How Can I Buy a Meaningful Graduation Gift Without Breaking My Budget?
Q: I have many friends graduating this year, and I’d love to buy each of them a lavish gift, but my budget didn’t get the memo. How can I buy meaningful graduation gifts without draining my wallet?
A: You sound like a wonderful friend! The good news is, buying meaningful graduation gifts for your friends does not have to cost a lot of money. With a bit of research and the willingness to think outside the box, you can be the friend who gives awesome gifts while still being able to cover your car payment and grocery bills. To make this easier, we’ve scoured the internet for these elusive gifts so you can take quick action.
Here are nine fabulous graduation gifts that don’t break the budget.
1. The RTIC Soft Pack 15-Can Cooler (link is external)
Between beach days, park hangouts, tailgates and road trips, there are so many reasons a young grad needs a soft cooler! This one is a favorite among users, with thick walls and a lid that’s filled with two inches of closed-cell foam. Keep items cool for up to 24 hours and choose from 11 colors to find the one that best suits your friend’s taste.
2. Reusable plates
There’s no getting around that trip to Target or IKEA for your friend to fill up their dorm room, but you can give them a small headstart on their dorm stuff with a set of reusable plates like these bamboo plates(link is external), available for $14.99 apiece. They come in several colorful designs and are dishwasher-safe for no-fuss cleanup. The plates are crafted from bamboo fiber and cornstarch with food-grade ink, and are 100% biodegradable.
3. Money chain
Get creative and make someone happy with this adorable money chain(link is external). You can attach a ribbon for a congratulatory feel or customize the pendant in any way you want. As a bonus, you can choose any denomination bill to use for your necklace, from $1 bills, to fivers, tens or even twenties.
4. Anker Magnetic Portable Charger(link is external)
Your friend can say goodbye to tangled wires when you gift them with this super-convenient magnetic charger! The charging bank can give power for up to 2.6 hours so your friend never runs out of juice. It’s the perfect gift for the grad who’s always on the move.
5. Cosmetics fridge
Looking for a unique gift? How about this adorable little fridge(link is external)? It’s perfect for storing cosmetics and transporting them on the go. Of course, it can also be used to hold just a bit of food and drinks in the dorm room or when traveling overnight. With multiple colors to choose from, and a price tag of $49, it can be a great gift for your graduating pal.
6. Hardcover travel guide
If your graduating friend plans to do some traveling in the next year, a hardcover travel guide like Lonely Planet’s Where to Go When(link is external) can be the perfect gift. The book is conveniently organized by month, making it easy for the traveler to look up the best spots to hit that time of year. The book lists all cultural events around the world, includes fun travel flow charts, itineraries the traveler can adapt and even divides trips by budget! In a world where online info can be overwhelming to sift through, a hardcover travel guide you can trust can be a lifesaver for a traveling friend.
7. Portable laptop stand
Some gifts can be super-handy for the grad who likes to set up work wherever they are. A portable laptop stand like this(link is external) can easily fit inside a laptop case or schoolbag, and it has nifty compartments for additional devices like iPads and phones.
8. Easy Home Sleep Sound Machine(link is external)
Make sure your graduating friend gets enough zzz’s with this nifty little gadget. This sound machine comes fitted with 30 soothing sounds, a night light with 10 brightness levels and five separate timers. With this small nighttime helper, your pal will be getting a good night’s sleep no matter what’s going on in the dorm!
9. Microwave Pasta Pot(link is external)
When your friend needs a quick dinner, this ingenious pot from Uncommon Goods can be just what they’re looking for. They’ll just add water along with their chosen pasta and stick it in the microwave. It’s a lot quicker than boiling water and waiting for macaroni to cook on the stovetop. Plus, the flexible lid doubles as a strainer. Your friend can drain the pasta, add sauce and/or cheese and eat their meal directly from the pot!
Gifting your graduating friends with the perfect present without spending a fortune is more than just possible; it’s easy! Use our list to find that inexpensive but fabulous present this graduation season.