Cold, hard cash

Cash has the reputation for being an indiscreet and uncaring gift, but most graduating seniors will disagree with that sentiment and happily accept dollar bills in place of a heavily restricted, prepaid Visa gift card.

When gifting a soon-to-be grad money, you’re basically saying, “I respect you enough to not presume to know what’s best for you. Here’s cash to buy what YOU need.” And that is a simple, beautiful gesture.

Pro tip: If you want to make the cash gift process a little less awkward, consider stuffing plenty of $5 bills into a mason jar and adding a bag of your grad’s favorite candy to the mix.

Grad cap decorating supplies

Decorating one’s grad cap is a pivotal part of the senior year experience. Thanks to pricey craft supplies, it is also an unbelievably expensive one.

Even recreating one of the simpler graduation cap ideas out there will require a trip to the craft store and an extensive shopping list. Craft paper, various pages of alphabet stickers, and embellishments, which can be $3 to $7 each, add up to major spending.

To offer a gift that outlasts a cute mascot stuffed animal or a new planner, take your grad out to Michael’s and pay for her decorating supplies! Not only will she appreciate the thought behind it, but she’ll always remember your gift when looking back at her senior pictures.

A basic gym membership plan

If your friend regularly takes advantage of the gym amenities at your university, she might be disheartened to have that membership revoked once she graduates.

Ease her way into post-grad gym life by offering to help pay for a bare-bones, no commitment gym membership and covering the initiation fee and annual membership fee. Otherwise, pitch in for her yearly plan and get her a dumbbell set for in-home workouts.

Massage/Spa Treatment

A massage or spa day is a classic gift and a great way to unwind after a long semester.