The Best Inexpensive Graduation Gifts

Looking for inexpensive graduation gifts? We’ve got you covered with the best and easiest creative graduation gifts that won’t break the bank.

Celebrating a graduation can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. There are lots of good frugal gift ideas out there.

I know. You think you need to buy a lot or do a lot or cook a lot, but you really don’t.

Instead of spending a fortune, get your creative juices flowing. Whether you’re celebrating a high school or college graduation, we’ve got you covered for gift ideas that won’t break the bank.

Think about graduation gifts of service as well as physical gifts when you plan your graduation gifts this season.

Gifts of Service

Physical help is hard to come by in this day and age. Sure, it can always be bought, but it’s hard to get hands-on help when you need it without spending a lot of money. 

Consider how your graduate might need physical assistance and work that into your graduation gifts.

Note: They might not appreciate it as much as a new iPhone right out of the gate, but if they’re smart, they’ll realize what a great graduation gift these are!

Chances are there is something you could physically help out with. Consider making a coupon booklet like this one to present your gift in a stylish way.

The Gift of Moving Help

Ever tried moving? It’s a lot of work! And no one likes to help out with moving, but the packing, loading, driving, and unloading all need to happen. 

Maybe it’s the loan of your truck for moving, your help cleaning the apartment before or after moving day, or the gift of organizing a move that you can work into your graduation gifts.

You could also buy a gift certificate for U-Haul so they can rent a vehicle or buy supplies.

Be Their Uber

Ride shares can be pretty pricey these days. Whether your graduate needs a ride to run errands or even to move to college, they’ll appreciate your assistance.

Sure, you can buy an Uber gift card or even let them borrow your car, but if it’s someone you enjoy spending time with, why not schedule a few days to play chauffeur? You’ll get to hang out with them and provide a much needed lift.

Gift Some Meal Preps

You know that cooking at home will save money, but often teens and college kids aren’t sure how to swing it. Give the gift of meal preps!

There are so many ways that you can pull this off, but the easiest and cheapest is to run to Marshalls for some meal prep boxes and prep some easy meals to freeze or stash in their fridge.

You could even commit to doing this once a month throughout the summer (for college grads looking for a job) or into the school year (for high school grads heading to college).

Check out the Meal Prep Challenge for some easy meals you can make ahead.

Build Their Library

Few students take the time to read for fun or personal growth while they’re in school. After graduation, they may find more time.

Help build their library with some of my go-to books for adulting!

If they aren’t fans of paper books, consider an audible or kindle unlimited subscription!

Provide for the basics.

Beginning college students and young adults just starting out have a lot to learn when it comes to setting up housekeeping. Particularly when it comes to paying the bill at the check stand! Laundry soap, toiletries, and basic kitchen supplies can add up quickly!

If you’re a savvy shopper, start scouting the sales so that you can get them started easily and efficiently. A house-, apartment-, or dorm-room warming gift will not go amiss.

Give money — in a clever way.

Honestly, when I graduated from high school and college, I just really needed the cash. You and I both know that every little bit counts. Money makes one of the best graduation gifts!

So, even if you can offer $5 or $10, that’s cool. Consider offering a gift card to someplace fun but necessary. And yes, Starbucks is sometimes necessary.

Or of course, build a lego money holder or give the chocolate box of money.

More Great Gift Ideas

This post was originally published on May 15, 2015. It has been updated for content and clarity.