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Frugal Friday: Gifts for Grads

frugalfridayBy the end of June, the diplomas will have been handed out, the caps tossed in the air and you’ll probably have been to a graduation party—or two—with a gift in hand.

According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are expected to spend a whopping $4.7 billion on graduation gifts this year. However, one of my personal favorites doesn’t cost a dime.  Whether they’re heading off to college or entering “the real world,” one of the most important things you can do for your child is to have a discussion about money.  Hit all the basics—including spending, saving and budgeting—and believe me, they’ll be thanking you later.  Need tips on what to cover?  You can find them here and here.

That being said, from cookware to laundry essentials, there are plenty of things new grads need in addition to advice about money management.  Here are some picks that won’t leave you penniless:

Resumé package: This one’s perfect for grads who are job-hunting.  For $79 ($200 value), the folks at részoomé will craft a resumé, cover letter, thank-you note and follow-up letter tailored to their client’s experience.  Head on over to Groupon for details.

McCormick & Schmick’s: Now through June 14th at McCormick & Schmick’s restaurants, new grads can get up to $20.14 off an entrée when they bring in proof of graduation and another entrée is purchased at regular price—a great option if you’re taking the family out to celebrate.

Hewlett Packard: Shop now at Hewlett Packard and you can score this all-in-one printer for $79.99—that’s 20% off its original price.  Use the code SAVE15HP and you’ll save an additional 15% off and get free shipping.

Things Remembered: Looking for something personalized?  Now through June 3rd, Things Remembered is offering 25% off select grad gifts. You can also score $5 off your purchase of $25 by registering your email on their website.

Tory Burch: Now through June 23rd, Tory Burch is offering free shipping on all merchandise in its “Gifts for Grads” section, which features everything from totes to pillows.

Papyrus: You can’t give a graduation gift without a card.  Find them, and plenty more at Papyrus, where wrapping paper, gifts and of course, cards for graduates are all 20% off.

Once you get your graduate shopping done, check out these deals from our friends over at RetailMeNot:

Zales: Save 30% off regular priced items, plus get $25 off your purchase of $200 or more when you use this code.

HelloFresh: HelloFresh—a company that delivers recipes and the fresh ingredients that go along with them right to your door—is currently offering $30 off for new customers when you use the code HELLORMN30 through Saturday.

Campmor: Use this code by July 3rd to get 10% off everything from backpacks to tents at Campmor.

Lucky Brand: Get 15% off orders of $75 or more with this codewhen you shop before July 31st.

T-Mobile: Shop before June 1st using this code and get $25 off select devices.