It’s officially graduation time again! I had such mixed emotions when I graduated from high school and college (three years ago tomorrow!). I loved high school, which is crazy to say because it’s typically the one life stage that so many would much rather skip over and never think about again. I sang in chorus, played tennis for my high school’s team, and had a fun group of girlfriends. But the end was particularly bittersweet because I knew my group of friends would likely change (and honestly shrink) as everyone moved away to college. Graduating from college, on the other hand, was so exciting. I remember standing on a balcony at my college’s student center overlooking the crowd of parents and loved ones waiting for the ceremony to start and being in complete awe. I was pumped to not have to think about studying for my next test ever again, and I was also so proud of the accomplishment I had just achieved.
My Poppy and I right after I graduated from college. Having him attend was such a gift.
Even though my feelings about high school and college graduations differ, they definitely have a few things in common. One of the number one themes: graduation parties. I’ve definitely attended quite a few! Choosing the right gift to give that is slightly different than simply offering a check can be downright troubling. So, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorites for girls below! Each is under $50, and they are equally as perfect for a high school grad leaving for college as they are for a college grad gearing up for the job hunt. Congratulations, class of 2014!
1. Monogram Garland ($24) // I may be ever so slightly biased, but I think a monogram garland would look so sweet in a dorm room! It’s the perfect personalized touch that can be hung at a high school graduation party and repurposed as decor a few short months later.
2. Art Print ($18) // My friend Emily just opened a new shop, and the art prints she designed are so pretty. This quote is one of my favorites because excitement and uncertainty are almost always mixed at graduation. A pretty print with a simple reminder to be present in the moment is perfect for all grads!
3. Notebook ($15) // Whether she’s graduating from high school and preparing to attend new meetings in college or prepping to start a new job, a pretty notebook is always great to have on hand to jot down to-do lists, notes, and big dreams. I think Rifle Paper Co. has some of the prettiest floral prints.
4. Book ($13) // This is the greatest book I have read in such a long time. I love reading interviews, and Katherine Schwarzenegger reflected how I felt (and sometimes still feel!) after I graduated from college. She talks about her own thoughts about graduating and how she truly was uncertain about her future to the point that she moved home and took a break to decide which path to follow. Her book is both relatable and completely inspiring in part due to the 33 individuals she interviewed about their own post-grad experiences (think: John Legend, Gayle King, and Blake Mycoskie among many more). Seriously, read this…and breathe.
5. Bow Ring ($48) // Kate Spade has become my go-to for just about any occasion. My bow ring is one of my favorite pieces of jewelry. It’s classic and pretty while still being whimsical and fun – a great mix whether she’s meeting new friends at school or attending meetings as a young professional.
6. Monogram Lucite Tray ($30) // Naturally, I adore the monogrammed bow lucite tray from Nico & Lala. Use it as a catch all for jewelry in a new college dorm or as a fun addition to a dresser in a first apartment or at home. All of the bows and navy and pink and monograms all of the time. :)
Do you have any fun go-to gifts for graduation parties? I would love to hear!
P.S.: The perfect gift under $75? A Fujifilm Instax Mini 8. I’m obsessed with this little instant film camera!
Stay tied to Carly is Inspired…
Thank you for the wonderful reminder of your college graduation!
Thanks for the advice!! I just bought the now what book for myself haha :) anytime someone asks me what I’m doing I say, “I’m going to Disney World!” haha problem solved
Great ideas Carly! Graduation is the definition of bittersweet, for sure. For me, high school was awesome because I was so ready to gain more independence and jump into the world. College was a bit scarier because I hadn’t found a job yet and I wasn’t sure what the world held for me at a difficult time. It was wonderful in another way though because I was the first to graduate in my family, so very rewarding in that respect.