🎓 Graduation Gift Ideas for Every Graduate and Budget
In this timely episode, Tara Conti Bansal and Christina Conti Donovan dive into the whirlwind of graduation season, sharing personal stories, favorite traditions, and dozens of creative and meaningful gift ideas for high school and college grads. Whether you're shopping for your own child, a godchild, a family friend, or a neighbor, Tara and Tina offer insights that blend sentimentality with practicality — perfect for marking one of life's biggest transitions.
🎁 Topics Covered:
- Personal Graduation Memories: Watches, teddy bears, class rings, and sentimental keepsakes that stood the test of time.
- High School vs. College Gifts: Why it's easier to shop for high school grads and when to opt for cash.
- Classic & Practical Gift Ideas:
- Jewelry, luggage, digital photo frames
- Toolboxes, monogrammed items, travel accessories
- Coffee makers, electric kettles, portable steamers, and power banks
- Thoughtful Personal Touches:
- Personalized quote books or Shutterfly creations
- Music playlists with shared memories
- Framed photo collages from school years
- Top Book Recommendations:
- Make Your Bed – William McRaven
- This is Water – David Foster Wallace
- How to Be a Grownup – R. Grimberg
- The Psychology of Money – Morgan Housel
- Designing Your Life – Burnett & Evans
- …and many more
- Financially Savvy Gifts:
- Roth IRA starter contributions
- Gift cards or money with a meaningful token
- Financial planning session(s) for new grads
- Gender and Age Considerations:
- Why shopping for boys or college grads can be trickier
- Gender-neutral and location-based gift ideas (e.g. city guidebooks)
- Creative Pairings:
- Stationery with pens for thank-you notes
- Money inside keepsake boxes, mugs, or cookbooks
- Combining sentimental and practical into one thoughtful package
✨ Tara and Christina remind us that graduation gifts don’t have to be extravagant — the best gifts are thoughtful, useful, or personally significant. Whether you’re leaning practical or nostalgic, this episode will help you celebrate your graduate meaningfully and memorably.
