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Graduation is such a great time to acknowledge accomplishments and to express good wishes for the future. Your graduate is most likely caught up in the flurry of activity that surrounds the actual graduation ceremony and thinking of the days ahead, too. Giving gifts that make the graduate's path a little easier may seem mundane at first glance, but they'll be appreciated later!

Some graduates are headed off to yet another school, while others are headed out to the workforce. Their destination can help you select the more appropriate gift. Let's take a look at a few different destinations.

If the graduate is completing high school and is headed for college or trade school, you have a great range of gifts to give that will support them on their journey. If you know the school they are planning to attend, you can get them a gift card to the school's bookstore. Books are expensive at the university level and money is often in short supply. Once they get over the sticker shock of the book bill, they'll be happy they have that gift card to help.

Is the graduate headed to a different town to attend school? Picking up maps or guides to their new' town would be helpful. You could get some gift certificates to the local coffee shop or pizzeria, too. If the graduate is planning to live in a dorm, consider a microwave or a small coffeepot with goodies, specialty coffees, and a mug for late night study sessions. A newspaper subscription to the new town would be useful, too. They can get familiar with their new home.

The graduate headed off to join the workforce is going to have different needs. While money is always an appreciated gift, attach it to something lasting and special. A very special pen or fine-quality briefcase is always nice. It's not something many young workers will splurge on for themselves.

If the graduate is undecided about their career choice, buy them some time with a career coach. Professional coaching can help clarify a new graduate's ideas about what to do next. A resume writer can help, too. They can help the graduate look great on paper and teach them how to write a winning resume. These are both gifts that will serve them well over time.

Whatever you choose as a gift, make sure to write a note letting them know how special they are and how proud you are of them. The graduate has worked hard to get to this day and they deserve some special treatment!

Learn more about this author, Deborah Smith.
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