Graduation ceremonies are underway for the Class of 2025, marking a major milestone for this year’s high school seniors. If you’re wondering what kind of graduation gift to give a rising college student that’s actually useful (or if a gift is necessary at all, given the last time you talked to this kid was Christmas of 2019) you’re not alone.
Many graduates are juggling the expenses of higher education, moving and establishing independence, so gifts that recognize or help to offset this transition are appreciated. I interviewed a few friends and recent graduates to ask which gifts really hit the mark for them. Here are some graduation gift ideas that are budget friendly and easy to access.
Gift Cards
Gift cards are always a go-to when you have no clue what to get, but there’s life beyond Starbucks and Safeway. Instead of a chain restaurant, consider a gift card to local coffee shop or restaurant in the area where the graduate will be living or going to college. This is a way to support small businesses that feels more personal. Another option is a gift card to an Arlington shop like Covet (full disclosure: I work there) where the recipient can buy jewelry or Arlington-themed decor for their dorm room that will remind them of home. On a practical note, one family gifted their college-bound son a bunch of Uber/Lyft credits so that he could explore his new city and not have to take the bus home late at night.
Cash
Money is always the safe option when it comes to graduation gifts, especially if the recipient isn’t someone you know well. (Not gonna lie: Seeing some cash fall out of a card is always a great moment.) But we know this adds up when you are going to multiple graduation parties and celebrating multiple graduates. To keep it on a budget and on theme, put a $20 bill and a quarter in the card in recognition of our graduation year, 2025.
Experiences
Gifts don’t have to be material objects. Cash-strapped students will also appreciate travel vouchers, tickets to events or a nice dinner out. Grads may also welcome gifts that are meant to be used this summer before they leave for school, such as dinner or a weekend trip with people they care about. Spending time with family and friends is always a great reminder that you are loved when you are about to go off on a new adventure.
Personalized Gifts
Personalized gifts that reflect the grad’s interests and future goals are amazing. Tailoring a gift to the student’s individual passions shows thoughtfulness and provides something they will truly value. For example, at my own graduation party, my friend handmade a sweatshirt for me. She bought a cheap crewneck from the craft store and sewed the name of my college onto the front. This was an inexpensive but meaningful gift that meant a lot to me. If you aren’t crafty, try monogramming an everyday item like a bath towel, keychain or T-shirt at a local gift shop such as Two The Moon in Arlington or the Preppy Pink Pony in McLean. Serendipity Design in Arlington also does customized gifts. Taking the time to personalize an everyday item will mean a lot to the receiver and ensure that they remember you every time they use it.
Abigail Andelman recently completed her senior experience with Arlington Magazine and graduates from Yorktown High School on June 4. She’s heading to the University of Wisconsin in the fall, where she plans to study journalism, film and/or communications. Go Badgers!Â