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Graduation season is here! Take a look at these 19 graduation gift ideas to celebrate the graduates within your small church.
19 Graduation Gift Ideas
Just because you’re part of a SMALL church doesn’t mean you can’t do something BIG for your graduates.
Celebrating your graduates encourages them and gives you an opportunity to connect with others in your church and community and share the love of Christ!
We compiled this list from favorites in our Facebook community, Creative Solutions for Small Churches. Keep reading to get some great graduation gift ideas!
Check Out These Gift Ideas For Your Graduate!
Mix and match gifts that meet your church’s budget and time availability. Make them reflect your graduates’ personalities, your church’s values, and your community.
Graduation Gift Ideas
1. Gift Cards
A gift card allows the receiver to pick something that they really want or need. It’s also a way for them to splurge on a non-necessity item. (Try to gear them toward the graduates’ interests/needs.)
2. Engraved Bible
This is a great gift for all graduates. (If your graduate is going to a Christian college, they may need a specific Bible version.) Make it personal by adding their name.
Christian Book Distributors is one place to purchase this: ChristianBook Personalizing
Popular Versions:
3. Bible With Highlighted Verses From The Congregation
Adulting can be hard, and having verses highlighted can bring comfort and peace during difficult times.
4. Inspirational Book
This is a great graduation gift to send some inspiration to graduates as they go off into the world. There are so many great non-fiction books available.
5. Commentaries
Commentaries are extremely helpful in understanding scripture. But, graduates will have limited space, so keep it to, at the most, a 2-volume set. Your pastor or denomination leaders should have a good commentary or two they can recommend.
6. Signed Canvas
Set out a canvas a few weeks ahead of graduation with some colorful permanent markers. Ask church members to sign their names. Optional: Have some kind of picture printed or painted in the middle.
7. Words Of Encouragement Canvas
Wouldn’t this be a great way to decorate that dorm room or new apartment? Being on your own has its challenges, and having encouragement displayed can really help.
8. Money In A Card
Graduates will be living on a tight budget, and you can’t go wrong with cash. Set up a basket or box in a convenient place and collect all month long.
9. Personalized Quilt Made By Quilting Club
Nothing says love and comfort more than a homemade quilt. If you can only sew squares together, there are many places that will do the finished quilting for you.
10. Scholarships
Set up a scholarship for achievements earned. Maybe your graduate has completed all the catechism requirements or earned the Timothy award in Awana –– you decide.
11. Gift Boxes
Put together something special in an attractive gift box. Spoil your graduate with personalized items such as lotions, gift cards, coffee, and snacks. Here are some ideas for him or for her.
12. Personalized Bath Towel
A bath towel with a monogram or image takes something ordinary and personalizes it. Also, when these new adults are living with others, they can be identified easily.
13. Laundry Basket With “Grown-Up” Items Or College Necessities
No one likes having to spend money on necessities. However, a laundry basket with cleaning supplies, laundry supplies, and kitchen or bath items is a must-have.
14. Journal & Fancy Pen
With so many emotions to reflect on, a journal is a safe place to share thoughts and feelings. Find a journal that fits the graduate’s personality and hobbies. A Set of no-bleed pens or highlighters would be perfect to pair with a journal.
15. Inspiring Bookmark
Does your graduate have a life verse? Is there a special poem or saying that has helped you through your life? Share it on a bookmark.
16. Cards From Church Members In A Basket
Place a basket in a convenient spot. Gather up all the cards and tie a ribbon with school colors around them. Present them to your graduate all at one time.
17. Gift Box Vouchers
Church members can collaborate in gathering snacks and goodies to send 4 times a semester or year. This is an anticipated future gift of something to look forward to.
18. Wooden Letter Signed By Congregation With Well Wishes
Many craft stores sell wooden letters that can be painted and written on. Attach a hanger on the back, set it up in a handy spot, and encourage others to sign their name with well wishes or congratulations.
19. Blessing Box
Decorate a wooden, plastic, or shoebox and write “Blessing Box” on it. Put in notes of congratulations, special memories, scripture verses, pictures, or words of encouragement from others.
Graduation is a momentous occasion to celebrate. Don’t miss this opportunity to build connectivity and encourage your youth!
Looking for a step-by-step to starting or restarting your youth ministry?
Check out the Youth Ministry Bundle For Small Churches!
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