Although it might be cliché, there are few greater gifts than money directly after a graduation from college. Not only are students usually jobless after graduation, but many also have student loans which must be paid back. Money can be a very welcome relief for many college graduates.
Just like money, other practical gifts will be well-served. Later in life, practical gifts tend to be less valuable as people accumulate a lifetime of objects; however, directly after college graduation --- especially if the graduating student is about to get a place of his own --- useful gifts can come in very handy to furnish a new home. They can include anything needed around the house, from lamps and furniture to microwaves and TVs.
Although practical has its place, there can be fewer gifts more memorable than a sentimental gift. For parents --- given the fact that they often pay the bill for at least part of college --- a sentimental gift often serves as the top choice. Drag out an old photo album or create a scrapbook. Anything featuring childhood items can be a memorable choice.
Although graduates enjoy rejoicing in their newfound freedom from classrooms, it doesn't last for long, as searching for a job is in the near future. Job searching can also be a complicated task, as there are many graduates competing with one another each year. Great gifts include ones that help the graduate get a step ahead of others, including items such as resume writing books and kits. Job hunting advice books can also be useful, as well as subscriptions to online job search engines, such as Monster.com.