Including money and ease; excluding every complicated, overzealous graduation gift basket found online
With my only qualification being a recent graduate myself, today I am granting you permission to give the gift we’ve all been wanting to give and to receive but are too concerned it will seem like an after thought, or “not meaningful enough.” Today I will speak it into existence so this conversation is never to be had again, IT IS VERY MUCH OKAY TO GIVE CASH OR A CHECK INSIDE THAT SWEET LITTLE HALLMARK CARD YOU PICKED OUT WITH A QUOTE ABOUT THE FUTURE AND A GRADUATION CAP ON THE FRONT. Although thoughtful, nobody is requiring you to get down and dirty with the glue gun, a box, and a label for a “college survival kit.”
1. Money
EVERY STUDENT IS BROKE. EVERY STUDENT WANTS MONEY. Money is ALWAYS the most effortless gift, but it doesn’t have to look effortless. If you’re like my mom and refuse to allow your children to give their friends cash or a check for their birthdays, there’s some fun, creative, and (even better) simple ways to make it more than just handing out money. This year for graduation our gift bags included a sticker from Redbubble, corresponding to their future school or plans, and then a check for $20.19 to correspond with the graduation year. I never thought anyone that gave me a check was cheating and I wasn’t any less grateful.
2. Gift Cards
Just like money, gift cards are an easy, effortless, but still much appreciated gift in the eyes of the graduate. The stores I found to be most useful were Amazon; Bed, Bath & Beyond; and Target, as well as any on-campus restaurants (Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Subway, etc.) Gift cards give the receiver the freedom they want to pick out their supplies (especially if they’re like me and want everything to match what’s on my Pinterst board).
3. Blanket
Without a doubt, one of my favorite gifts was a UF blanket I received with my name embroidered in the corner. This personalized element may have made it a little more expensive, and although I do appreciate it, it wasn’t the best part of the blanket. It was my favorite gift simply because of how soft and big it is. Dorms are cold. Especially for this Floridian, I knew a comforter wouldn’t be enough. It was also perfect because I was able to purchase a less expensive comforter (I opted for a quilt for my dorm) because I knew I would probably be using this blanket more. The ease of this gift comes from just needing to know what school the graduate plans to attend or what color they like, and some online shopping (you just might have to pay for shipping.)
*this item was gifted from thenorthwest.com
4. Bathroom Supplies
It is true this gift might have come from one of those overwhelming graduation gift baskets that have you questioning where to even begin, but trust me it can be much easier than what you see those that only have time on their hands do. I received a large reusable shopping bag (which is a gift to me all on its own) filled with a bath towel, hand towel, wash cloth, and a Bath & Body Works set of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. I didn’t mind what color my bathroom towel was (especially because I have a communal bathroom and don’t have any bathroom decorations I need to match.) The giver was able to pick out a nice set of bathroom supplies from a large department store, buy a bag, and call it a day. Perfect for a boy or a girl (hoping that everyone will shower and need it.)
*these items were gifted from TJ Maxx and Ross*
5. Jewelry and Jewelry Organizer
(I am sorry in advance, I do not know a good equivalent for jewelry for most boys.)
As a girl, however, jewelry is always one of the easiest gifts to get me because chances are I will 1. Love it and 2. Need it. I wear earrings every. single. day. If I ever dare forget, I feel naked and apparently my closest and dearest friends and family know this because I now have an abundance of earrings and accessories, perfect for game days. One of my favorite accessories I received was the graduation cap Pandora charm I received from my mother. Although it is on the pricier side, it does show a great deal of worth and appreciation. My boyfriend’s sister also gave me the cutest UF buttons to wear for game days that I highly suggest to give any college girl you know that will attend football games and tailgates. I also not only gave my best friend jewelry, but displayed them on the perfect organizer for her dorm and to give her the organization I know she needs.
*these items were gifted from Francesca’s, Amazon (organizer), Pandora and others.*
6. College Apparel
Along with the jewelry I have also started a collection of game day apparel, thanks to some of the best graduation gifts, but mostly my boyfriend because he had me pick out a few items I wanted. I was given many different gator shirts, tank tops, hats, etc. However, for a girl living in the swampy, Rainesville, one of the best items I received was a UF rain jacket.
*these items were gifted from fanatics.com and others*
I found these gifts to be the most useful as I shopped for everything from a shower caddy to chip clips to throw pillows and everything in between. Some other gifts I love and those that came in handy include picture frames, any storage containers or materials, water bottles, etc. No matter what you decide to give your beloved best friend or your coworkers daughter you hardly know or your 2nd cousin twice removed on their graduation day, they will surely appreciate any ounce of generosity you can give. After giving and receiving graduation gifts myself, I realized all the grandiose baskets or unique ways to give someone cash were just as thoughtful as a well-written Hallmark card with some advice for the future and a picture of a Llama with a graduation cap.
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