Now that June is here, many people are searching for the perfect gift for the recent graduates in their lives. However, this can be tricky if you need gifts for multiple people and do not want to repeat the same gift twice. Here are some creative gift ideas to spice up your graduation gifts.

1. Money Origami

If you are looking for a simple way to show your support to the graduate in your life, gifting money is the perfect option. However, if you are like me, you probably want to do more than just put money into a card. Instead, you can create an origami money bouquet, pizza, or graduation cap. These make for a great way to elevate a monetary gift, while also making for cute photo props!

2. Gift Card Album

Similar to money origami, gift card albums are an amazing way to add another layer of thoughtfulness to a seemingly simple gift card. For these albums, someone creates a small photo album full of gift cards following different prompts. The prompts may include “I heard there’s one on campus…” or “For when you need a ride” and may be responded to with a Dunkin Donuts gift card and an Uber gift card. 

3. Dorm Kit

A dorm kit may only be limited to those graduating high school, however, they are an amazing option for those looking to gift something that the graduate will find useful. This kit has endless opportunities where the gifter could limit them to only a certain category of items, like decor or kitchen essentials, or make a basket full of any dorm-related items they find. Another option for the kit could be making their dorm feel like home, with a nice throw blanket, pillows, candle, your favorite picture together, and more.

4. College Survival Kit

A college survival kit is a cute idea for those looking to get the graduate something for their next phase, without worrying about how the future freshman will decorate his/her dorm. This could range from a first aid kit, with all the essentials, to a box filled with ramen and mac and cheese cups, with the title “Just Add Water”. 

5. A Scrapbook

If you are more crafty with gifts, or just enjoy scrapbooking, a scrapbook is a creative way to document and share your favorite memories with the graduate. While this may take a long time to make and could mean many trips to CVS or Walgreens to print pictures, this is the perfect gift if you or the graduate are sentimental and enjoy a stroll down memory lane. If you do not want to assemble the scrapbook yourself, you could always give them an empty book and supplies for them to document their time in college or any other phase of their life.

6. A Journal

Similar to the scrapbook, a journal can either be gifted full or empty. If you want to take a trip down memory lane but prefer to tell instead of show, a journal full of memories with the graduate is an incredible option to remind them of all the wonderful experiences you have had together. This is even more thoughtful if you or the graduate already enjoy journaling since you are either sharing or partaking in a meaningful activity. However, an empty journal is also a great gift for someone to document their future endeavors or fill in a variety of ways.

7. Candy Bouquet

Candy tends to be a universal gift for any occasion, but to spice this gift up, you can make a themed box or bouquet. For example, if the graduate is academically inclined, you can include candies like Nerds and Smarties or if they were the “class clown”, you can add some Laffy Taffies. Overall, this is a fun and creative way to gift candy while including another layer of fun and personality.

8. Future College Merch

If the recent graduate in your life is attending college and is excited about his or her future as a new member of the student body, a great way to show your support is with fun merchandise from their college. This merch can include clothing, a water bottle, or even a board game for some colleges and universities, which might be available on Amazon, many are. Or, if you are looking for a unique gift for your friend attending a different college, you can give them a piece of merchandise from the college you are attending to give them something to remind them of home while they are away.

9. Shadow Box

If you think the graduate would like to preserve their graduation cap, tassels, pictures, and diploma, a shadow box is the best way to do so. Whether you design the layout of the shadow box yourself or give the materials and leave that part up to the grad, they will be thankful for a nice way to conserve this important milestone. 

10. A gift to honor a shared hobby

This idea is a perfect way to display and honor something that connects you to the graduate. For instance, if you both enjoy reading, you can either buy and annotate a copy of their favorite book to give them or buy them your favorite book. While this may take some more time to think of, these gifts are sometimes the most special ones you can give since they are often thought-provoking and highlight a commonality between you.

As an almost-graduate myself, I will say most graduates in your life are thankful for your support during this pivotal time in their lives. No matter what you end up gifting the graduates in your life, whether it be from one of the ideas above or simply a heartfelt hug, they are sure to appreciate the support.