One of the most memorable milestones in life is college graduation. It marks a turning point from merely wading to fully immersing in the sea of independence and adulthood. This won’t stop the proud parents from fretting over the perfect gift to give for their little boy or girl.

College graduation gifts that will be most appreciated are things that will be useful to the graduate in preparing for two post-graduation events, moving to a new apartment from the college dorm and embarking on a chosen career. Other appropriate college graduation gifts are contributions to something the graduate has always wanted to do like sky diving or a trip to somewhere they have always wanted to go so they can get it out of the way before heading into the “real world”.

There is an endless list of the household stuff that mom and dad can buy for the new apartment. Appliances, cooking equipment, silverware, matching dining ware, matching sheets, towels, curtains, and basic household tools are just a few of the necessities a cash-strapped graduate will appreciate being given. Cookbooks are something particularly appropriate for college graduation gifts for men who have never had to cook for themselves. Gift certificates from Ikea or Bed, Bath & Beyond are a good idea so the recipient can choose and decorate their first apartment according to their liking. You can contribute to a new home even if you do not have a lot of money to spend by purchasing something like plastic folding chairs that can fill space until the new adult can afford better furniture.

Mementos that were the usual classic college graduation gifts such as cufflinks, a bracelet, a watch, elegant wallet, and engraved silver key chains or pens also have their practical uses. These can be bought at designs appropriate to be used during job interviews. (In this way, the items can also be the job seeker’s good luck charm aside from being a token with sentimental value. ~ Aside from being a token with sentimental value, they can also serve as a good luck charm for the job seeker.} The briefcase used to be a classic graduation gift. This can be updated to a stylish bag that can fit a laptop instead.

Of course, nothing can beat the flexibility of a cash gift for both housing and career expenses. The old fashioned way to give it is for mom and dad to put wads of money in a white envelope. Opening an ATM or checking account in the graduate’s name is a safer alternative.

For some parents, graduating from college warrants a grander gift that comes in the form of a brand new car. However, giving extremely extravagant high-end models such as a Porsche should be avoided. A dream car is not earned just by finishing college. It may be too much for a 21-year old to handle the high maintenance and insurance costs. A more sensible car will be mid level models that are fuel efficient and inexpensive to maintain. Buying a second hand car or getting dad’s old car is also acceptable in today’s current financial climate, as well as easier on the parent’s pockets.

Other ideas for college graduation gifts are books, trips, and donations to charity. For someone starting off in life, practical books on money and how to manage finances are handy tools. If the graduate wants a break before joining the workforce, a trip to another country is a good gift. On the other hand, some youngsters request donations to a favorite charity instead of a gift.