How to Make a Memorable and Affordable Graduation Gift

Graduation from high school or college is a big deal, so you want to make your gift memorable. Many graduation gifts come with hefty price tags, but you don’t have to wreck your budget for the month to come up with a great present. The six tips below will help you find the perfect present for a reasonable price.

Take the DIY approach

If you want to give a recent graduate a tangible gift on a budget, go the DIY route. Think about your skills and create a gift idea that incorporates the personal touch instead of a high price point.

Maybe you could collect articles and other resources online that offer financial advice. Alternatively, if you’re the handy sort, make a piece of furniture that the graduate can use in his or her new home. Crafts also make fine gifts for people who want to decorate their first “grown-up” apartments and homes. Wind chimes, candles, throw pillows and other handmade crafts might offer the perfect solution.

Homemade art can also make an excellent graduation gift. Steer clear of school-related subject matter and go for a theme that the recipient will appreciate long after the fervor of education has passed.

Make use of Coupons

When you have your eye on a product, don’t take the price tag at face value. Start looking for coupons at department stores, such as Kohl’s or Macy’s, so you don’t have to pay full price. Printable coupons work well if you want to shop in-store, but you can also find coupon codes that work for online shopping

Print your own graduation card

If you’re buying graduation gifts for multiple people, cards will set you back a pretty penny. If you print your own graduation cards, however, you can earmark more cash for the gifts themselves. Additionally, you can personalize the cards however you like, such as by adding the recipient’s name or including an inside joke reference.

You can even print cards with built-in slots for gift cards or cash. Print the envelope as well, or buy an inexpensive package of plain white envelopes at your local office supply store.

Hit the Town

You can give your time (and yourself) with an inexpensive graduation gift that the recipient will always cherish. Plan a night out on the town with the recent grad in your life. Go to dinner, take in a show or visit a local dance club, depending on what he or she likes to do.

This gift becomes particularly special if the graduate plans to leave town soon for a job or to continue his or her education. Celebrate this incredible accomplishment and your relationship at the same time. If possible, choose an activity that neither one of you has done before.