Meaningful Graduation Gifts For Your Daughter

She's graduating. The last time you looked, she was riding her two-wheeler bicycle without training wheels. Now she's preparing to take the walk across the platform to accept her diploma and enter the world. From daddy's girl to graduate, you want to present her with a meaningful gift that shows how much you love and believe in her.

Family members and close friends may also be approaching you about ideas for the graduate as well. Below are gift ideas organized by price range. When choosing a gift, keep the graduate's future plans in mind.

If price is not an object, a vacation or travel tour to an exotic locale may be in order. Grandparents and parents of the grad may join resources and take a trip to a new destination or a family favorite. Travel is a wonderful way to create memories with your graduate before she heads off to college or joins the workforce. Some graduates receive a car for graduation. Whether it's brand new or used, a vehicle is always a welcome present for the senior. Lap top computers are another option, but keep in mind some colleges require specific programs and set up. Another winning gift idea is a small refrigerator, a perfect present for the college freshman.

For those with a moderate budget, gift cards for clothing, text books, or to stock up the dorm room or apartment are always a winning choice for graduates. Small appliances such as a microwave or toaster oven are also practical ideas. Other possibilities include a digital camera, monogrammed book bag, or a television. If you want to bring a smile to her face, present the graduate with a new billfold, complete with a $100 or $50 bill inside, or a series of gift cards. Or extend her cell phone plan to accommodate additional calls to home when she leaves for school.

Parents who wish to give a sentimental gift to their graduate should consider personalized jewelry. How about a matching pair of earrings and a necklace in her birthstone or a heart locket inscribed with her name? Jewelry is a gift she can cherish for years to come, remembering the love and support of her parents at such a crucial time in her life. Jewelry can also serve as an investment, symbolizing her invaluable worth and your pride in her accomplishments.

A truly special jewelry gift idea is the charm bracelet. Charm bracelets have served as symbols of good luck for generations. Why not extend that message to your graduate as she enters the adult world? It was not uncommon 50 years ago, for young women to receive a charm bracelet decorated with charms that represented her hobbies and interests. Today's charm bracelets have grown up a bit and the Danish-inspired creations allow women to create a stand-out look that is meant to express individual style and taste.

Decorate her charm bracelet with her birthstone, Murano glass beads, enameled charms, or a monogrammed piece. When combined together, the charm bracelet creates a ring of beauty around her wrist; beauty symbolized in the things she cherishes most. The threaded sections allow the charms to twist and rotate slightly with the wrist's movement, creating an undeniable eye-catching effect. These Danish-inspired charm bracelets become a snapshot of the lives of the women who wear them. For your special graduate, the charm bracelet will be her reminder of the love and support surrounding her as she launches into her new life.

For those who are working with a smaller budget, jewelry is still an option - from whimsical rings to other types of personalized jewelry. Just keep in mind the graduate's tastes and preferences. Pay attention to what she wears and that will guide you in your selection.

The practical gift-giving dad might consider a tool box with basic tools. While this may not be the most exciting gift, especially for a young woman, there are lines of tools that come with handles in bright colors, such as pink or green. Present the collection in a decorated box with flowers or some other fun designs. Once she settles into her dorm room, those tools are going to come in handy and she'll have her dad to thank for it.