Graduation Gift Ideas: The Best Things To Buy A 2024 Graduate (2024)

FAQs

What are some good graduation gifts? ›

Distant relatives or friends usually send around $15 - $20, while close friends and relatives more commonly send around the $20 - $50 mark. Some families and family friends may choose to spend closer to $100 - $500, depending on their finances and the needs of the graduate.

While some parents splurge on a car or computer, many choose less elaborate, but still meaningful, gifts to commemorate the day. Jewelry (often engraved with the date), books, cash or stock certificates, luggage, a camera, or graduation rings are all presents the graduate will appreciate in the years ahead.

According to this piece, financial planners say the gift should be equal to approximately one month's rent or mortgage payment, somewhere around $1,000. The article said parents should give their children between $1,000 and $5,000 when they graduate from college.

As an announcement receiver, you can always send something to the celebrant. A gift or a friendly card to surprise the graduate and their family is appropriate. If you attend the commencement ceremony, you should send a gift.

Technically, gifts are not required to attend a party, Post said. “Some are really into graduation gifts and for others, the party and honoring the moment is the gift.” If you're unsure whether to bring a gift, just ask.

They'll appreciate useful gifts from parents that will help them with their professional endeavors. Whether it's tech-savvy work gear, an impressive degree frame for their office, or a professional-looking wardrobe, you're sure to find the best graduation gifts for your graduate.

Cash may seem less personal than a tangible graduation gift like a watch or an experiential one like a trip to a special destination, but it can make a great alternative if you can't decide what to get your loved one or you know they need a monetary cushion as they get started in life.

How do you politely ask for money instead of gifts for graduation? ›

I would think you all could create a clever invitation that could read “no gifts necessary, but if you would like to contribute to reduce the student loan debt crisis, a monetary gift would be greatly appreciated.”

The short answer is that it depends. While it's not required to bring a gift to a graduation party, etiquette recommends that all attendees bring a card and/or small gift.

High School Graduation

A good range to consider is: $20 - $50: For acquaintances or distant relatives. $50 - $100: For close friends and immediate family members.

If the graduate is: A child of parents: $100-500. A child of close relatives (for instance, grandparents): $50-300. A distant relative: $50-100.

Usually they do give gifts to the graduate but it's not mandatory. Going out to dinner may be a perfectly acceptable gift. It's a personal choice for the parents.

Diploma frame — Your graduate may want to display his diploma on the wall of his new office or apartment. Vacation — Perhaps you'll choose to send your graduate on a vacation to celebrate the end of the college years. Car — If your student doesn't already have a car, this may be the time that it will become necessary.

Scents are memorable and are often associated to moments in time, so having a specific graduation scent is the perfect way to landmark this milestone as you take your next step in the world and reminisce on this important day for years to come.