Do-It-Yourself Gift Inspiration for Graduation Season

Graduation season is officially here! If you’re looking for a thoughtful and unique way to honor the accomplishments of the high school or college grads in your life, consider shopping at Goodwill for a one-of-a-kind gift! Here are a few ” do-it-yourself” projects you can create from items found at Goodwill that will make perfect gifts for any new high school or college graduate.

Stylish storage solutions

Many graduates find themselves downsizing their possessions to fit in a smaller space such as a dorm room or apartment. However, storage solutions don’t have to be limited to plastic containers or rubber tubs! Shop at Goodwill to find stylish storage items for grads such as hat boxes, vintage jewelry boxes, or wooden shelves. You can then repaint these items or line them with fabric to give them a new life and help your grad stay organized!

Upcycled furniture

For a graduation gift that’s fun and creative, try upcycling wooden furniture with a fresh coat of paint or new design. Start by shopping at your local Goodwill store to find smaller items that can easily fit in a dorm room or apartment such as step stools, side tables, chairs, or coffee tables. Then, use sandpaper to buff the furniture and prepare to the piece for painting. You can then paint the piece with your grad’s university’s colors, or use the colors of their fraternity or sorority for inspiration. Finally, add a thin layer of polyurethane to protect the furniture from dust, water, and dirt.

Personalized picture frame

No matter if it’s high school or college, graduation marks a time of transition that’s often very sentimental. Help your grad hold onto their memories with a personalized picture frame. Goodwill has a variety of affordable frames that can easily be repainted in a custom color. A personalized frame is a classic gift that your grad is sure to appreciate, whether the frame is filled with a treasured photograph, an inspirational quote, or even their new diploma!  

Dishes and bakeware

Goodwill is also the place to find unique dishes, glasses, mugs, and bakeware at great prices. For grads moving to a dorm room or apartment, dishes and bakeware make perfect gifts that they’ll use on a daily basis. Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns and textures for a trendy way to decorate any space!

With an ever-changing inventory of merchandise at affordable prices, Ohio Valley Goodwill makes it easy to find meaningful gifts for the new graduate in your life. Check out our complete list of Goodwill retail and outlet stores in the Greater Cincinnati area and view our monthly sales calendar. And remember, by shopping at Goodwill you help to fulfill our mission of providing employment programs and services to people in your community! Thanks for supporting Goodwill and congratulations to the 2018 grads!