Graduation Prep on a Budget: Must-Have Finds to Celebrate Without the Splurge
- Paradise Rodriguez-Bordeaux
- May 14
- 2 min read
Graduation is a major milestone — but let’s be honest, the costs can add up fast. Between travel, outfits, gifts, and prep, it’s easy to go over budget. That’s why I’ve rounded up some smart, affordable finds to help you get ready for commencement without overspending.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

GRADUATION WEEK ESSENTIALS
1. Garment Bag for Cap & Gown Travel Perfect for flights or car rides to keep everything wrinkle-free. 👉 SEE PRODUCT
2. Portable Steamer Skip the hotel iron. A travel-size steamer will be your best friend. 👉 SEE PRODUCT
3. Comfortable Yet Dressy Shoes You’ll be standing (and possibly running) a lot. Prioritize comfort. 👉 SEE PRODUCT 👉 SEE PRODUCT
4. Grad Cap Accessories & Decorations Make yours stand out with affordable decal kits or pre-made toppers. 👉 SEE PRODUCT
TRAVEL + STAY PREP
5. Weekender Bag That Fits Under the Seat Avoid baggage fees and still pack everything. 👉SEE PRODUCT
6. Reusable Toiletry Bottles (TSA-Approved) Graduation trip or not, these are always useful. 👉SEE PRODUCT
7. Portable Phone Charger A must for photos, GPS, and all-day events. 👉SEE PRODUCT
PHOTO-READY FINDS
8. Grad Sash + Photo Props Cute for family pics and Instagram reels. 👉 SEE PRODUCT
9. Tripod with Remote Clicker Get your own shots if there’s no photographer around. 👉 SEE PRODUCT
GRAD GIFT IDEAS (UNDER $30)
Whether you're gifting yourself or someone else:
Custom keychain 👉 SEE PRODUCT
Inspirational journal 👉 SEE PRODUCT
Budget-friendly keepsake jewelry 👉 SEE PRODUCT
Final Tips:
Don’t buy things you’ll never use again — focus on versatile, reusable pieces.
Ship your outfit/accessories early if you're traveling for graduation.
Plan for unpredictable weather — keep a mini umbrella or packable jacket in your bag.
Affiliate Disclosure:
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About the Author:
Paradise Rodriguez-Bordeaux
🌎Global Business Strategist: Building Your Business To Sustainable Profits
🌟Empowerment Mentor | Philanthropist
A Paradise Company / Paradise Rodriguez-Bordeaux Inc.
best-selling author, entrepreneur, and thought leader.
Paradise Rodríguez-Bordeaux, 2022 Human Rights Activist and the 2023 Innovative Leadership Awards recipient, says,
"Sustainability is the bare minimum."
As an author, coach, and mental health advocate, she is a passionate advocate for those who have faced adversity and discrimination in life. She has been a philanthropist for more than 15 years, giving back to her community by supporting organizations that provide solutions for poverty alleviation and social justice. Her work as an innovator in business solutions led to the founding of... Learn More
"We need to consistently produce effectively efficient solutions.
This world, the communities, it's all of our responsibility.
Leaders HAVE to lead."''
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