I took last week off for my birthday, but I have to confess that I’m fully living in graduation season. Sure, the graduating part has already happened, but I am stretching this out and celebrating this win for as long as possible. Maybe that is what happens when you accomplish your dreams: you become the person who brags about the same thing for as long as possible.
Maybe one of the appeals is that it’s time to celebrate the achievements that lead to a new chapter of life. As a recent graduate, I thought I would take the time to pull together this gift guide so that you can find the perfect gift for the graduate in your life. Whether they’re stepping out of high school, college, or graduate school like me, finding the perfect gift to commemorate this significant milestone can be both exciting and challenging. Keep reading if you’re interested in finding something truly special for the graduate in your life.
1. Personalized Keepsakes
When I finished my first internship, the parting gift that my manager gave me was an engraved pen with my name on it. She believed in the importance of always having a pen on hand, and in the professional sphere, it offered an extra air of professionalism as well to have something custom with your name on it.
Of course, as a writer, I cherished having such a unique gift, but there are many gifts that can be personalized, even if you want to go beyond the professional sphere. You can have engraved custom jewelry with their initials or a framed photo collage of some of their favorite memories. Or if you want to stay professional, a custom set of pens is a great idea to play with or a monogrammed leather portfolio for the graduate’s professional endeavors. If you really know them well, you can also create custom business cards for them to hand out as they network.
2. Inspiring Books
My sisters are tired of how often I bring home a self-help book, but I think that it is important to challenge yourself to grow and adapt beyond the academic setting. For that reason, self-help books are a key part of my library. Here are three book suggestions I would make for recent graduates:
- The Defining Decade by Meg Jay: This was a book that I picked up as I was turning twenty, and the reason it is great for high school graduates and undergraduate students is that it gets into the psychological importance of what this decade of their life could lead to. It is a very impactful time, and while they’re out figuring out their lives, this book gives them a few things to consider while they make these choices.
- The Restart Roadmap by Jason Tartick: I lent this book to someone and I never got it back, probably because of how helpful it is for people who are trying to figure out their careers. While the title of the book implies starting over, it is a great resource for people who are trying to start their careers in a meaningful way.
- How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie: There is a very good reason this book is considered a classic, and that is because Dale Carnegie built his success on the belief that it is possible to change other people’s behavior by changing one’s behavior towards them. In the age of the internet, when so many people are aspiring for some level of influence, this book is a must for any person, graduate or not.
3. Technology & Technological Accessories
Let me tell you that I graduated at the perfect time, because near the end of this semester, my laptop decided that it no longer wanted to work for longer than fifteen minutes unless it was plugged into a wall. At that point, I was relying on a portable computer to get me through finals season. I’ll be relying on it until I get myself a new job.
While I got through that just fine, I am going to say that it is important to have working technology in this day and age. Equip your graduate for the next phase of their journey with practical gadgets that enhance their productivity and streamline their daily life. Think high-quality noise-canceling headphones for focused study sessions, a sleek laptop backpack for their commute, or a smartwatch to help them stay organized and connected.
4. Financial Support
You probably don’t need me to tell you that it is not very cheap to be alive right now. As someone who has taken out some loans to get through school, a great gift is any sort of financial support you can offer. Whether it is in the form of a gift card or a subscription to a meal kit delivery service, the smallest things can go a long way for someone who is struggling financially. Of course, this can look like a lot of different things, but no matter how it appears, it is truly appreciated. Take it from a graduate.
5. Handwritten Letters
I will confess to being a sentimental sap, so it is possible that I will appreciate a sentimental gift. like a handwritten letter, more than the average graduate. Actually, one of my favorite memories this semester would be that my creative writing teacher from high school surprised me at my graduate reading with a journal of letters for me. I had emailed him when I started graduate school and hadn’t heard back, so this was a wonderful surprise.
I truly believe that the most meaningful gifts are those that come from the heart. Take the time to pen a heartfelt letter expressing your pride, admiration, and well wishes for the graduate. Share fond memories, offer words of wisdom, and remind them that they have a support system cheering them on every step of the way.
No matter the gift you choose, the most important thing is to convey your love, support, and pride for the graduate as they embark on this new chapter of their life. Whether it’s a practical item to assist them on their journey, an experience to create lasting memories, or a heartfelt sentiment to remind them of your unwavering support, your gesture will undoubtedly be appreciated. Here’s to celebrating milestones and embracing new beginnings!
What are some of your go-to graduation gifts? Is there anything you would like to hear from me as a graduate? Do we have thoughts of what should happen next? Share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below!
As always, thank you so much for taking the time to read this blog post. If you enjoyed it, please let me know by liking this post and commenting your thoughts below. And of course, you have the ability to make my day by subscribing to the blog, which means that you will get updates any time I post more content like this.
Love Always,
Kristi My
Kristi My Dao 