NER: College Graduation gift ideas

happylady5

My brother-in-law (22 yrs old) is about to graduate with his MBA next weekend.  I've waited WAY last minute on his gift.  I'm not looking to spend lots of money.  I'm looking at $20-$25 range.  What are some good practical things I could get him.

I've thought of gift cards, cash, shirt and tie.  Plus things that I use at work like business card portfolio (handy) and even desk accessories.  What ideas do you have?  I'd love to do a little basket or something with a few items in it.

TIA!

6fsn

I was going to suggest what you have.  If he drinks coffee- a travel mug with a gc inside.  Maybe something from his alma mater?

Butter Cookie

What does he like? What is he into?

happylady5

He likes what normal 22 year old guys do - sports, video games, etc.  However, because he's married, his mindset is more mature than most.  That's why I was thinking along the lines of practical work related gifts.  I'm getting him fun stuff at Christmas.  I want to get him something helpful and useful in the work world for graduation.

Butter Cookie

Hmm... does he have a job already? You could get him a really nice tie. Or a custom tie pin. Well, not if you're on a time crunch. What about some "From the desk of SoandSo" stationery or maybe an engraved pen?

Things Remembered has a personalized flash drive. http://www.thingsremembered.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TRproduct_10001_9951_609919_-1_3000_2997_4445___?occasionId=_1_~|~|Business%20Office|2|~|~ 

SA7206

My H received his MBA this past year.

I always kind of make fun of the pen gift, but my H actually likes them.  My friend bought him a pen from his university along with a business card holder.

This is a bit above your price range and not necessarily practical, but it was H's favorite gift:

http://gifts.redenvelope.com/gifts/framedfourleafclover-30000302?viewpos=1&trackingpgroup=productsearch

northtamarack

I graduated last spring.  I was given two gifts  that I love and used a ton.  One was a really nice set of pens (important as a teacher!) but I would think that in any business setting a nice pen (vs a bic) would look professional.  Another thing that I was given was a leather folder.  When you open it up, one side as a legal pad and the other side is more of a folder.  This has been handy in interviews, meetings and other events where I needed to look professional at a certain level.

GL!

Wingit

northtamarack:

I graduated last spring.  I was given two gifts  that I love and used a ton.  One was a really nice set of pens (important as a teacher!) but I would think that in any business setting a nice pen (vs a bic) would look professional.  Another thing that I was given was a leather folder.  When you open it up, one side as a legal pad and the other side is more of a folder.  This has been handy in interviews, meetings and other events where I needed to look professional at a certain level.

GL!

I say go for the portfolio since a lot of people think of pens.  Things remembered carries them in the price range you mentioned.