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Practical and thoughtful last-minute gifts for graduates

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By Debbie Juniewicz, Contributing Writer Updated 11:48 AM Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Once “Pomp and Circumstance” fades out and the caps have been tossed sky high, it’s time for the graduation party circuit to begin.

But graduation parties are about more than snacks and celebrating the graduate. There is the obligatory graduation gift to think about.

According to the National Retail Federation, consumer spending on graduation gifts is expected to increase slightly this year with the average person planning to buy presents for two grads and spend a total of $90. In all, the NRF estimates that more than $3.8 billion will be spent on gift cards, apparel, greeting cards, electronics and other presents.

But procrastinators can rest easy as it’s not too late to come up with the perfect gift.

Money talks

Tuition, books, dorm decor, not to mention a last-blast summer vacation — high school grads have plenty of potential expenses. For that reason, cash gifts are almost always well received. And, according to the National Retail Federation, cash is the most common gift with close to 56 percent of people planning to give the gift of money this year.

“Cash is always a great graduation gift,” said Leah Hawthorn, director of Advanced Business Image & Etiquette in Kettering. “Make sure that if you’re giving $50, that you go to the bank and get a $50 new bill, not five 10s. Make sure it’s inside a lovely card that says something special from the heart since money seems to be a bit impersonal.”

So how much should you give? Gift amounts can vary greatly and there is generally a correlation between how close the gift giver is to the recipient.

“Your relationship with the graduate will help guide you on how much to give,” said Pamela Eyring, president and director of The Protocol School of Washington. “If you know the graduate through an organization, church or association, I recommend a minimum of $10 for a high school graduate and $20 for a college graduate.”

Eyring suggests friends of the family give in the $20-$50 range while close family members give $50-$100.

And, if you feel like a money gift is lacking a bit in originality, consider a creative presentation. A crisp, new $50 bill mounted in a graduation frame is two gifts in one. Or you can put the money in a new wallet or purse and see how long it takes for the recipient to discover the extra present tucked inside.

Always in good taste

Whether he is a chicken wing fanatic or she can’t live without her favorite cup of joe, gift cards are an easy and thoughtful purchase. For the college-bound, cafeteria food will likely get old long before most freshmen make it back for a home-cooked meal.

But before you run out and grab a few random gift cards, do your research. Where do they like to eat? What do they like to eat? Is there a location in the city they will be calling home? You don’t want to buy a burger joint gift card for a vegetarian nor should you entice the hungry freshman with the gift of burritos when the closest restaurant location is hours away from campus.

A gift card or certificate to a local upscale restaurant could pay for a night out with the roommates or be used to celebrate a birthday away from home.

Most gift cards come in multiple denominations and some are rechargeable so you can always reload it as a Christmas gift if they have burned through it in a single semester.

Hit the road

It can help combat homesickness, reunite friends or fund an adventure to remember — it’s a plane ticket or, in this case, an airline gift card or gift certificate.

Southwest Airlines is just one of several airlines that offers gift cards. The carrier that flies to more than 70 destinations offers cards ranging in price from $10-$1,000 with no fees and no expiration. And procrastinators need not worry as they can be emailed or sent by overnight delivery. Visit www.southwest.com for information.

Check to see what airlines fly out of the city where the graduate is attending school to make sure the travel gift can be conveniently used. And be sure to check the rules and regulations for the carrier before purchasing. While Southwest and American airlines gift cards have no expiration dates, Delta gift certificates are only valid for one year — good information to know before you buy.

If the student will be taking a car to campus, an AAA membership will help provide safety and security for them and peace of mind for the family. In addition to roadside assistance, AAA offers a variety of discounts for travel, shopping and entertainment.

Reading material

While the ominous stack of textbooks will always be there, college students might appreciate other diversions. A magazine subscription can offer a personal gift delivered to their home-away-from-home every few weeks.

With more than 2,300 titles to choose from, Magazines.com has something for everyone. From Rolling Stone to Sports Illustrated and Entertainment Weekly to Money, it’s simply a matter of matching the graduate’s interest with a magazine. The site can notify the recipient of the gift with a postcard, e-card or printable announcement.

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