What to Get the Graduate in Your Life
As graduation season approaches, finding the perfect gift for the graduate in your life can be both exciting and challenging.
Whether they’re stepping out of high school or walking across the stage with a college degree, the graduate in your life deserves something that says, “I see you, and I’m proud.” But what do you give someone who’s about to start a whole new chapter?
This guide will help you pick a gift that’s not just thoughtful, but actually useful, meaningful, or just plain fun for wherever they’re headed next.
How Much to Give a High School Graduate
Wondering how much to give a high school graduate? For high school grads, $20 to $100 is a good range. If you’re close to them, like a grandparent or aunt, you might give more. If you’re a friend or neighbor, a smaller amount is still thoughtful.
The point is to show you care, not to give the biggest gift. Money can help with things like college costs, moving out, or just getting a few basics. It’s a simple but useful gift idea for any high school graduate.
To learn more: How Much to Give for High School Graduation as Money Gift
How Much to Give a College Graduate
College grads have usually worked hard for years and are now heading into jobs, moving out, or even starting to pay off loans. Giving $50 to $200 is common, but what matters most is the thought behind it. Close family members often give more, while others can give what fits their budget.
Typically, doubling the high school graduation gift amount is common for college graduates. Consider the graduate’s relationship and your budget when determining the appropriate gift.
To Learn More: 15 Wise Financial Advice Gems for College Graduates
Graduation Money Gift Ideas
Discover creative ways to give money as a graduation gift. Instead of just handing over cash, there are fun ways to give money that still feel personal. You can fold bills into shapes, tuck them into jars, or add them to a snack box.
A creative money gift stands out and still gives them something useful. It’s a fun twist on a smart graduation gift. From themed money gift boxes to fun DIY money cakes, explore unique ideas to celebrate the graduate’s achievement.
To learn more: 25+ Clever and Creative Graduation Money Gift Ideas With Money
Teach Them to Go to College Without Loans
A good gift for a high school grad is advice or help to avoid student debt. This could be a book, a free online course, or even a meeting with someone who knows about scholarships and money planning. You could also help them apply for grants or find cheaper schools.
This kind of gift doesn’t come in a box, but it can change their future. Helping someone start college without loans can set them up to save money for years. It’s one of the best gifts a graduate can get.
To learn more: How to Pay for College Without Loans and Student Debt
Use a Money Gift Box
A money box is a creative way to give cash for graduation. It can be a tissue box where the money rolls out or a box full of small bills hidden in different layers. It turns a simple gift into something fun and surprising.
You can write notes or add pictures to make it feel more personal. This idea works well for both high school and college grads. It gives them money in a fun way while still being useful.
To learn more: Money Gift Box: Ideas on How to Give and Dispense Money as a Gift
Gift one of the Top Rated Personal Finance Books
Many grads haven’t learned how to manage money yet, so giving them a book can really help. Look for easy-to-read books that teach saving, budgeting, and how to avoid debt. Some of the best books are made for people just starting out.
It’s a simple gift that could make a big difference later. A money book is a smart idea for any graduation. From budgeting to investing, these books offer valuable insights for financial success. Choose from my top picks.
To learn more: Best Finance Books: The Top 10 Must-Read Books To Improve Your Finances
Give one of the Life-Changing Books
Discover life-changing books across various genres, from personal development to finance. These transformative reads offer inspiration and practical advice for graduates embarking on new chapters. You might choose something about building confidence, setting goals, or dealing with change.
Some books stick with you and help you think differently about life. These kinds of books are great for grads who are figuring out what they want. It’s not just a book—it’s advice that lasts longer than any money.
To learn more: 35 Life-Changing Books That Will Change The Way You Think And Feel
Help Decorate with these First Apartment Ideas
Moving into a first apartment can be exciting, but also expensive! Helping a grad decorate with simple, budget-friendly items is a great gift. Think about things like a lamp, kitchen tools, or wall art that shows their style.
These small things make a place feel more like home. This kind of gift is helpful for college grads or anyone moving out for the first time. It shows you’re thinking about their real-life needs.
To learn more: First Apartment Checklist: Everything You Need to Buy
Guide the Graduate to Learn High Income Skills
Equip graduates with high-income skills to boost their earning potential. A good gift for a graduate is showing them how to make more money.
Explore lucrative opportunities by paying for an online course or a class that teaches fields like AI, cybersecurity, and copywriting, offering alternative paths to success.
It’s not just about making money—it’s about helping them stay ahead. High income skills can change someone’s future. This is a smart gift idea for anyone finishing school.
To learn more: Top High Income Skills Without a Degree to Learn
Small Gift Ideas to Give
Not every gift has to be big to mean something. A good notebook, a nice pen, a water bottle, or a simple planner can all be helpful for a new grad. These gifts show you’re thinking of their next steps, whether it’s school or work.
This is a great option if you want to give something useful without spending a lot. These gifts are easy to find and don’t cost too much. Small gifts still make a big impact during graduation time.
To learn more: The Best 50 Small Gift Ideas for Everyone In Your Life
Make a Statement with these Money Cake Ideas
A money cake is a fun way to give cash as a gift. You can stack rolled bills to look like a cake or put money in small boxes to shape a tiered tower. Add ribbon or a simple sign that says “congrats.”
This kind of gift stands out and still gives them something they can really use. It’s a cool mix of creative and useful. Perfect for grads who might need the cash but also love a surprise.
To learn: How to Make a Money Cake: A Fun and Easy Money-Pulling Cake Ideas
Don’t Forget those College Care Packages
A care package is a great gift for someone heading off to college. Fill it with snacks, school supplies, toiletries, or gift cards. These things help with daily needs and show someone is thinking about them.
You can also include a note to cheer them up when they feel stressed. It’s a thoughtful way to give support that goes beyond money. This gift idea is helpful, simple, and always appreciated.
To learn more: 76 Best Care Packages for College Students: Ideas They’ll Love
Find More Ways to Creatively Give Money at Graduation
Graduation gifts don’t have to be fancy or expensive to mean something. What matters most is giving something useful, thoughtful, or just plain fun that helps the graduate move forward.
Whether it’s money in a creative package, a helpful book, or a few items for their next step in life, the right gift shows you care. Every idea here makes it easier to give something that really sticks with them.
For more ideas on how to give money in smart and creative ways, follow Money Bliss. You’ll find easy tips that make graduation gifts both fun and meaningful.
To learn more: 45+ Creative Money Gift Ideas That will Surprise
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