Graduation – it’s a milestone celebrated by many families many times. Whether your favorite scholar completes preschool, kindergarten, fifth grade, eighth grade, high school, college, or beyond, you want to acknowledge the hard work that got them there. However, especially for parents, this can be an expensive time of the year. From end of the year school celebrations to teacher gifts and more, those expenses add up quickly. When your budget is already feeling the squeeze how do you give meaningful graduation gifts without going overboard?
These affordable graduation gift ideas and spending principles can help shape your thinking on how to celebrate the special grads in your life this year.
A Collection of Letters
Reach out to significant people in your graduate’s life and ask them to write a simple letter. Think through favorite teachers, friends, coaches – anyone who has played a special role in their life. Even if they can send an email for you to print out, gather these notes and envelopes into a nice box or folder for the graduate to keep.
You may want to give the letter writers some specific ideas to guide their process. Sometimes it’s difficult to know where to begin. Focus on a special memory. Or have them write dreams and wishes for the grad’s future. Perhaps they could write about character traits they admire about your graduate.
A Collection of Books
When our oldest daughter turned 16, we asked if 10-15 people she admired would consider giving a gift for her birthday – a book. This made great sense because she loves to read. But rather than the latest thriller or YA read, we asked this special group to give a book they felt changed their life.
Some gave an original copy and others purchased a brand new edition. Believe it or not, no one chose the same book. It’s been fun to see her read through that collection over the years. This is a great idea for graduates, too. It’s a delight to see the wide array of books that people choose.
Purchase Cards in Bulk
If you need to give to multiple graduates like we did this year, it’s a good idea to purchase cards in bulk rather than buying them individually. My favorite cards are made by my friend and local artist Tricia at Garrett Hand Lettering on Etsy. You can get 5 unique handmade cards for $15. You can also find others on Amazon (54 cards for $14.99) and Dayspring (12 for $6.99). Calculate the price per unit. And don’t forget to jot down a list of graduates you plan to send cards to so you purchase enough.
You could also make your own cards using free printables or plain stationery. On Queen of Free, you’ll find a printable care package postcard you can give to a graduate to return to you at a future date. Simply print it out on cardstock and apply enough postage (it’s oversized so it will need more than one stamp) so it’s ready to mail.
This easy gift idea helps you spread out the cost of multiple gifts over months. Graduates fill in the blanks with their favorite snacks and school supplies. You purchase those items and send them during the next academic year.
Purchase Gifts in Bulk
You may also want to buy some gifts in bulk, too. From necklaces to mugs to journals to books, this is a great idea. Because even if you don’t end up using all of the items this year, you can use them for future graduates. The same goes for any bulk card purchases. Future you will thank you when you already have items on hand to give away. And by the way, if you’re like me and have done this in years past, be sure to check and see what you already have before you buy anything new. Typically, I find items like these on Amazon or Dayspring, too. You could also check a place like Old Time Pottery for affordable mugs, too.
Buy Symbolic Gifts
Amazon has a number of fantastic finds that don’t cost much but pack a symbolic punch! Here are some of my favs:
- Classic Compass 6 for $18.99 after coupon
- 6″ Handheld Brass Telescope with Wooden Case $9.99
- Small Leather Blank Book $8.99
- College Fund Bags to Fill With Change or Pennies
Give a $5 Gift Card
It’s ok if you can’t afford to drop a lot of coin. Even your small gift is significant. Whether it’s for a Starbucks run or to buy shampoo at Target, a $5 gift card is certain to lift the graduate’s spirit. Any gift is a good gift.
Think About Next Year
This final word is for parents of high school juniors or even soon to be college seniors. Next year will be a big year for your students. Not only will they endeavor to finish their academic careers with excellence, but there will be costs associated with their next steps in life. In addition, all of their friends – the kids you’ve grown to know and love – will also be graduating. Before this busy season concludes and you dive into the next, begin budgeting NOW for next year’s celebrations. Think through who will be graduating and what you’ll need to give. Start a savings fund especially for generosity. You won’t feel quite as overwhelmed and behind when next May hits.
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