How to Shop for The Best Graduation Gifts

Graduation season is around the corner for many universities! This means that you may find yourself wondering if you should buy a gift for a to-be graduate and what the perfect present to honour the graduate would be. Graduating is a big milestone moment that deserves recognition. It takes some serious hard work and perseverance to accomplish such an achievement, which opens many exciting doors for the future. The best part of reaching milestones is about celebrating the achievement. Of course, it isn’t about presents, but that sure does help to celebrate the special occasion and adds a memory for them to reflect back on. Giving gifts that are unique to the individual means you’ve put a lot of thought into making it personal to them and their interests. Celebrate their achievement in style with personalised champagne gifts and special keepsakes.

Personalised graduation gifts are well-deserved so if you’re wondering how to celebrate this momentous occasion, our guide to graduation gift etiquette will help you honour the graduate.

Should I buy a Graduation Gift?

If you know someone who is graduating, you are not obliged to give a gift. However, if you’re a relative and are planning on attending the graduation ceremony, etiquette does call for you to bring a gift along with a congratulations card.

If you are a close friend, sending a card is enough to commemorate the occasion, although you can always include a gift if you want to send extra special wishes to the new graduate.

Should I send a Graduation Gift?

There are several things to keep in mind when thinking about sending a graduation gift.

• If you can’t attend the ceremony, you may still want to consider sending a gift in the post. An invitation to the event means the graduate considers you an important part of their journey.
• It’s best to send the gift as near to the graduation date as possible. You can arrange to send this gift before the ceremony to open on their big day.
• Or you can arrange to send a gift shortly after their graduation as a way of apology for not being they’re on their big day, but to let them know they’re in your thoughts and you’re proud of their achievement.

How much should I spend on a Gift?

Like gift-giving for other special occasions, you’ll want to consider your relationship with the graduate and your own budget to determine an appropriate amount to spend. Whilst parents may splurge on more expensive gifts for their kids, you aren’t expected to break the bank as it’s always the thought that counts.

Giving money or gift cards is perfectly acceptable if you feel the recipient will spend it how they wish. The amount of money you wish to give all depends on the person, but here are some standard suggestions:

• Friend of the family: £20
• Close Friend: £25 – £30
• Close Relative (Parent/Grandparent): £50

The amount spent, or money given is all down to how much you can afford and how close you are to the graduate.

What Graduation Gift should I buy?

When considering what to gift a graduate, think about what their needs will be in this new chapter of their life. Will they be going into a professional career? Are they looking to travel after graduation? Also consider a gift that’ll help them celebrate this momentous occasion and remember that moment for a lifetime. Still stuck? Here are our top gift ideas for graduates:

 

Graduation Gifts for Him

Personalised Gift: Giving a personalised gift is one of the most thoughtful ideas for celebrating his graduation day. A personalised watch engraved with a message expressing your pride for him or etched with an inspiring and motivational quote, will put a smile on his face and get him excited for the next chapter ahead.

Keepsake: A keepsake gift that’ll remind him of his big day is one of the best gifts he’ll receive on his graduation day. Whether it’s a frame to display his mortarboard or certificate, or an engraved photo frame to display a photo of his graduation day, he’ll love to look back on this precious gift in years to come to marvel at his great accomplishment.    

Experience Day: Now that all the hard work is over, why not treat him to a day out with a fun activity? There are plenty of affordable experience packages to suit every personality from driving days to sporting events.

Money: Although boring, this is a practical gift. If he has plans for travelling or taking time out, he can put this towards travel costs. If he’s starting a new job, he’ll probably need to shop for new clothes and a cash gift will come in handy.

Graduation Gifts for Her

Flowers: A traditional gift for the graduate is a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Arrange for a stunning bouquet to be sent to her or if you’re attending the ceremony, present her with a bunch of her favourite flowers.

Keepsake: A piece of jewellery always makes a beautiful keepsake gift. A watch, necklace or bracelet engraved with her name, initials or a date mean she can be reminded of her special day where ever she goes and every time she wears it.

Handbag: Treat her to a stunning new handbag for all her hard work and efforts. If she’s going into a professional career, she’ll need a professional bag to suit!This is one gift that she’ll surely appreciate almost every day she uses it.

Champagne: It’s been a long year and this celebration calls for a bottle of the good stuff. But make sure to pick an extra special bottle that she’ll remember drinking on her graduation day. Choose a classy bottle of pink Moet or a personalised champagne gift, customised with a special message for to the new graduate to celebrate in style.

The most important factor when gifting for graduations is to keep the graduate in mind. Graduation is a time for celebration and personalised graduation gifts are the ultimate way to honour the recent grad in style.