I have found that many of the graduates like the cash because they apply to a computer upgrade or books, especially if they are going to college. Gift cards are great, if they are a universal type (VISA and MCard), but Wal-Mart is certainly universal. In the past I used to give office supplies for the college bound. This year, I lucked into a toolkit that is in a black bag with pink trim and tools with pink handles. I made up a toolkit for my daughter for her dorm. She said it was quite hand at school. For the non-college bound, I do cash or gift cards.