The College Survival Guide: Make the Perfect Graduation Gift Even Better

The College Survival Guide was created to turn the most-requested high school graduation present (money) into a deeply personal one that earns the coveted “No, Seriously, Favorite Gift Ever” label.
Inspired? Create and share by tagging @HallmarkStores.
The premise of the College Survival Guide is simple: On every page, you’ll find a bit of helpful information and a place to stash the appropriate currency. For example:
- Family birthdays and postage stamps
- Laundry tips and quarters
- Local restaurant ideas and gift cards
- Must-see local attractions and ride sharing gift cards
It’s a creative way to present advice (everyone’s favorite thing to give) and money (everyone’s favorite thing to get). Here’s how to make it even more memorable.

Fill in the blanks
There are spaces throughout the book to add specific data—birthdays, local restaurants and more. You can let the new freshman do the work, or you can do a little research and add your info: Add family birthdays and addresses they might not keep handy. Check online reviews for cheap eats and handy services near campus. Add your own tips and notes you think they’ll find handy as you flip through the pages.
Customize the currency
Honestly, you can just stuff the whole book with cash. But if you’re convinced your young giftee will freak out the first week of school and blow it all on a single really excellent dorm-room party, you can put in a little legwork to fix that. Add different gift cards for different situations: food, gas, ride sharing, food delivery, cards for family birthdays, etc. You can order them online or grab some from one of those giant displays at your local big-box store.
Go digital
If the graduate is most comfortable in a cashless society, you could send all the money through an app like Venmo—one payment at a time, using emojis to match up to the different pages In the College Survival Guide. Or instead of plastic gift cards, go the electronic route, and write in the promo codes on each page.

Make it personal
Your knowledge of the grad and handwritten notes can make this a gift they’ll hold onto long after they’ve spent the last quarter. Include encouraging words, sincere compliments, memorable anecdotes about their oh-so-far-away youth and a heartfelt congratulations note—and maybe tuck in a tissue or too, as well.
Shop Graduation
See allYou may also like
See more-
Recipes Say hello to summer with this pretty rosemary paloma cocktail
If summer had a single defining flavor, it would have to be citrus. From lemonade to key lime pie, that mouth-waterin...
-
Gifting All aboard for celebrating Disney’s 100th anniversary!
Keepsake Artist Gregor Benedetti reveals the Disney 100th Anniversary Special Edition Figurine, complete with lights ...
-
Anniversary Anniversary gifts by year
There are a lot of anniversary gift lists out there. Most hit the major milestones with traditional and modern the...
-
Arts, Crafts & DIY How to make a DIY money lei for graduations, weddings, birthdays and more
In Hawaii, people give leis to celebrate lots of different occasions. A money lei is a great way to celebrate a gr...
-
Birthday Summer birthday party ideas for everyone
Summer is a great time for outdoor get-togethers. You’re getting fresh air, seeing friends and family, and getting so...
-
Summer What is Disability Pride Month?: Understanding its importance and finding ways to celebrate
The Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted July 26, 1990 and was the first law in U.S. history to protect people...
-
Christmas Celebrating 50 years of Keepsake Ornaments, Episode 2: Fueling Fandom
This month in our historical 50th Anniversary series, we take a look back at our earliest fan favorites. Keepsake Orn...
-
Calendar Flip A (Very) Warm Hello! August 2023 Holidays and Observances
Is it hot enough for you? Well, we’re here to add some extra sizzle. It’s time to flip the calendar page, check ou...
-
Calendar Flip Welcome Autumn! September 2023 Holidays and Observances
Fall brings cooler nights, cute sweaters, homecoming games and tailgate parties. It’s time to flip the calendar page,...
-
Calendar Flip Let’s celebrate, y’all! July 2023 Holidays and Celebrations
Get ready for friends, family and fireworks—and break out the red, white and blue for Independence Day. It’s time ...
-
Card Ideas Card messages for kids: What to write in a kid’s holiday card and more
My 3-year-old was having a hard time at preschool drop-off. Dragging his feet. Asking to stay home. This went on a fe...
-
Christmas Celebrating 50 years of Keepsake Ornaments, Episode 1: Start Dreaming!
2023 marks 50 years of Keepsake Ornaments. We are so excited to celebrate ALL year with ALL of you! Each month, you’l...
-
Birthday What to write in a birthday card
Some people have no problem coming up with what to write in a birthday card. Just hand them a pen and they’ll effortl...
-
Gifting 25+ “just because” gift ideas to show you care
I love giving gifts, and it’s easy to do it on birthdays and holidays. But when I really want to flex my gift-giving ...
-
Gift Wrapping How to use fabric wrap: A step-by-step guide for our reusable wrap
Don't you just love reusing gift bags? Well, now Hallmark has reusable gift wrap, too! Using it to wrap your gifts is...
-
Gift Wrapping 3 creative ways to reuse gift wrap scraps
Picture this: You’ve just finished wrapping a gift, you’re admiring your hard (but fabulous) work, and suddenly reali...
-
Arts, Crafts & DIY 8 tips on how to take great photos with your iPhone
Photos have been a huge part of capturing memories ever since cameras were invented. And these days, with advanced ca...
-
Recipes Cool drink recipes for your summer Golden Girls watch parties
We don’t know about you, but we love a good Golden Girls marathon. Maybe it’s the furniture covered in palm fronds. O...
-
Gifting Gift ideas to celebrate parents
How do you say “I love you” to parents that mean so much—the ones who’ve handled plenty of diaper changes (the really...
-
Gifting 10 creative ways to give cash
Whether it’s for a birthday, graduation, Christmas or just because you love them and think they deserve a special tre...