Graduation is a major milestone, whether it’s high school, college, or even grad school, and the right gift can show your pride and support for the graduate. Whether you’re celebrating a family member, friend, or someone close to you, choosing the perfect graduation gift can sometimes feel overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some common questions and answers about graduation gift etiquette to make your gifting easier and more meaningful.
Graduation Gifts FAQ
Do You Have to Bring a Gift to a Graduation Party?
While it’s not mandatory to bring a gift, it’s a thoughtful gesture to bring something small, such as a personalized card or a keepsake, especially if you’re close to the graduate.
What to Give for a Graduation Gift?
Graduation gifts can range from personalized keepsakes to practical items that will be useful in the next stage of the graduate’s life. Some classic graduation gift ideas include:
- Personalized Gifts: Customized photo books, engraved jewelry, or monogrammed stationery are thoughtful ways to capture memories from the graduate’s school years. Shutterfly offers a variety of personalized graduation gifts like photo mugs, custom canvas prints, and framed photos that make perfect keepsakes.
- Tech Gadgets: Laptops, tablets, or noise-canceling headphones can be great gifts to help graduates in their next academic or professional chapter.
- Gift Cards: Whether it’s for a favorite store or an experience, gift cards are always appreciated.
- Cash or Checks: If you’re unsure what to give, money is always a useful gift for graduates starting new adventures.
What Is Considered a Good Graduation Gift?
A good graduation gift is one that is meaningful and tailored to the individual graduate. Gifts that celebrate their accomplishments and provide something they can use in the future are ideal. Personalized items like Shutterfly’s photo books or personalized home decor allow you to turn memories into lasting keepsakes that are perfect for the graduate’s next phase of life.
What Is a Good Adult Graduation Gift?
For adults who are graduating from college or graduate school, think about gifts that help them transition into their professional life. Some good adult graduation gift ideas include:
- Professional Gifts: Custom business cards, a high-quality leather briefcase, or an engraved pen set.
- Personalized Keepsakes: A photo book that captures their academic journey or a framed photo of their graduation day.
- Practical Gifts: Tech gadgets or subscriptions that they can use in their personal or professional lives.
What Do High School Graduates Want for Gifts?
High school graduates are often excited about heading to college or entering the workforce, so gifts that help with this transition are always appreciated. Popular high school graduation gifts include:
- Dorm Room Essentials: Bedding, towels, or kitchen supplies are perfect for graduates moving into a dorm or their first apartment. Check out our guide on Dorm Room Decorations for ideas and inspiration.
- Personalized Gifts: Shutterfly’s custom wall art, pillows, or photo tiles make great decor for a new dorm room or apartment.
- Cash or Gift Cards: Many high school graduates appreciate money or gift cards to help with expenses like textbooks, food, or clothing.
What Is a Good High School Graduation Gift Amount?
When giving money for a high school graduation gift, a typical amount ranges from $20 to $100, depending on your relationship with the graduate. For acquaintances, $20-$50 is a common range, while closer family members or friends may give more.
How Much Money Do You Usually Give for a Graduation Gift?
The amount of money given for a graduation gift can vary based on the graduate’s level of education and your relationship with them. For high school graduates, gifts typically range from $20-$100. College or graduate school graduates may receive gifts from $50 to $200, depending on how close you are to them. If you’re unsure, always consider giving an amount that feels appropriate for your budget and relationship.
What Do Parents Give as a Graduation Gift?
Parents often give significant and sentimental gifts to celebrate their child’s graduation. These can include:
- A Memorable Experience: A family vacation or a trip is a common graduation gift from parents.
- Personalized Gifts: Custom photo albums, framed photos, or jewelry engraved with a special message from Shutterfly can make the day even more meaningful.
- Practical Gifts: Parents may also gift something practical like a laptop, professional wardrobe, or even a car to help their child transition into the next stage of life.
What to Get a Guy for Graduation?
Finding the perfect graduation gift for a guy can be easy if you consider his interests and future plans. Great graduation gift ideas for guys include:
- Tech Gear: Headphones, a smart speaker, or a tablet.
- Personalized Gifts: Shutterfly’s custom photo mugs, desk organizers, or even a personalized phone case are thoughtful and practical.
- Travel Accessories: If he’s planning to travel, consider a custom travel mug or personalized luggage tags for his next adventure.
What to Get a Girl for Graduation?
For girls graduating, think about gifts that reflect her style and accomplishments. Some great gift ideas for girls include:
- Jewelry: Personalized necklaces, bracelets, or rings with her name or graduation date.
- Customized Home Decor: Shutterfly’s custom photo blankets, canvas prints, or monogrammed pillows make great decor for a dorm or new apartment.
- Fashion Accessories: A designer bag or a stylish wallet can be both practical and fashionable for her next steps.
What Are Thoughtful Graduation Gift Ideas for a Best Friend?
Gifts for a best friend can be personal and sentimental. Consider giving something like a custom photo book filled with memories from school years or a framed picture of your favorite moments together.
Graduation Gift Ideas
Photo Book
Celebrate the graduate’s school years with a graduation photo book featuring their favorite memories and accomplishments.
Canvas Prints
Turn their graduation photos or favorite school memories into custom canvas prints, perfect for decorating their new dorm room or apartment.
Personalized Phone Case
A custom iPhone case featuring their favorite photos or inspirational quotes will remind them of this special time every day.
Framed Photos
Give a personalized framed photo of the graduation ceremony or a special memory from their time in school to display proudly.
Photo Blanket
A cozy photo blanket personalized with images from their school years makes for a practical and meaningful gift.
Travel Mug
If the graduate is heading off to college or work, a custom travel mug with their picture or graduation year can be a great gift for those busy mornings.
Custom Puzzle
Personalized puzzles make a unique and fun graduation gift. Customize them with photos from the graduate’s school years or memorable moments, offering both entertainment and sentiment.
Related Resources on Graduation
Graduation is a significant achievement, and choosing the right gift can help celebrate the graduate’s hard work and success. Whether it’s a personalized keepsake from Shutterfly or something practical for their next steps, graduation gifts should be thoughtful, meaningful, and reflective of the graduate’s journey. By following these simple graduation gift etiquette tips, you can make sure your gift is one they’ll cherish for years to come.
