Gift ideas for the College Graduate

... plus potentially help them land a job.

My daughter and I on my second college graduation day.

It's graduation season, and you may have been invited to attend a graduation party of a college graduate. Or maybe they aren't celebrating this academic honor, but you want to give them a gift anyway... that's awesome. Too many people forget to recognize college graduates even though it is an academic achievement worth noting... scratch that... worth celebrating!

As a twice college graduate, here are my 5 gift ideas to give a college graduate:

1. Pay Off a Loan
Today's college graduate is graduating with thousands and thousands of dollars in debt. The best gift you can give a college grad is relief from debt. Ask the student for the amount of their smallest loan. If you can, pay all or part of it. Any extra amount applied to the principal of the loan will help.

2. Assist in Helping Them Find a Job
Bring the student out for coffee, and ask the student what it is he plans on doing now that he is graduated. Help them reach their career goals through networking. Maybe you know someone who knows someone. Maybe you can bring them to a networking meeting or a charitable club. These connections can be invaluable for the grad and an affordable gift for you.

3. Personal Business Cards
Similarly to the previous idea, providing a grad with their own business cards can equip and empower them to network on their own. A simple business card with their name, email, and phone number can be just what the student needs to make a memorable impression on a potential employer or client.

4. Interview Attire
New clothing for interviews will give the grad more confidence. Give them a gift card to a department store or a local boutique where they can be outfitted with professional interview attire appropriate for their career aspirations.

5. Office Supplies or Equipment
Depending on their field, get them office supplies or equipment relevant to their career. If they will be at a desk, expensive pens, a briefcase, computers, computer software, and daily planners can make great gifts. Or get them certain tools pertinent to their job. For example, you could give scissors to a clothing designer, a financial calculator to a realtor, camera equipment to a photographer, a hard hat to a construction manger, or even good shoes to the retail manager. Whatever the tool or supply, have their career in mind.

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Whatever you get the grad, just being remembered and recognized will be appreciated. With this list in mind, you'll be sure to give the grad a gift they will appreciate and it may end up helping them reach their career goals.