College commencement season is here again—a time of celebration, but also reflection and preparation. With an uncertain job market and student loan debt at an all-time high, many new graduates are stepping into adulthood facing significant financial challenges.
Help new alums find their footing by selecting graduation gifts that will help them get a smart start in the real world.
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Money. The old standby still makes a perfect gift. Giving cash can provide graduates with an opportunity to start paying back student loans and other forms of debt.
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Gift cards. If you have a more specific use for your gift in mind, opt for a gift card. Gift cards for grocery stores, gas stations, and department stores all can help graduates with day-to-day necessities.
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Résumé or career services. Students often have access to career advising through their schools, but that benefit can expire upon graduation. Gifting new grads with a similar service can keep them on track to finding a job.
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A Lifetime of learning. Consider a year subscription to the online learning platform, MasterClass. This will enable them to explore new subject and learn from people like Martin Scorsese, and Bill Clinton.
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Digital Magazine or newspaper subscriptions. Consider a digital subscription to a trade publication within the graduate's area of study or a newspaper like The Times or The Wall Street Journal. Both can help grads stay up to date on current events around the world and within their professional field.
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Interview attire. Select a gift card to a store where your new grad can buy a suit or organize a shopping trip to help him or her put together a winning wardrobe.
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Meditation App. Help the new grad transition to a business life, by giving them a little calm with a year subscription to a meditation app. Headspace or Calm are both good options. They have wonderful selections of courses that aim to combat stress and insomnia, as well as meditation with goals especially useful for grads, like managing work stress and improving creativity.
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Meal Kit Subscription. This is the gift that keeps on giving! It will not only teach your grad to cook but also enjoy eating well too! There are various options to choose from like EveryPlate, or HelloFresh.
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Moving services. If your graduate is packing up and moving on for work or other new opportunities, contributing to a truck rental or additional moving services can cut costs.
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Credit union membership. If your new graduate isn't already a member of your credit union, extend the full-family membership benefit for an ideal start with safe, affordable financial services and resources.
Graduation marks an exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—milestone. While parties and applause are great, practical gifts that support a graduate’s next chapter can be even more meaningful. Whether it’s easing financial stress with cash, offering career-boosting tools, or simply helping them feel more confident and grounded, your thoughtful gift can make a real difference. Choose something that reflects both their needs and your encouragement, and you’ll be helping them take their first steps into adulthood with confidence and support.