Coupon Queen: Gifts for graduates to stay on budget

Graduation season is here, and if you're anything like me, it feels like every weekend brings another open house, party invitation or card to buy. Between all the parties and celebrations, the cost of gift giving can add up quickly. The good news is that meaningful graduation gifts don't have to drain your wallet. Some of the most appreciated gifts can be practical and even frugal. As a mom with boys entering different stages of life, I've realized graduates often appreciate useful gifts over pricey ones. Sure, cash is king, but there are many thoughtful gifts to give a new grad while staying on budget. One of my favorite gift ideas is a themed basket. Stop into your nearest dollar store, discount retailer or warehouse club to make an affordable gift. For graduates heading to college, fill a laundry basket with practical dorm supplies like laundry detergent, ramen noodles, snacks, paper towels and toiletries. The basket turns out to be part of the gift. If you watch for sales, you'll significantly lower your out-of-pocket costs. Gift cards also make excellent graduation presents, especially now. Grocery stores like Giant Eagle often run fuel perks or rewards promotions on gift cards. You'll also see many restaurants offering these promotions during graduation season. I love grabbing restaurant, gas or Amazon gift cards for these new grads. The graduate gets a useful gift, and I can earn perks for my family, too. If the graduate is staying on campus, note the grocery stores and fast-food restaurants near campus so they can make the most of their gift. If you want to give cash, but still make it feel personal, pair it with something small and practical. A handwritten note with advice, encouragement or even a funny memory can mean more than the amount in the card. If the grad is staying on campus, adding a roll of quarters for the laundry, car snacks for commuters, or an IOU for a few freezer meals for students living on their own for the first time can mean a lot. Subscriptions can also be a thoughtful gift. After confirming they don't already have a subscription, you may want to consider gifting a few months of a music streaming service, audiobook app, movie network or a meal kit discount. These subscription services can be used several times a day, which can be a big deal for a new grad. Don't overlook thrift stores and secondhand gifts. Some graduates may be moving into an apartment or dorm and may need basics like lamps, kitchen supplies, storage bins or décor. If you know them well enough, they may enjoy thrifting with you for some new finds. You could make a day of it! I've found brand-new or barely used household items for a fraction of the retail cost. You can even grab a unique thrifted coffee mug and pair it with a coffee shop gift card, or grab a thrifted picture frame and fill it with a memory from their social media page. These can be thoughtful while staying low-cost. For graduates entering the workforce or trade careers, think practical. Gas cards are always appreciated, but you could also grab work gloves, notebooks, lunch bags or a nice water bottle. These can all be useful while staying cost-effective. Sometimes the gifts that save someone money later are the ones they remember most. Graduates rarely remember who gave the biggest gift. They remember who showed up and cheered them on. A meaningful card or a thoughtful gift, no matter the price, can go a long way. This week's deal Here's a deal that you can grab at Giant Eagle through Wednesday:fresh ground beef 80 percent lean — $4.99 when you buy 3 pounds or more. Rachel Krych is passionate about helping others spend less and save more. In addition to her weekly column, she has a blog, Couponing With Rachel, which earns her compensation from Google for ads it places there, and from entertainment marketers whose promotional codes she touts. She doesn't write about entertainment in her column. Email her at rachelkrych@gmail.com.