Dear Just Be: My eldest grandchild is graduating from high school in a few weeks. What are good graduation gift ideas?

The start of graduation season is just weeks away. Graduation gifts are a nice way to help the graduate start the new chapter in their life, whether that is entering the working world or going to college. Yes, graduates might have ideas on what would be the perfect graduation gift, such as money for a backpacking trip across Europe, a new car, computer, etc., but there are less grandiose gifts that can be given that will still have meaning and go a long way. Below is a list of gift ideas for the graduate in your life.

1.) Sheets and towels – not very exciting, but practical

2.) A portable filing case – great to file bills and important documents in and ideal for those that live with limited space, such as a dorm room or apartment

3.) Journal

4.) Phone cards or prepaid phone

5.) Books – related to study area or field/hobby of interest

6.) Photo Albums of friends and family

7.) Certificates to clothing stores

8.) Gift certificates to electronic stores

9.) Gift cards to home decorating stores

10.) Certificates to restaurants

11.) Cash – This is a gift that you can’t go wrong with. The gift may not seem personal, but it will be appreciated and can go a long way.

An idea if you do want to give your graduate a "big ticket" gift is to go in on the gift with multiple people or families.