Mark in time
Thoughtful gift ideas for graduates at each stage
Graduation is an extra special milestone — the end of one phase of life, an accomplishment, and the precipice of an unknown future, all rolled into one. Loved ones know their graduates best and these gift suggestions will show your support and encouragement.
Elementary and middle school
Consider making a candy-and-cash lei. Flower lei are now ubiquitous at high school and college graduations, but the cost of fresh tropical flowers for such lei can make them less suitable for young children. DIY lei with candy, cash, satin ribbons, charms, or other age-appropriate items are much more fun for kids.
Clear, poly plastic tubing that will hold your candy of choice can be difficult to find, but there are sellers on ebay who are reliable and won’t force you to buy 1,000 feet at a time. Clear gift cellophane and saran wrap can also work in a pinch. Any type of snack-size candy package can be part of the lei, and you can customize the candy choices by type of candy (Chocolate bars? Hard candies? Fruit chews?) or by color. And what kid doesn’t love cash? The gift giver can fold crispy dollar bills to weave into the lei, or tie them on with curling ribbons in the school’s colors.
High school
Handmade lei are still a good option for high school graduates, who will be dazzled if it’s made up of all cash, and especially if it’s made with bigger bills.
Dr. Seuss’ “Oh the Places You’ll Go!” is a classic book gift for graduates going off on their own. But consider also tucking a gift card into the book — either to their favorite book retailer, or to the bookstore of the college they are attending.
Going away to college is exciting, but it can also be scary. Poster-sized photos of the graduate’s hometown can help ease homesickness, while family or pet photos in picture frames, on magnets, or on coasters can remind them of their loved ones.
College
Graduating college is the end of school as most students know it, so memorialize the major milestone with a photo book. While everyone has photos on their phones now, a photo book is a curated collection of photos in physical form. A photo book gift for a college student can look back at some of their best school moments and memories, or even be a book of recipes with photos of some of their favorite, homemade dishes.
Photo books are not necessarily the glossy items made to order from an online service. Photos can be printed at a nearby photo service, and placed in a scrapbook or a photo album from your nearest craft store, along with notes, keepsakes, ticket stubs, and other memorabilia.