Unique Gifts for your 2025 Grads (That Go Beyond a Card and Cash)
PSA, bestie <3
This post may have affiliate links, which means I could earn a lil’ cash money if you decide to snag something I mention (at no extra cost to you, of course!). It helps keep this blog running and my caffeine options fully stocked!! ☕️✨ I only link stuff I genuinely love and would 1000% drop in the group chat.
As I sit here sipping my oatmilk chai latte #dairyfree and waiting for my grocery delivery like the ✨chronically ill girlie ✨I am, I’ve been reflecting on this past week. Being the oldest sibling means I’ve had a front-row seat to my younger siblings growing up—and now that they’re older, I get to transition from “unofficial co-Guardian” to ✨cool✨ older sister & friend. Think less homework enforcer, more late-night phone call for life advice and boba runs.
It makes me a little teary-eyed to watch them step into adulthood (yes, I’m that sentimental older sister), and all I want is to give them tools to chase their dreams with confidence.
One of the biggest tools in my kit? ✨Financial literacy ✨ Cue the inspirational music.
Why Money Stuff Actually Matters (Even Though It’s Scary)
For a long time, I was deep in the “ostrich method” of money management. You know the one—head in the sand, ignore the bank balance, pretend things are magically free. 😅 10/10 do NOT recommend.
EVENTUALLY, I snapped out of it and decided to actually learn about money. No genie. No winning lottery ticket. Just some podcasts, books, a LOT of trial and error, some absolutely chaotic spreadsheets and many cups of coffee.
And while I still make money mistakes (who doesn’t??), I now feel ✨confident ✨in my finances—and I want that for the grads in my life too. So this year, I’m skipping the standard gift card and giving something with long-term impact: knowledge.
(P.S. If you’re on a tight budget, no stress! Most of these financial educators also have tons of free content—because accessibility is THE vibe.)
🎁 Unique Grad Gifts with Real-World Impact!!!
💰 Passive Income Blueprint – $107
Passive Income Blueprint Masterclass
Jannese Torres was fired from her job six months after launching her food blog—so she turned the setback into a comeback. ✨iconic✨ She’s now the host of the award-winning podcast Yo Quiero Dinero, and her mission is to teach the Latino community about financial independence. This class is a crash course in building streams of passive income. Real talk: it’s a gift that can literally change a life.
Bonus: Jannese’s also a published author of Financially Lit! (and yes, there’s a Spanish Version too!). This course = a whole money mindset glow-up.
👩🏽💻 How to Start an Online Biz That Actually Makes Bank – $107
Another gem from Jannese! This 90-minute class is so good if your grad is craving financial freedom and flexibility. With the current job market giving major 2008 flashbacks, learning how to start a side hustle or online biz is honestly the move. Plus, lower startup costs = more budget-friendly for your fave grad.
🧑🏾💼 Job Interview Package – $87
Job Interview Bundle from HerFirst100k
You know I <3 Tori Dunlap. NYT Bestselling author of Financial Feminist, podcast host, and all-around money baddie. She hit her first 100k before 25, quit her corporate job, and launched HerFirst100k, which has helped so many women (me included!) feel confident with money.
This package includes resume and cover letter templates, interview prep, and the kind of encouragement that makes you feel like a BFF is hyping you up before your big interview. 10/10 recommend.
📒 Tracker Bundle 2024 – $4
Tiffany Aliche (aka The Budgetnista) is the financial big sis we all needed. After being scammed, laid off, and forced to foreclose on her house, she rebuilt her life—and became a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and NYT bestselling author of Get Good With Money.
She even got a law passed in New Jersey to make financial education mandatory in middle school. ✨LEGEND ✨Her printable trackers are super affordable and great for the visual learner in your life (hi, me!). Budgeting never looked so cute.
TL;DR: The Vibe Is Empowerment 🎓💅
Sure, money is always a solid grad gift. But giving someone tools to build a secure, confident future? That’s main-character energy!
So if you’re looking to support a grad with gifts that go beyond “congrats, now go be an adult,” these are the resources that helped me get it together—slowly, putting one foot in front of another - and lots of coffee, of course!
💬 What gift would you add to this list? 💬
Disclaimer: Please note, nothing in this post is meant to be medical or financial advice, mk? I’m just sharing what’s worked for me and what I love—not trying to be a doctor or financial planner. You do you, boo—and talk to a pro when you need one. All information provided is for general information only and does not constitute any professional advice. We assume no liability or responsibility for implementation of information contained on this blog. Please talk to a professional. <3
🖤 You’re officially in my Top 8 if you read this far. 🖤
Like, for realzzzs I <3 you. Thanks for being here and supporting my small business!!! Your support means more than you know - whether you shared this post, clicked a link, or giggled at a joke, I’m glad you stopped by! I hope you’ll join me on your next coffee break. <3
<3 <3 <3
HELLLOOOO! Hey! HI! How are ya? I’m Chris! Your friendly neighborhood millennial, neurodivergent, and chronically ill girlie trying to manage life & all its super-duper exciting twists and turns. I hope you enjoy reading & learning with me!.