Between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day in May and June, graduations are in full swing! It’s such a special time for the student in your life and deserves all the excitement it brings. So much hard work has gone into getting to this major milestone; and whether attending the ceremony or not, showering our grads with graduation gifts is something we won’t miss.
If I had to guess, monetary gifts are the top gifting option for grads. And it’s true. According to research done by the National Retail Federation, over 50% of consumers will gift money to high school and college graduates this year. It’s a great gift to help set your student up for success in their next chapter. It is also a terrific option if you don’t know the grad’s preferences.
However…..
For some, giving monetary graduation gifts can feel too practical. While it’s an excellent choice, it may not be considered the most thoughtful. If that’s you, then you’re likely leaning toward a tangible gift that creates a sensory moment or becomes a cherished reminder of this milestone.
Why not do both! Spoil your grad with a bundle of delights that’s supportive AND meaningful.
Here are some thoughtful gift items to pair with monetary graduation gifts (and don’t miss a few of my favorite online stores for graduation cards to slip your money gift into).
Monetary Graduation Gift Pairing #1
The College First Day To Graduation Journal
The My College Journal: From First Day To Graduation by Promptly Journals makes a lovely addition to a monetary gift for a high school graduate. With sections to track academic progress and prompts to capture meaningful moments and milestones, this 120-page journal will hold all the memories your grad will treasure forever.
Linked Here For You: My College Journal
Monetary Graduation Gift Pairing #2
A Themed Up Up And Away Treat
I love John and Kira’s Up, Up & Away hot air balloon-shaped chocolate collection for a fun and playful addition. These chocolates are made using the finest ingredients sourced from urban gardens and small family farms around the world. They are divine!
To pull it all together, include a note that says “Let your dreams take flight” or “The sky’s the limit” and this gift pairing will rise to new heights. 🙂
Linked Here For You: Up, Up & Away Chocolate Collection
Monetary Graduation Gift Pairing #3
A Subscription Created By You For A Thoughtful Touch
Does your grad love a particular food item or snack? Treat them to a 3-month (or longer) supply of their favorite item with your very own subscription service!
Simply get their campus address and set a reminder each month on your calendar to mail the item to them. Create a gift card with the details and include it with your monetary gift. Take it up a notch and create a QR code or video to share the gift with them.
Want more details for this gift idea (or any I’ve included)? Reach out anytime.
Monetary Graduation Gift Pairing #4
A Personalized Dose Of Inspiration
I love this personalized magnetic bookmark! I purchased several of them as favors for my daughter’s graduation, and the quality is great! The bookmark can be personalized with a photo and message, so have fun with it and get creative.
Need a suggestion or two? For the perfect monetary gift pairing, use the personalized bookmark as a money clip before slipping cash into a card, or purchase an inspirational book to go with the bookmark for a “Cheers To A New Chapter” themed gift.
Linked Here For You: Personalized Magnetic Bookmark
Monetary Graduation Gift Pairing #5
A Special Keepsake That Does Double Duty
A nice monetary gift pairing option for college graduates is the College Cityscape Can-Shaped Glasses designed by artist Leslie Thompson. Sold as a set of 2, these glasses are unique, beautifully made, and school spirit approved. There are over 50 colleges to choose from, and more selections to come.
Linked Here For You: College Cityscape Can-Shaped Glasses
Don’t Forget
Greeting Cards For Your Monetary Graduation Gifts
For graduation greeting cards, here are a few suggestions from my list:
Write a thoughtful note, slip the cash or money card in, pair it with one of the additions above, and delight in your A+ gifting status because you just made someone’s day.
