Frugal Family: Graduation Gifts

It’s that time of year when we congratulate our favorite graduates with a gift to recognize their hard work and achievements. 

Whether it is for friends, family, or neighbors, it is possible to make an impression with a gift that doesn’t break the bank.

Here are some suggestions:

Advice Journal – Pearls of wisdom might be a more useful gift than regular pearls. Purchase a blank journal from a stationery store and fill it with advice you wish you had received when you went away to college.

Scrapbook for the Future - Purchase a nice scrapbook that the new graduate can use to chronicle their college experience.

Movie Passes - Even if a student is away at college, movies are a great escape, but these days, it can be an expensive one. Search the name of theaters in their college town and purchase passes or gift cards they can use throughout the year.

Durable Backpack - At the end of high school, backpacks have been through a lot of wear and tear. A sturdy yet fashionable backpack for college could be very useful.

College Spirit Gifts - If the student already has their college picked out, purchase something with the college’s name and logo they can use in the dorm. Using the internet, you can find just about everything from everywhere.

Once the gift is purchased, a fun way to provide just a little extra is real dollar wrapping paper. It’s creative and memorable (and valuable, too).