Affordable Graduation Gift Ideas for Women

Ask A Woman: Grad gifts for her on a budget

If you’ve got a question that needs the female treatment, chances are you’re not the only one who wants to ask it.   Beth is our source for the answers.  From opinions on men’s style to decoding the sometimes mysterious ways of women, she’ll take on a different question every Thursday.  And don’t worry, your identity will be protected too.  Click here to get to know Beth, then get in touch with her by sending your question to: askawoman@dappered.com

Hey Beth:

My little sister is graduating from college, and she’s not the best when it comes to giving ideas of what she is looking for.  I was hoping you might have some ideas that fit right into the dappered budget (or even a little bit above)?

– Mike
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Hi Mike,

‘Tis May, ’tis time for pomp and circumstance.  Yeah, this question doesn’t fall under the category of style for dudes but considering how many of you probably have relatives and/or significant others graduating from school this month (or future months), I thought it might be timely and helpful anyway.  A return to manly style next week.
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Option 1:  Career Clothes (in gift card form…)

So you didn’t say what your sister is doing now that she’s left the cozy bubble of college.  If she has a job lined up in a professional setting, try a gift card to a women’s store that sells career clothing.  Best option is Ann Taylor Loft, which is the little sister of Ann Taylor, home of the affordable pressed pant and tasteful jewelry.  Loft tends toward more casual clothing, but they do still have work appropriate attire, and it’s geared toward the younger set.  True, a gift card is not the most personalized present, but it would be very helpful for a young woman whose wardrobe consists mainly of hoodies and yoga pants.

 

Option 2:  Jewelry.  Yes really.

If your sis doesn’t have a professional job lined up, a gift card to such a store might not be of use (unless she’s going on lots of interviews).  So if she’s keeping her job pouring drinks at the local watering hole, or if she’s hanging out on your parents’ couch for the foreseeable future, get her something else.  What about a piece of jewelry?  Oh man, I can hear the groans out there.  Yes, could be dicey coming from the big brother–I assume you’re not an expert on her style.  But if you do it right, it could be a really lovely gift.  Ask one of her friends, or your mom, to help you pick it out.  For instance, if she attended college in NYC, this necklace is a great choice.  If you want to spend a bit more money, and your sister has classic taste, these earrings are a modern trend on the classic pearl drop earrings.

 

Option 3: College Memorabilia, that’s more than just a sweatshirt…

If you’re too afraid to risk a jewelry buy, and your sister is the school spirit type, memorabilia from her college is a good bet.  For instance, I went to a Big Ten school for undergrad, and one of the gifts I got was a large, matted, framed, professionally-taken photo of one of my favorite spots on campus.  It shows school pride, and since I no longer live in the town where I went to college, it’s a great reminder of the good times I had there…that night of too many tequila shots notwithstanding.

 

Option 4: Upgrading something she already has

Other options?  Update something she has already: a better cell phone, a new iPod, an iPod dock to replace a stereo, a better camera.  Buy her a designer wallet and stick a couple twenties in it.  I’m going to open it up to the men–what’d you buy your sisters, wives, and girlfriends when they graduated from college?

-Beth

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