The perfect graduation gift is going to vary from grad to grad, depending on where they’re going and what they want to be. It should be something meaningful or useful, reflecting not only their future but also the special nature of your relationship.

CASH — Cash is by far the most appreciated gift for a grad. Life after high school is expensive. Whether your grad is heading to college, trade school, or the workforce, a new living environment will mean buying the basics like bedding, linens, kitchen wares, pantry staples, and so much more. Cash gives them the means to get what they need, but also the joy of “adulting” and getting to pick out what they like.

CREATIVE CASH — If you don’t like the idea of tossing a couple bills in an envelope, get creative with the presentation! You can craft a money lei (tons of tutorials online), splay bills in a pizza box, replace the candies in a chocolate box, or even insert rolls into balloons with confetti for a fun and memorable experience.

GIFT CARDS —Standards like Target, Wal-Mart, and Amazon are the most useful. To personalize, give them a card to wherever you would have selected a gift. Instead of getting them something to put on their walls, get a gift card to Etsy, art.com, or a local frame store. If your grad loves a specific restaurant or going to movies, a gift card can mean a nice night out, thinking of you, when they’re missing home.

SWAG — If your grad’s off to college, swag for that school is always welcome. T-shirts, sweatshirts, water bottles, blankets — you can find anything with a school logo on it these days. Just visit the school’s website and search for their bookstore. 

JEWELRY — A special ring or necklace is a wearable reminder of your grad’s achievements. Check out James Avery, Kendra Scott, and Pandora to find that perfect piece for your grad. 

FIRST AID & TOOLS — There are a few universal truths about adulting — one of which is you will inevitably need a hammer and a band-aid. Assemble a first-aid kit by gathering all the ointments, bandages, and medicines they’ll need and tuck them into a small container. If you’re going for tools, add a small ratchet set and mallet because they’ll probably need them to loft their dorm room bed.

MULTI-TOOL — Similar to a Swiss Army Knife for versatility, a multi-tool is built around a pair of pliers (instead of a knife) as the main tool, and they tend to be more durable and heavy-duty. Leatherman (leatherman.com) makes a tool your grad can use forever, and you can customize the outside with text or drawings. This can be an especially meaningful gift from an older generation or someone who has carried one their whole life.

LUGGAGE — Give your graduate a nice piece or set of luggage and encourage them to get out and see the world. A backpack or carry-on bag will come in handy for those weekend trips home, but a hard-sided checked piece is great for safely transporting mementos home from travel abroad.

ELECTRONICS — If your grad has been using a school-supplied iPad or laptop, it’s time to get them their own. College these days is increasingly paper-less. A good iPad and Apple Pencil can be used for notes, reading textbooks, and even writing and submitting papers — and watching TV and movies. Depending on the school and the field of study, check to see if your grad will need a Mac or Windows PC.

The graduation milestone is one that must be marked and appreciated. So have fun and get creative in grad gift giving!