How to Pick a Graduation Card

Buying a graduation card sounds like a simple task, but it can turn into a confusing ordeal once you see the many options available. If you are having trouble deciding which card is the right one to give for a graduation, there are some simple things you can do to help speed up the decision.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Decide whether you want a serious or a humorous graduation card. This will depend mostly on your relationship with the recipient, but it will also depend on his career, the venue where the graduation is being held and even the people attending the event who are likely to read the card.

2. Gravitate toward cards that represent the recipient's personality if you have a hard time deciding what type of card is the most appropriate. His likes and dislikes, hobbies and even choice of career can help you pick the most suitable card to celebrate the graduation.

3. Choose a large card if your present is small or comes in the way of a gift certificate. This will make the most of your card and double the impact of the whole package.

4. Choose a tri-folded card if you are giving money as a graduation present. That way, the card can double as a gift wrap and folder.

5. Pick a card with an inspirational message if you are at a loss for words. Long, motivational poems or quotes from famous writers or personalities are a great solution if you want to avoid writing a long message yourself.

6. Pick a card that matches the type of graduation event you are attending. If the party is being held at a restaurant or formal ballroom, choose a serious card. If the graduation is basically a meeting of friends and acquaintances held in somebody's house, you should be fine with a more informal or even a funny card.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid gag cards, especially if you are giving them away at a formal graduation ceremony or party. Even if they seem funny at the store, they are often inappropriate unless given in private.
• Choose a thin, simple card if you are shipping internationally. Larger cards have more of a chance of getting lost or broken on the way.
• If the receiver has a favorite character, show or personality, try to find a card that depicts it.
• If you waited until the last minute to choose a card to send through the mail, consider sending an e-card to ensure it will reach the recipient in time.