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Mom of 4 here
Oldest (male) is graduating from college this year
Any affordable ideas for graduation gifts and good keepsake item ideas?

I’m looking for affordable yet meaningful graduation gift ideas for my son. I want something that serves as both a keepsake and a useful item—something he’ll cherish as he moves into the next phase of his life.

It could be personalized, practical, or symbolic in some way.

Any suggestions for thoughtful gifts that won’t break the bank?

[Cindy]

Photo album and open a IRA Roth put a $100 in it. Tell him to put a $100 a month.

[Linda]

A compass so he can always find his way home…the Dr Suess book, Oh the Places You’ll Go

[Eleanor]

My ex and I took our daughter to the jewelry store to pick out something she’d love to mark her two bachelor’s degrees.

We didn’t set a price limit but she picked out an $80 necklace that she loves and wears often.

[Janet]

Buy something that in ten or fifteen years from now they will still be happy they received

[Karen]

I always give a US coin proof set of that year of graduation.

[Marsha]

When my boys graduated from college, I gave them both a copy of the Dr. Seuss book, ‘the Places You’ll Go’.

I wrote a note to them in the back and told them they were required to read it cover to cover.

I also gave them a crock pot, and reminded them that their college education and loving upbringing was their gift from not so rich parents.

It was well received.

[Donna]

Young people do not want watches. They have phones. If you have a daughter, some piece of jewelry.

Doesn’t have to be new. A piece of yours, perhaps.

[Cely]

I would build an excellent cherished memory. Whatever you purchase will wade and fade. This memory will never fade.

He is going out on the world on his own, and may never come home again.

I loved going on a night graduation cruise. It was so much fun and not that costly.

[Amy]

Pay to have his diploma framed. It costs about 300 bucks to have it done professionally and well.

You do not want to cheap out on this because if done incorrectly, it will be ruined.

Take him with you to choose the frame and matting.

[Rennie]

How about a photo album of all their school years ,pictures, report cards, achievements, like a scrap book type, or maybe have all friends, family members sign a page in a keepsake book of special thoughts or well wishes.

[Kym]

I took mine on a girls trip to HI, valuable memories! But honestly money.

They aren’t into sentiment yet, just want to have experiences and start their lives

[Lisa]

I think I’m going to get my oldest a nice suitcase! Useful for many years (assuming your child will travel at all).

Oh, the places they’ll go….

[Sherri]

I’ll be getting mine a nice set of travel luggage and a hand written recipe book of all their favorite family recipes….

[Theresa]

We gave our kids a car. This was actually frugal because prior to this they had to ride the bus, bike or walk everywhere during high school and college.

Now they ‘d need a car to get to their job.

[Jodi]

I got the Dr Suess book “Oh The Places You’ll Go” and had every one of her teachers from kindergarten to senior year write in it- it was great!

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