Gift Ideas for the College Graduate

Need gift ideas for your graduating senior? Here are some ideas to help you select the best graduation gift for your son or daughter.

Money. The most popular college graduation gift is money. As long as you don't care how it gets spent, feel free to write a check and stick it in a graduation card. It may not seem very heartfelt to you, but it is usually the most wanted gift of graduates.
Gift cards. If you worry that your graduate may not make the best financial decisions, you may want to give gift cards instead of cash. These can range from gas cards to grocery store gift cards. Your graduate will need all the financial help she can get as she transitions from college student to working adult.
Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). PDAs have a variety of functions. They can be used as mobile phones, web browsers, portable media players, calendars/organizers, etc. Any grad would appreciate this multifunctional gift.
Watch. A watch is a great graduation present because it can be engraved with a special message to show your child how proud you are of him. Plus, your college grad will need it to keep him on time for his new job.
Briefcase. Depending on what line of work your grad will be pursuing, a briefcase may be the ideal gift. A briefcase will give your child a more polished and professional look as he begins his new career. Look for one that is both practical and attractive.
Travel package. Does your college grad want to do a little traveling before she dives into the working world? Find out where she wants to go and purchase a travel package for her.
Luggage. Now that your child has graduated from college, mismatched suitcases and duffel bags will need to be replaced with more professional-looking luggage for business trips. While black is usually the color of choice, you may want to pick a travel kit with a subtle pattern or color, so your child can easily identify his luggage at baggage claim.
Notebook computer. If your child has had the same computer all through college, now may be a good time for an upgrade.
Diploma frame. After all those years of hard work, you don't want your graduate's hard-earned diploma to end up in a box. Get her diploma matted and framed, so she can proudly display it.
Prepaid cell phone cards. Is your grad relocating for a new job? Remind him to call home every now and then with the gift of prepaid cell phone cards.

If you think of anything else that would be beneficial for a college graduate to have, don't be afraid to buy it. Your child will appreciate anything that you give him.

Posted: 5/6/2008