7 Graduation Gift ideas for college graduates starting a small business

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You’ve graduated! It’s such an accomplished feeling, and you should be so proud of yourself.

Now that you’re a recent college graduate — or about to be — you have to answer the age-old question:

What are you going to do now?

A lot of people go straight to finding a full-time job, hopefully in their field of study. You might be looking for something adjacent but close enough. But, maybe, there isn’t anything you want to do in a pre-filled job.

Many people, especially creatives, tend to go straight into work for themselves. If you’ve started your freelance business while in college, you are way ahead of many of your classmates. If not, don’t sweat just yet.

Many people don’t tell you about how it can be expensive to go out on your own. Add a small business on top of those expenses, and it might be barely manageable.

If you want to start a small business after college, I suggest you start asking for some of your gifts for your business. Of course, you can pile the money you receive and push it towards your business as well. Still, sometimes it’s nice to receive a gift rather than money, despite how helpful money can be.

Here are 7 of my preferred graduation gift ideas when a recent college graduate starts a small business.

Business cards: design or order

Business cards are essential for many small business start-ups. The more unique the card’s design and quality, the more memorable it can be for many potential customers.

Most business card orders can run up to about $10 to $25. Not very expensive when ordering, but the price can add up when additional charges, like printing and sizing. 

When it comes to having a card designed, this can range anywhere from $50 up to $150, depending on the designer. Business card designs are usually a quick turn-around for many designers, usually as long as two weeks. Sometimes, the designer will include the order of cards with their fee. Still, it will depend on the designer and their preferences.

External hard drive

If your college graduate is trying to start a small business after graduating, get them a separate external hard drive for their work. As a graphic designer, my files tend to take up more room than others, so that I might need larger external hard drives. Regardless of the size, this will help them store backup files for their customers over time.

Despite if a college graduate has any clients yet, they can always use and maintain an external hard drive for their school work portfolio. This way, they can use the space on their computer for more critical projects but still can update or store any work that might be relevant for later clients.

I’d venture for at least a terabyte of storage if they have more extensive projects and 500 MB if they need space for Microsoft-based or PDF documents. Depending on the type and size of hard drive you gift your college graduate, prices can range from $50 to $200.

Annual subscriptions

Every little bit helps, and annual subscriptions will set them up for at least a year. Subscriptions to start but if you’re worried about getting charged next year, have your college graduate update the card information after you’ve made the initial payment. 

Your college graduate might not know what they will need when starting their small business at first. I’d offer a few options for them to look into when offering to pay for a subscription. Most small businesses will need a website, accounting, and social media posting tools to start, about $100 to $200.

If you are indecisive, maybe simplify it and say what price range you would be comfortable paying to narrow down the options to choose from. This way, you are both understanding what and how much you are willing to contribute.

Business-help books

There are so many business books to choose from that will help a recent college graduate start a business! As an avid reader, I tend to be on the lookout for different business books that seem to help. 

I’d recommend offering books that offer advice on setting up or improving their business and business workbooks. My personal favorites have been:

• Mind Your Business by Ilana Griffo
• Business Made Simple by Donald Miller
• Build Your StoryBrand by Donald Miller
• CREATE: An Intensive Biz Playbook & Planner by Meera Kothand

These are both workbooks and books to read so that you can start a business after graduation. They generally come out to $15 to $30 depending on hardback options and publishers.

Desk or office chair

Having your own space is super important as a new business owner. I find it very difficult to focus on my work as I’m lounging on the couch or trying to do errands around the house. Designating a set space for a recent college graduate with a desk to focus on work rather than leisure will help them stay in a successful mindset.

By all means, this does not need to be an elaborate desk from the furniture store or even Staples. Consider getting a small desk from Wal-Mart or second-hand to start them out. This way, they can determine how much space they need when working on their business start-up.

A small desk can run from $50 to $75, and quality desk chairs can run around the same. Talk with other family members and think about joining forces on this gift to provide higher-quality options.

Business coaching session

It can be very overwhelming when you start your first business. Try finding and researching a business coaching session for a college graduate so they can learn to focus on the essential things rather than falling overwhelmed.

You might have no clue where to look for a business coach or even what that means! If that’s the case, look into the industry that the college graduate wants to pursue. This business can be anything, so try not to focus on just close-by business owners. Throw your net out wide and find a business owner that might relate to your college graduate and then introduce them.

Mentors are great to have when starting a new business start-up. While a networking opportunity, it’s a great feeling when you find a like-minded entrepreneur in your industry.

Buy their services!

Buying a new business’ services is such a big boost for your college graduate! If you have a college graduate looking to start a new small business, see if you or someone you know can use their services or products. 

As someone who has had working professionals their whole life as parents, I didn’t know how to broadcast my services. Eventually, I learned it was as simple to see what they needed. I could make posters for my sister’s classroom, design game cards for my other sister’s baby shower, and a few other opportunities.

These opportunities show that you support your college graduate’s ambitions and talents. It also allows your college graduate to try different skills and develop further with their portfolio. The project might not be what they expected, but it will help them fine-tune their business’ purpose.