High School Graduation Gifts

It’s been two years since my twins graduated from high school. But it feels like so much longer. In a good way. The changes in each of their lives have been nothing less than astounding. I’m even more proud of them today than when they walked across that windy football field to receive their diplomas.

Parents of high school seniors, my advice is not to see graduation from high school as the end. Instead, think of it as a beautiful new beginning. This milestone in your child’s life is your chance to launch them into the adult that you’ve worked so hard to raise. But first, you probably have a dozen or so graduation gifts to buy for friends and family members. Not to worry. As a mother of former high school grads, I’ve got you covered with a few ideas.

Gifts for High School Grads

Money

Sorry folks, but the best high school graduation gift is cold, hard cash. Well, not cash exactly. Even the most disciplined grad would likely blow it the summer before they head off to college. But checks, now those are greatly appreciated. And something that every soon-to-be college student needs. With the exorbitant cost of higher education, most students pay at least a portion of their college expenses, whether it be tuition, room and board or spending money. You can help alleviate that financial burden with a check that they must deposit into their checking account. Your check, combined with others, can really make a difference in the life of a college student.

Gift Cards

For those of us averse to simply writing out a check and calling it good, gift cards are a nice middle ground. Some credit card companies waive the service fee. Especially if you already have an account with them, and purchase the gift cards directly from their website. I suggest buying all the cards that you think you’ll need at once. In various denominations. And yes, that means making a list of potential recipients. Those with higher dollar amounts will likely be given to close friends or family members. Involve your high school senior in the decision-making process. Not only about how much to give their friends, but also who they want to receive graduation gifts. High school graduates can’t afford to blow all their savings on gifts for each of their friends.  Pay it forward by funding gifts to your kids’ friends. I promise it will come back to you. And then some.

Avoid Creative Gifts

Unless you want to include a small gift with a graduation check or gift card, save yourself the time and energy of trying to figure out a creative high school graduation gift idea. Every high school graduate has different needs when it comes to college, depending on the school they attend. And all of them have limited space. I used to send a collegiate sweatshirt as a graduation gift until I realized it took more time to track down the sizes from their parents. Only to find out they already had that item in their closet. In a world where reusable water bottles seem like a no-brainer (what college student doesn’t want a Hydro Flask®) chances are they already have a favorite that they are planning to take to college.  Either due to stickers emblazoned on it that remind them of friends and adventures, or because it’s the right color, size, or has their preferred drinking spout. Put the money toward a gift card or check instead and they’ll be thrilled.

Gifts for Parents of High School Grads

Why give gifts to the parents of high school graduates? Because it’s worth celebrating their achievement as well. Didn’t they spend 18 years, or more, of their lives raising the next generation of leaders? As a parent of grads, I didn’t receive many such gifts, but those I did were unexpected, delightful and reminded me to celebrate this milestone.

Books

Forgive me for the shameless plug, but my recently published book, They’re Ready. Are You? A Parent’s Guide to Surviving the College Transition, is a great gift idea for parents of high school graduates. Why? Because it gives them a glimpse into all the changes that lie ahead. So parents won’t be caught off guard when they say goodbye to their college student. Or when they try to book a hotel room for Parents’ Weekend only to discover that every hotel within a 15-mile radius is full. Plus, the book gives insights into your student’s last summer at home and ways to embrace, rather than dread, the three-month “wait” until they’re settled on campus.

Bottle of Wine or Spirits

For parents of grads who enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail, giving them a bottle of their favorite drink of choice allows them to raise a glass to both their graduate and their accomplishment as a parent. Fun ideas include purchasing a bottle from the state or city where their child will be attending school, or picking out one with a name that has meaning to the family. Friends of ours received a bottle of wine named after their daughter, which I thought was clever and heartwarming.

Thoughtful Card

In a day and age where email and text reign supreme, there is something very touching about receiving a handwritten card, as a memento of your child’s graduation. It is less about the card itself and more about what you write in it. I can guarantee that it will become a talisman that parents will reach for as a source of comfort and strength during their student’s first year away from home.

Photo by Juan Ramos on Unsplash