Money

You can’t go wrong with money. Even though you may think its impersonal, money is a much-appreciated gift, and one that a grad can really use. Books, college fees and dorm supplies are all things that will soon become necessities, and the extra gift money is a great way to help grads pay for them.

Make giving money more personalized with this simple project. Make a sign of the graduate’s name, using large block letters. If he or she has a short name, include another word, such as the graduation year or the college’s mascot. Tape a $1, $5 or $10 bill so that it fits inside one of the letters. Sign your name, and add a note of appreciation for your grad. Be sure to include a sign that encourages graduation-party guests to follow your lead, and tape bills to the sign until all of the space inside the letters is full. At the end of the party, your grad will have a unique, personalized, money-filled gift.

Make Your Own Kits

Ready-to-purchase gift sets are rarely what a grad needs when heading off to college. Grads really don’t need—nor want—a lotion gift set or chocolates in the shape of basketballs. Consider making a kit of items that your grad will use once they’re settling in at school.

Fill a laundry basket with cleansers, such as detergent, softener sheets, spray starch, bleach, paper towels, a dust pan and brush, trash bags, antibacterial wipes and glass cleanser. Consider added a compact iron and ironing board or rechargeable hand vacuum. These are all things that a grad will need once they move into the dorms.

Canvas reusable grocery bags are great to fill with snacks. College students are grab-and-go eaters, and quick food is what they’ll need. Breakfast pastries, granola bars, fruit cups and single-serving soups are great, nonperishable items to put into a grocery bag that your grad can use over and over again once he or she is on campus.

Gift Certificates

If you know where your grad is heading off to college in the fall, call the school bookstore to purchase a gift certificate. Books are especially expensive for college students, and having extra help purchasing them will be greatly appreciated.

Late-night study sessions will most definitely include pizza. Give your grad gift certificates for a local pizza joint to last throughout the school year.

When buying a graduation gift this year, think of what your grad really needs. Your effort is sure to be appreciated.