My Diamond Spree

Graduating from college is one of the most memorable milestones in one’s life. One goes from just wading into fully immersing in the sea of independence and adulthood during this significant turning point. This doesn’t change the fact though that parents will still think of the recent graduate as their little boy or girl and will fret over the perfect gift to give.

College graduation gifts that will be most appreciated are things that will be useful to the graduate in preparing for two post-graduation events, moving to a new apartment from the college dorm and embarking on a chosen career. Other appropriate college graduation gifts are contributions to something the graduate has always wanted to do like sky diving or a trip to somewhere they have always wanted to go so they can get it out of the way before heading into the “real world”.

The list of household stuff mom and dad can buy for a new apartment is endless. Appliances, cooking equipment, silverware, matching dining ware, matching sheets, towels, curtains, and basic household tools are just a few of the necessities a cash-strapped graduate will appreciate being given. Cookbooks are something particularly appropriate for gifts for college graduates who have never had to cook for themselves. Gift certificates from Ikea or Bed, Bath & Beyond are a good idea so the recipient can choose and decorate their first apartment according to their liking. You can contribute to a new home even if you do not have a lot of money to spend by purchasing something like folding chair that can fill space until the new adult can afford better furniture.

Classic college graduation gifts like cufflinks, a bracelet, a watch, elegant wallet, and engraved silver key chains or pens were usually given as a sort of memento to mark the event aside from their practical uses. These can be bought at designs appropriate to be used during job interviews. (In this way, the items can also be the job seeker’s good luck charm aside from being a token with sentimental value. ~ Aside from being a token with sentimental value, they can also serve as a good luck charm for the job seeker.} One classic graduation gift used to be the briefcase. Update this instead to a stylish bag that can fit a laptop.

Of course, nothing can beat the flexibility of a cash gift for both housing and career expenses. Mom and dad can give it the old fashioned way – wads of money in a white envelope. Opening an ATM or checking account in the graduate’s name is a safer alternative.

For some parents, graduating from college warrants a grander gift that comes in the form of a brand new car. However, giving extremely extravagant high-end models such as a Porsche should be avoided. Finishing college does not necessarily earn one a dream car. Additionally, the high maintenance and insurance costs may be too much for a 21-year old to handle. A more sensible car will be mid level models that are fuel efficient and inexpensive to maintain. In today’s current financial climate, buying a second hand car or even getting dad’s old car is acceptable to the new graduate and easier on the parents’ pockets.

Other ideas for college graduation gifts are books, trips, and donations to charity. Practical books on money and how to manage finances are handy tools to guide someone starting off in life. If the graduate wants a break before joining the workforce, a trip to another country is a good gift. Instead of a gift, some youngsters request for a donation to a charity of their choosing.