It’s almost Open House season. Our family has already attended four graduation events and there are more on the calendar. While fun to celebrate, giving gifts at every party really adds up. Especially for parents of a senior, the cost rises with each and every friend. But have no fear. Instead mark the moment with those grads you love with these significant and graduation gift ideas you can afford.
Buy Cards in Bulk
One of the most cost effective ways to send your well wishes (in person or via mail) is by purchasing your graduation cards in bulk. Buying a single card can cost anywhere from $1 – $5. But for as little as $12,99, you can score a box of 36 ($0.36/card). Plus, you’re unlikely to use them all in one season so when you get ready for next year’s grads, you’ll already have what you need. Here are a few of my favorite online graduation card deals (subject to change depending upon when you view this post).
- 36 4×6 Graduation Cards $12.99 on Amazon ($0.36 per card)
- 12 Adorable Scripture 5×7 Graduation Cards $8.58 on Amazon ($0.72/card)
- 12 Inspirational 5×7 Graduation Cards $6.99 on Dayspring ($0.50)
Write & Collect Letters
You may not have money to give to every graduate on your list, but you can always write a letter. Take your generosity one step further by collecting well wishes from people of significance in that grad’s life. You could request handwritten or typewritten letters to be mailed to you and then bundle them as a gift (even e-mail works!). Or you could purchase a blank journal to take around to friends, neighbors, teachers, family members, and mentors to sign with well wishes. If you have more budget to work with you could consider purchasing a book like Dr. Seuss’ Oh, The Places You’ll Go! ($8.48 on Amazon right now) or book of inspirational quotes, having people sign its pages instead.
Buy Bulk Gifts
Especially for years when you know you’ll have multiple grads on your list, consider purchasing gifts like mugs, journals, or books in bulk. Buying more at a time gives you a price break and mugs can be filled with candy or small bags of coffee. Pair the journals with a pen. The books can be paired with highlighters or colored pencils. Here are some of my favorite finds.
- Set of 4 Snoopy Mugs $24.99 on Amazon ($6.25/mug)
- 12 Fiercely Loved Mugs $101.90 on Dayspring ($8.49/mug)
- Set of 24 Mini Notebooks with Inspirational Quotes $10.98 on Amazon ($0.46/notebook)
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 5 for $18.79 ($3.75 a piece)
- 6″ Handheld Brass Telescope with Wooden Case $9
- Small Leather Blank Book $11.99
Care Package Post Card
Fresh out of college, I worked with high students. I had zero dollars to give to graduating seniors – especially a handful at a time. So I created a printable postcard and let them fill it out requesting their favorite snacks and school supplies in the fall. This act spread the expense out a little bit. A few years ago on Queen of Free, I created a printable for you to use to give to graduates, too. You can find it here.
No matter how you celebrate your favorite graduates, remember that the time you spend with the ones you love is much more valuable than any dollar amount!
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission. All prices are subject to change.
