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5 Meaningful Graduation Gifts for the Seniors in Your Life

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Hofstra chapter.

The 2021 graduation season is swiftly approaching, and we all are starting to think about the seniors who will soon be receiving their diplomas. You may be feeling pressure to find a gift that properly summarizes your gratitude towards them and all they have done for you, but fear not! We have a guide that will help you find the perfect graduation gift for all of the seniors in your life (that aren’t just gift cards or money… although that’s always great, too). 

A Personalized Playlist 

Gift-giving can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Especially if you are gifting to a number of different people, heartfelt gifts don’t have to break the bank. Making a playlist of songs that either remind you of them or that are specific to experiences you shared together can be a great way to reminisce on these special moments and memories. Another way to elevate a playlist to a meaningful present is by writing out note cards for each song. This way as they listen to the songs, they can read about your association with each one and relive the college experiences you both shared.

Work Related Memorabilia

Some seniors may graduate with a general idea of what job they may be entering into or with higher education plans for their first few years post-grad. A great way to show that you care about their future plans is to give them something specific to what they plan on doing. New laptop accessories, office decorations or tools necessary to their field are always a great option. This is something that they can implement into their daily life, and gives them a reason to think of you as they begin their journey. 

Scrapbook of Celebration 

Similarly to the playlist, that is a gift that invokes memories or shared experiences that the two of you might have made together. A small scrapbook with pictures and saved items like ticket stubs or receipts is a perfect way to reminisce on memories and moments shared throughout your time together. Not only is it a thoughtful way to repurpose some of your souvenirs, but it’s also a great way to highlight the experiences that brought the two of you closer together while celebrating all of your years together in school.

A Series of “Firsts” Letters

Graduating can be scary. No matter what the seniors in your life are planning on doing post-grad, they are going to have a lot of “firsts.” A way to celebrate these new experiences with them before they even happen is by writing personalized letters for them to open as they continue their journey after graduation. “First day of work,” “First day of grad school” or “First apartment” are just a few examples to get you started. The more individually catered to the senior and their plans, the better!

A Stress-Relief Care Package

As graduating seniors take on their post-grad plans, a care package can be the perfect way to provide them some much-needed self-care. Candles, facemasks, candy and skin-care products are just a few examples of what can be beneficial for them to destress and relax. Of course, specialized items and handcrafted gifts are always an extra bonus to throw in as well. Buying based on a theme is also an easy way to elevate your care package and add a special element to your gifts to make them cohesive and thoughtful. 

As seniors continue on with their post-grad plans, graduation gifts can be a great way to highlight your experiences together. No matter what gift you decide to get them, heartfelt presents can both remind them of their past and show them how excited you are about their future. Whether you decide to make them a playlist or craft a stress-relief care package, all of these options are a great way to remind every senior in your life how loved they are. 

Allie is a sophomore Public Relations major with a minor in Drama. Her list of current obsessions includes, but is certainly not limited to; coffee, fashion, pet pictures, and Phoebe Bridgers' entire discography. When she is not singing or playing guitar there is a good chance she can be found at the thrift store or at Trader Joes. Follow her on instagram to see what she is up to outside of Her Campus Hofstra! @alliemillette