It’s graduation (gift!) time

  Is your fridge covered with graduation party invites? It’s Pomp and Circumstance season, and the National Retail Federation estimates that shoppers will spend a little less than $90 per graduation gift. Cash and gift cards are the most popular presents, followed by apparel and electronics, according to the NRF.

Wondering what you should get your grad? Digital photo frames make great gifts since they’re a nice way for the graduate to view all of her pics that maybe she never had a chance to print, but would love to view. I remember missing my college girlfriends so much during that first summer (well, I still miss them!), and I loved looking at my pictures of all the good times we shared together.

Don’t worry if must-have electronics are out of your price range—if you know you have a tech-savvy graduate, look for accessories that will go with some of the recipient’s gadgets, like an e-reader case or a custom designed cell-phone case*.

Gifting a runner? Check out the Phubby Sport Wrist Cubby. If you opt for a gift card, go for something practical like a certificate to the graduate’s salon that you know she visits. Just keep an eye out for fees and expiration dates if you decide to give a gift card.

If you’re feeling a little Martha Stewart, go for a homemade basket of goodies (maybe a travel coffee mug of the graduate’s alma mater, some coffee beans, etc), which will keep the cost down. Wrap it up with cellophane and tie it with a ribbon for a gift that’s both thoughtful and beautiful! My favorite gift to give (and receive—hint, hint!) is personalized stationery—my mom ordered a set of cards and envelopes for me from a local store and I’ve used every single card since I graduated—stationery is especially great for recent graduates who might need to send professional-looking thank-you notes after job interviews.

What are you buying this year? And, if you don’t mind my asking, how much are you spending? I’d love to hear about your gift ideas.

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*Links to a PDF