Graduation Card

Selecting a Graduation Card

Cards are available in a variety of sizes and styles. There are small cards suitable for tucking in a gift bag and large cards that can be displayed prominently at a graduation party or open house. Money cards are a popular option. These cards are designed with a flap or pouch like a wallet so they can securely hold a cash gift.

When purchasing a graduation card, consider a card fitting the personality of the student. The class clown will appreciate a good joke while the local fashionista might enjoy a stylish, feminine design. Another thing to keep in mind is whether the graduate depicted on the card looks like the graduate in your life. In addition to cards for male and female students, look for graphics mirroring the skin tone and hair color of the recipient.

There are also cards available in languages other than English. For instance, the Sinceramente Hallmark line offers Spanish-language and bilingual cards to acknowledge and celebrate a recipient's Hispanic heritage. Depending on the ethnic make-up of your community, other languages may be represented in your local card shops.

However, don't worry too much about all the graduation card choices available. A generic card with a picture of a graduation cap and gown is always acceptable. After all, it's the thought that counts.

Recognizing Every Graduate

Graduation cards aren't just for high school students. You can congratulate younger students graduating from preschool, kindergarten, or middle school. You can also find cards for college graduates and recipients of advanced degrees and certificates.

Where to Shop

You can typically find graduation cards in the following locations:

• Card shops
• Gift shops
• Bible stores for religion-themed cards
• Party supply stores
• Discount retailers
• Dollar stores
• Grocery stores
• Bookstores

There are graduation cards to fit any budget. You may find cards two for $1 at a discount store or spend $10 on a giant card from a party supply store.

Make Your Own

You can design your own card in any word processing or publishing program, but you may need a card-making program for the best results. Most software of this sort offers several pre-designed card options for occasions like graduation along with the ability to design your own, using their graphics, borders, backgrounds, and fonts. If you're interested in scrapbooking and stamping, you can also bring these skills to the table to create unique graduation cards.

Ideas for Homemade Cards

• Include pictures of the graduate; compare a baby picture to a senior portrait, or create a collage of photos.
• Include an inspirational poem or quote inside the card.
• Use stamps, stickers, or images of the graduate's favorite things.
• If the graduate will be attending college, design a card using the school's colors or mascot.
• Make a top ten list like "The Top Ten Reasons You're Destined for Success" or "The Top Ten Reasons We'll Miss You".
• Share a favorite memory inside the card.
• Make a personal card based on a family joke or a moment only you shared with the graduate.
• Promise your support and friendship in the future.

Ecards

An electronic card, or ecard, can be the perfect choice for the technologically savvy graduate. Ecards include music, animation, and other fun touches you won't find in a traditional card. They're also budget-conscious, with most ecards available for free. Look for graduation ecards at the following sites:

• American Greetings
• Hallmark
• Hipster Cards
• USA Greetings