Graduation is a year round event.  True, the majority of students graduate in May or June but many graduate mid-year and plenty graduate from all sorts of programs with all kinds of degrees or certifications all year long.  A graduation signifies an achievement to be celebrated.

It is an honor to be included on a graduate’s mailing list and although gifts should not necessarily be expected, it is proper etiquette to remember someone special with at least congratulations cards.  A small gift is nice as well if you choose to send one.  Here are popular graduation gift suggestions:

• Money.  Who wouldn’t appreciate a bit of cash as a reward for a job well done?  Gift cards too let them pick their own meaningful gift with you in mind.
• Jewelry.  Girls of all ages love jewelry.  Something personalized marking the date of graduation is a keepsake to last a lifetime.  For the guys, engraved pens are popular.
• Practical.  Gifts that help the graduate along their next step in life are useful and appreciated.  Maybe they are starting their first job, changing careers or setting up new living arrangements.  A gift to help the transition is sure to be a hit.
• Books.  Books are nice remembrances and I don’t mean textbooks.  A book offering encouragement or just a fun read to commemorate the moment can be kept and cherished.  Dr. Seuss’s Oh, the Places You’ll Go is a classic graduation gift.  A scrapbook or photo memory book might also be appreciated.
• Personalized.  Pick a gift with the graduate in mind.  Is he or she into music?  Maybe a gift card to their favorite music store is in order.  Or maybe they need something specific to help them use their newly acquired skill.  Note cards with their name personalized on them make great thank you cards or cards for any occasion.  Could be a spa gift card would help relieve the stress of completing the final exams and activities associated with graduation itself.

Whatever gift you choose, make it a thoughtful one and it is sure to be appreciated. 



Completing a course of study or achieving a milestone deserves praise and recognition no matter how large or small the feat.  The usual school sponsored Graduation Announcements are fine but maybe someone you know would like to stand out from the crowd by sending personalized and custom imprinted Graduation Invitations.  Or perhaps the accomplishment is a bit unusual and you can’t find a pre-printed announcement that will work.  Maybe you have successfully graduated from a culinary program and want to spread the word, especially if you are hoping to attract a crowd for an upcoming dinner party.  Perhaps your dog has completed obedience training and you know your friends and neighbors would be pleased to hear about it!

Graduation invitations can include photos and details of the ceremony or after party.  Custom imprinted and personalized, these photo graduation announcements are fun and tasteful for spreading the news in style and can be saved as attractive keepsakes. I especially love the ones that feature the graduate’s baby picture along with their more formal cap and gown shot.



However you choose to celebrate, spread the news to friends and family and graciously accept congratulations for a job well done.  You deserve it!