Looking for Graduation gift ideas for a longtime student

[Kirikou]

Hey everyone, I could use a little advice: One of my students, who I’ve been teaching for the past 6 years, is graduating high school this spring. She’s invited me to her grad party (of course I’ll go) I’m a bit stumped on what kind of gift would be appropriate to bring.

I didn’t grow up in the U.S., so I’m not super familiar with the usual customs for this kind of thing. Most of what I’ve found online suggests cash (which I’m sure would be appreciated at 18 but makes me uncomfortable in that situation…) or ideas aimed at family members, but I’d like to give her something a little more personal and horsey-related if possible.

If you’ve been in a similar spot, or just have a good idea for a thoughtful gift from a riding instructor, I’d love to hear it.

Thanks much!

[Tarlo_Farm]

How about certificates to more lessons?

[Kirikou]

Lovely idea but she is moving out of town for college… (which I am still in denial about - she is a great kid!)

[2DogsFarm]

I got a t-shirt* for the teen grad who was shareboarding my TB along with a gift card (so she could buy something she wanted).

*t-shirt said I want to be Barbie. The bitch has everything
This was mid-90s, so way pre-movie.
I’m not certain her parents approved…
But I knew this kid all through high school & it fit

[Kirikou]

Love it!

[Willesdon]

Some horse-themed jewelry, such as earrings or bracelet, that she can wear as she moves forward with her life.

[Grey623]

A framed picture of her favorite school horse (or her own) or a bracelet made from mane/tail hair. Perhaps a professional pencil sketch of the barn and farm. A card or Shutterfly photobook with a list of memories and milestones from her time with you.

I relate to not wanting to give straight cash, but a gift card for Amazon, Target, Walmart as an add-on to something more meaningful will always be appreciated, much stuff to get when settling in to a new dorm room.

Grey

[JBCool]

Agree with the jewelry idea or if you have pics, maybe a photo collage or mini scrapbook of her time with you.

[AllTheCarrots]

What a thoughtful idea. Having gone to a lot of graduation parties in the last couple years, I will say that money might feel odd to give, but it will be gratefully and enthusiastically received. A common practice where we are is to give a check in the amount of the graduation year — so this year, $20.25. It makes it feel more celebratory and less transactional.

The kids (and many of us olds) these days all have online banking, so no hassle of going to the bank to physically deposit the check. Just take a photo and done.

If you want a physical gift, jewelry with a horsey theme might be nice.

If you’re in the habit of hiring staff, she might also appreciate hearing that you would love to have her back during breaks. Or at least that you would be glad to be a reference when she starts looking for other summer jobs/internships. First year college students often have a rude awakening when it comes to their budget, and come home much more interested in gainful employment than when they left!

[MunchingonHay]

@Grey623

A framed picture of her favorite school horse

This is what I was going to suggest. A nice framed photo of her riding or her favorite horse. She will enjoy that for years to come. Shutterfly, Vista print, Staples, Etsy artists make it an easy gift to get printed. Michael’s craft store always has frames on sale it seems. Or you can also get it printed on canvas (no glass to break and easier to move around)

I would also include some moola.

[Displaced_Yankee]

Do you have time to get some logo wear done up for her? A ball cap, a polo or t-shirt, etc? Maybe a vest if you are a cold weather climate. Maybe even a basic schooling pad from Dover with the farm name (if she thinks she might continue riding)

One of my most cherished shirts is a screen printed t-shirt of the farm name and logo where I was riding when I was 18-20 years old. My dear friend (farm owner) passed away a few years ago and cherish all she helped me with. I know she had it done for me personally when I moved out of state.

[stargzng386]

My long time horse barn owner gifted me a framed numbered artwork print of a fox hunting scene. I didn’t fox hunt but she knew how much I love dogs and horses. I’m 39 and it hangs by my front door. It was an incredibly thought gift that I’m sure I’ll have hanging on my walls for life.

[furlong47]

@MunchingonHay

This is what I was going to suggest. A nice framed photo of her riding or her favorite horse. She will enjoy that for years to come. Shutterfly, Vista print, Staples, Etsy artists make it an easy gift to get printed. Michael’s craft store always has frames on sale it seems. Or you can also get it printed on canvas (no glass to break and easier to move around)

I would also include some moola.

You could also get the photo printed on something like a pillow, small blanket, etc that she could take along to the dorm.

[trubandloki]

Lots of great ideas here.
I love the favorite photo(s) on a cozy blanket idea.

Add in a heart felt note letting this student know how proud you are and what a pleasure they have been to have around.

[LCDR]

I am really old, but when I was in college pre-computers and cell phones I went to the campus post office every day to check my mail box, and it was always a spirit-lifter to find something had been delivered for me.

DD, who was in college during the early days of dorm room computers and cell phones, says she also looked forward to receiving real mail.

So maybe a subscription to COTH or another of the few remaining other actual horse magazines. Plus, that will put her on mailing lists for other horse-related material as well.

[Grey623]

It’s a nice idea, but I’m not sure today’s young people have much to do with regular mail. Digital subscriptions though…

Grey

[hoopoe]

If you know what university she is going to, check to see if they have a bookstore that does gift cards. She can get some logo wear or help offset her book buy

I also agree that you should make sure she knows she is welcome during school breaks

[MissusS]

I got my friends daughter a pretty crystal and pearl bracelet to wear for graduation and of course in the future.
I got my nephew a slim wallet.
Functional and a bit splurgey are appreciated.
If you want something unique you could get her a print from The Night Sky of a special moment (maybe graduation day?) or a pendent if you want to go the jewelry route but that is a lot more expensive

The Night Sky - Custom Star Map