Fun Graduation Gift Ideas

New graduates deserve to celebrate their success.

If she has just completed high school or college, the new graduate in your life has worked hard for her diploma. Along with well-wishes, she'll be receiving plenty of practical gifts that will help her enter the work world or continue her education. Surprise her with a fun gift meant to reward her hard work and encourage her to celebrate. While money, books and software will support her continued success, a gift honoring her interests and personality will recharge her spirit and inspire her to keep working hard.

Event Tickets

Reward his accomplishment by giving him tickets to see his favorite band.

Treat your grad to a concert, play, sporting event or comedy show. If possible, select an event featuring his favorite entertainer or sports team. Purchase a second ticket for you to accompany him, or include a second ticket in his gift so he can bring the guest of his choice. Live entertainment provides an exciting environment he can celebrate his accomplishment in. Having a fun event to look forward to will help him move on from the stress of final exams and graduation plans.

Pampering

Spa services will leave her feeling refreshed for interviews.

Schedule a spa or salon service for the recent graduate. Some options to choose from include a massage, manicure, pedicure, facial or haircut. This gift provides the overworked former student with some relaxing time to reflect on her years in school and her future plans. It is also valuable because a spa or salon service will help her look more polished for upcoming interviews with potential employers or educational programs. Your gift may end up providing the confidence boost she needs to land her first job or get accepted into graduate school.

Party Games

Sports gifts help teens bond before moving to different cities or colleges.

A student's own party is usually just a small part of his social schedule in the months following his graduation ceremony. Many of his friends will also be graduating, so he will be busy attending numerous events. Give him a gift he and his friends can use to maximize the enjoyment of this time in their lives. Look for outdoor games like ladder ball, horseshoes or croquet. Sports equipment like footballs, skateboards and volleyballs tend to be hits at graduation parties. Humorous, party-themed board games don't only add enjoyment to graduation parties, but they are also staples he can keep in his new apartment or dorm room to entertain guests.

Food and Drink

Fine wine will help her entertain and celebrate with friends.

Festive food and drinks encourage the new graduate to let loose and celebrate. If she is a college graduate -- at least 21 years old -- and a responsible drinker, you can present her with wine, liquor, drink mixes or barware. She can celebrate with these at her party or save them for future social gatherings. Present high school graduates and other nondrinkers with a gift set of gourmet appetizers, candy or desserts. These can be enjoyed immediately or saved for late night snacks after long days of working or attending school. To treat her to food and drink out on the town, consider a gift certificate for a restaurant, night club or dinner cruise.

References

• Gifting Resource Center: Graduation