Inexpensive Graduation Gifts for Students

It’s the time of year for graduations. Since I teach high school, I have been to more graduations than I care to count.  I don’t go every year, but sometimes staff members are assigned to help out with graduation. And, I’m often invited to parties for some of my students. This year I had 30 invitations—and I don’t even teach seniors. My friend who does teach seniors had over 50 parties that she made it to. One huge issue is a gift for all of those students. Many of them say to their teachers that they don’t expect a gift. But it’s hard to go empty handed. Even a card for each one can add up to some serious money. 

When I taught seniors, I started taking a group class picture and giving each one a copy of the picture. That was easy and inexpensive. Now, however, I have them when they’re sophomores, and I don’t think about taking pictures. What I did this year was buy some inexpensive mugs ($.50 to $1.00 each) and then fill them with pencils, pens, highlighters, hot chocolate mix, etc. It is relatively cheap, and I think the kids put them to use when they get to college.

By Carla Hedstrom
Meaningful Meanderings Blog