and a EuroRail pass and pray that they don’t decide to extend their trip indefinitely.

If international isn’t on the table, have your grad travel to the Lost World of Atlantis on Paradise Island and stock up on some rest, relaxation, and sun. With our Atlantis promo codes, luxury won’t cost you an arm and a leg. It is time to start making those dreams of swimming with dolphins, facing fears at the water park, and eating while surrounded by an aquarium a reality. The Atlantis Resort has something for everyone in the family and would be the perfect way to say goodbye before they head off on their new adventure.

It is their day; they’re off and away, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money to celebrate their accomplishments. Gifting from the heart and giving them something they actually want/need keeps you on budget, while still showing them you care.