Photos of your friends in their caps and gowns are starting to flood your social media pages, which means graduation season has officially begun. Before you part ways to different colleges, you're going to want to give each of your friends a special gift to show them how proud you are of all their accomplishments. Whether you want to give them something to remember you by or an item useful for the dorm, do-it-yourself gifts are the best way to show you care. Plus, they're budget friendly, too!
From photo boards to care packages, here are five DIY graduation gifts you can make for your friends:
1. Photo pen/pencil holder
If you're looking to give someone a gift to remember you by that can also be helpful in the dorms, the photo pen/pencil hold is the way to go. Also, it's simple! All you need is a of large mason jar, Mod Podge and, of course, a couple of your favorite pictures of your and your best friends. Once you have your photos selected, make a copy of them on regular paper, not photo paper. Next, adhere the back of the photos with Mod Podge, and place them anywhere around the jar. Once all your photos are on, secure them by smearing a final layer of Mod Podge over the entire jar. Now, every time your friend sits at her desk and reaches for a pencil, he or she will think of you!
2. College care package
While college is definitely an exciting time for most, the beginning is always a little hard. Between moving to a different city, making new friends and taking classes at a higher level. To help your friends adjust to campus life, present them with a college care package to enjoy during their first week. Fill a shower caddy with essentials like hand sanitizer to keep in their backpacks, air freshener for the dorm, flip-flops for the shower, a planner to keep track of assignments, snacks and energy drinks for those late nights in the library.
3. Paint chip calendar
With assignments, exams, parties and game days, college will be absolute mayhem. To help your friends keep track of their commitments, make a personalized calendar for them. You'll need cardboard, 31 paint chips in various colors, a glass picture frame and dry-erase markers. Cover the cardboard with white paper to create a subtle background. Next, arrange the paint chips in a funky pattern and adhere them onto the paper with glue. Be sure to include a paint chip for the month and each day of the week. Your friend can then use the dry-erase marker to fill in the calendar with the month, dates and any commitments he or she has coming up.
4. Photo board
Photo boards are increasingly popular gifts among college students, especially if you and your friends aren't attending the same school. This can be done many ways – typically on a large picture frame or bulletin board – but we've got something a little different for you. Take a trip to your local hardware store, and pick up a piece of plywood, picture-hanging hardware, spray pant, sandpaper, thumbtacks and 25 photos. While you're there, kindly ask the customer service rep to cut the plywood into two-feet by two-feet squares. Once you're home, sand the edges of the plywood, install the hardware on the back and then start to spray the board with the colorful paint you selected. Once it dries, evenly space out all 25 of the photos you chose. This will be the perfect addition to your best friend's dorm decor!
5. Memory jar
This gift is simple and sweet and will be greatly appreciated whenever your best friends need a pick me up for when you aren't there to make them smile. The memory jar is great for friends going near and far, as it represents a little piece of home. Fill a mason jar up with your favorite photos, tickets from concerts you attended with your friends, and even write down some of your favorite memories from your years of friendship. Spice up the outside of the jar and decorate it with paint, ribbon or colorful gems. The next time your friends need a pick-me-up, they can open the jar for smiles, laughs and all of your love.
Be sure to include congratulations greeting cards with each gift to express how proud you are of your friends, how much they will be missed, and how you can't wait to visit and explore their college campus.