Inexpensive graduation gifts for younger grads
By Aimee Heckel
It’s hard to explain the pride that comes with seeing your high school or college diploma, marking the end of all of your that work, and the beginning of a new chapter in life. The accomplishment is often celebrated with parties, presents, cards, money, food — the whole shebang.
But the end of any era can feel momentous for the person celebrating it. Many middle schools celebrate with a small middle-school graduation ceremony, and some classes, as young as preschool, hold mini graduations, too.
Wondering what to get these younger grads? Here are some gift ideas:
Preschool “graduation”
An age-appropriate, yet encouraging book. “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss, $10.58 at Barnes & Noble, is an easy choice, because young kids can enjoy it, but the story has a deeper meaning as you get older.
A personalized graduation teddy bear. Orientaltrading.com sells adorable graduation bears you can personalize for just under $8. Check Oriental Trading’s party supplies that are on sale, too — and buy through ShopAtHome.com to get 4 percent cash back.
Elementary school graduation
Graduation “medals.” Kids love medals, and this is a sweet keepsake your little one can hold on to for years to come. Oriental Trading sells graduate “award” medals for only $10.50 for a dozen.
An autograph graduation bookworm, only $5 at Oriental Trading. Have your kid’s friends sign this funny little green bookworm as a clever alternative to signing a frame — and a more personalized extension to the classic yearbook.
Middle school graduation
A graduation photo album to stash pictures of their friends, especially if some of the friends will be going to a different high school. Terry’s Village sells nice graduation albums for just $5. If you have a lot of gifts to buy, get free shipping on orders of $49 or more, plus 4 percent cash back if you order through ShopAtHome.com.
A personalized graduation cartoon, $14.95 (for an 8-by-10) through Cowboy Chuck Co. Pick the hair color and appearance, plus your kid’s name, school name and year. Get it on a mug or mouse pad, or order it framed. Use this coupon code to get a free mug with any cartoon purchase.
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