Great Gifts for Graduates

Well, it's that time of the year -- graduation. Have someone in your family or circle of friends that's graduating and you're not sure what to get them? Here are some suggestions on great graduation gifts from the Washington Post:

• Book a session with a career counselor.
• Launch their work wardrobes.
• Hire a résumé writer .
• Pick up a basic personal finance guide.

And if you don't like any of these, here's one last suggestion:

If none of these suggestions appeal to you, you can always offer to make that first student loan payment.

;-)

Personally, I like to opt for the one gift that's flexible, easy to give, and always appreciated -- cash. Young adults love cash (who doesn't?) and giving it allows them to get something they really want versus me buying them something I think they want. That said, I'm not opposed to getting a gift and my choice from above -- no surprise -- would be the personal finance book. Or maybe I'd just send them a link to my graduate’s guide to finances. ;-)

Comments

[Patrick]

These are all very unique and thoughtful ideas. Cash is good, but I like the idea of giving something that has value but that the person may not spend money on for themselves, such as the resume writing or career counseling.

[PT]

We gave my bro-in-law (recent HS grad) a gift card to walmart and a gift of savings from our ING funds. The gift card ensured he would not just blow it...granted, you can still blow it at Walmart. We're hoping he'd spend it on supplies for his new apt. The ING deposit we're hoping will start him down the road to continual savings.

[A Tentative Personal Finance Blog]

I'm all about giving the cash. I hardly buy any real gifts, except for my wife. Everyone else gets some greenbacks.

[plonkee]

I hate giving cash. On the other hand I think its by far the best gift to give. If they blow it on a great experience, good for them - I spent my 21st b'day present money on a round the world trip. But they will almost certainly have setting up expenses (flat deposit, new wardrobe etc) and the money for that has to come from somewhere.

[John in Baltimore]

We also agree - cash is king and makes a great gift. However, we have a firm policy about any gifts - They Are Gifts, not something that should have any strings attached, or expectations by the giver on how it should be used or spent. WHen you attach an agenda to a gift, our belief is that it cheapens or even spoils the whole concept of giving. Do we want our kids to do the right thing when it comes to money - Of course we do! Have we provided lessons - yes! But a gift is a gift and any "lessons" learned should happen naturally. That is just our thoughts Cheers, J & D

[Sarah]

I definitely believe in giving them something they can really use- I love the idea of launching their work wardrobe- I know when I got out of college I had nothing remotely work appropriate! I think a great idea is getting them a department store gift certificate, and then setting up an appointment with a personal shopper. Lord and Taylor would be a great place- I've heard amazing things about their personal shopping service, and it is complimentary, so you're only paying for the clothes. Not only would it be a fun experience, but it would be very useful to the graduate.