25 Graduation Gifts that Won't Break the Bank

Last week, we talked about graduation party tips for those anticipating a little party planning this coming May. But what if you've been invited to a graduation party?

It's common to get a gift for any graduate, but especially for a high school graduate as many will be preparing to live away from home for the first time. So leave the fancy cars and European vacations for those independently wealthy relatives of the grad, and consider these thoughtful but affordable graduation gifts:

25 Affordable Graduation Gifts

1. Books
2. Rolled quarters (for the laundry facilities on campus!)
3. Sheet sets
4. Hot plate
5. Small microwave oven
6. Photo album or digital photo frame
7. iTunes or Phone card
8. Briefcase
9. Desk calendar or monthly planner
10. Space-saving storage accessories
11. MP3 player
12. Printer or ink refills
13. Charging station for electronics
14. Compact tool kit
15. Lunch tote
16. Shower caddy with supplies
17. Jump drive
18. College themed T-shirt or sweatshirt
19. 30-minute recipes or Bento recipes cookbook
20. School supplies
21. Headphones or earbuds
22. Watch
23. Customized survival kit (think coffee, favorite snacks, mini sewing kit, etc.)
24. Personalized diploma frame
25. Restaurant gift cards

If you're still having trouble coming up with the right graduation gift, think back to your own graduation. What items were the most useful or the most loved?

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You can get great graduation party invites, banners and more printed on custom papers that match your grad's school colors at Pinwhirls.com!

Graduation Party Tips & Supplies

It won't be long and the class of 2012 will be celebrating graduation. You just can't celebrate graduation from high school or college without a great party. We've got some great graduation party tips for you as well as some fun ideas for creating fun DIY graduation party supplies with Pinwhirls.com products.

Graduation Pinwheel Party Favors

Graduation Party Planning Tips

Dont' Be Afraid of Trying Something Unique: Mortar boards and tassels are the standard in graduation party decor from banners to cakes and invitations. To change things up, try decoration with items that symbolize the grad's hobbies or major -- like yellow and gold music notes or red and black lab coats and beakers.

Use Photos for a Collage: You can affix photos to poster board or create a digital slideshow presentation featuring the graduate's accomplishments and activities while at school. Include everything like soccer practice, choir, the senior trip, and parties with friends. Ask family and friends to contribute photos if you need help collecting some fun candid shots.

Games and Activities: If you have the room and budget for music and a dance floor, go for it! You could also feature a trivia game that includes questions about the graduate. The person who answers the  most questions correctly gets a prize and a special photo opportunity with the grad.

Graduation Party Supplies

For the perfect graduation party, don't forget these party supplies:

• Invitations
• Banners & Pennants
• Cake and Cupcake Toppers
• Thank You Cards