Why We Celebrate Graduation

Graduation is a special time for families. The graduation milestone signifies growth from childhood into young adulthood. It is a change of seasons, and a culmination of years of dedication, hard work, and personal growth. High School and College/University graduations are the most well-known events, but there are several other graduations that each mark a special time in a young person’s life - and mark an exciting transition to their next stage of growth. Graduation is a time for immense pride, celebration, and well wishes for the graduate's future endeavors. If you have a family member or the child of a close friend who will graduate this year, read on to learn how personalized graduation ecards can help them celebrate their big day. 

Graduation Season Timeline

Graduation season is a joyous time to celebrate academic achievements! Traditionally, most ceremonies are held in the months of May and June in the United States, although some universities will have a “mid-year” graduation for those students who finish their curriculum at the end of the fall semester, in December. Here's a breakdown of the typical timeframe:

• High School Graduation: These are typically sent in late May or early June, depending on the school district's calendar. In the U.S., “high school” typically refers to grades 9th through 12th, although a few consider only grades 10th through 12th to be high school.
• College Graduation: Universities often hold their ceremonies a bit later, with graduations concentrated between late-May and the second week of June.

Beyond high school and college, graduations are also celebrated for other academic milestones, and a graduation card with a gift card may be a great way to recognize these graduates. Keep in mind sending ecards for graduation day for:

• Middle School Graduation: Some middle schools, also called Junior High in some regions, hold ceremonies to mark the transition to high school, typically in June. In most of the U.S. “middle school” refers to grades 6th through 8th.
• Graduate School Graduation (Master's or PhD): These graduations can occur throughout the year, but some universities have designated commencement ceremonies in the spring or fall. You can find the specific date on the graduate school's website.
• Kindergarten Graduation: Some school districts will hold Kindergarten graduation ceremonies in early May. Kindergarten is the first year of school, and can be either a full day or half-day program depending on the district. 

Graduates typically wear a mortar-board cap with a tassel and a robe; these will be in the school’s colors. Some graduates will also have a single cord or series of cords around their neck which hold significance. These cords may signify academic or athletic achievements, volunteerism, excellence on standards testing, fine arts achievements, or a particular skill, craft, or subject of interest. 

Beyond the Ecard: Classic Graduation Gift Ideas

While a thoughtful ecard for graduation day expresses your congratulations, many people also choose to send a gift to mark this special occasion. Here are some traditional and popular picks to consider alongside your college graduation ecards:

• Cash or Gift Cards: This versatile option allows the graduate to choose something they truly need or want. It's a practical way to help them furnish a new apartment, stock up on work wardrobe essentials, or splurge on a celebratory experience.
• Experiences: Gifts that create memories can be just as valuable as material possessions. Consider gifting concert tickets, a weekend getaway, or even a class related to their interests.
• Personalized Keepsakes: A timeless piece of jewelry with their birthstone or initials, a custom-made journal, or a framed photo collage are sentimental keepsakes they'll treasure.
• Practical Items: If you know the graduate's needs well, a professional briefcase, a high-quality laptop bag, or a noise-canceling headset can be much-appreciated gifts for their future endeavors.

Did you know that you can attach a giftcard to the ecard you send from 123Cards? At checkout, Premium Members can choose a retailer and gift card amount and surprise the recipient with a gift card of their choice.

Ecards for Every Grad: Choosing the Perfect Digital Well Wishes

The beauty of ecards for graduation lies in their variety! Whether you're celebrating a high school senior or a college graduate, there's a card to perfectly suit the occasion. 123Cards.com offers a vast selection of gratuation cards, from playful and animated designs to classic and elegant styles.

For a more personal touch, consider opting for personalized graduation ecards. These allow you to add the graduate's name, a special message, and even a favorite photo, making the ecard truly unique and heartfelt. 

Craft a Heartfelt Ecard Message (in Just 5 Minutes!)

Short on time but still want to create a unique ecard message? Here's how to do it in just a few minutes!

• Start with a specific memory: Mention a funny anecdote from their school days or a time they impressed you.
• Quote for Inspiration:
• "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt
• "Don't be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated. You can't cross a chasm in two small jumps." - David Lloyd George
• "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." - Nelson Mandela
• End with a personal touch: Add a sentence or two expressing your pride, offering support, or wishing them well in their future endeavors.

The two to three days leading up to the graduation ceremony will be filled with activities, parties, and preparations for the big day. Because your graduate is so busy, it is best to schedule ecards for graduation to arrive seven to ten days prior to the graduation day. This will give the graduate time to read the card and will also add to their excitement of the big day. 

When scheduling your high school graduation ecard remember these tips: 

• Double-check the spelling of the email address and that the top level domain of .com, .net, etc is correct. 
• Choose the date for arrival. 
• Press the schedule button to queue the card for delivery. 

Graduation is a momentous occasion that deserves to be celebrated. Whether you simply want to send a quick token of congratulations or live a great distance from your graduate, ecards for graduation day are a fantastic option. They're easy to personalize, schedule, and can be a delightful surprise for the graduate in your life. Take a few minutes to craft a heartfelt message and choose a fun or elegant ecard design – it's a small gesture that will surely bring a smile to their face as they embark on their exciting new chapter.