5 gift ideas for graduates starting a new chapter in life

June marks an important transition for thousands of young people in Estonia – the end of school or the beginning of a new academic stage. Moonika Maaring, Head of Everyday Banking at Coop Pank, shares five thoughtful ideas on how to support graduates of different ages as they enter a new phase in life and equip them with knowledge and tools to build financial literacy.

1. Wisdom comes from books

One of the most valuable gifts for a graduate is practical, real-world knowledge – especially the ability to manage money wisely. Financial literacy can be developed at any age through reading.

For basic school graduates, consider Kuidas saada rahatargaks by Mihkel Truman and Jaak Roosaare – a clearly written, accessible introduction to the fundamentals of money.

High school and university graduates might benefit from more in-depth titles like Rikkaks saamise õpik by Jaak Roosaare, Kuidas saavutada finantsvabadus by Kristi Saare, or The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel. For university graduates, you could also consider Rahaedu põhimõtted and Investeerimisedu põhimõtted by Kristjan Liivamägi, Tõnn Talpsepp, and Tarvo Vaarmets.

There are also books on financial literacy for younger children – for example, Minu esimene raha by Liis Klein, Tom Learns about Money by Riin Tuttelberg, and A Dog Called Money by Bodo Schäfer.

2. Games that teach life skills

Financial literacy can also be developed through play. A classic option is Monopoly, suitable for gift-giving from basic school through university.

Other engaging games include Stone Age, Catan, Cashflow, and Aktsiaässad, all of which help players understand real-world money management and the basics of building wealth.

You might also come across Rahatarkuse kompass, an Estonian game created to teach children financial literacy, which is no longer in production but may still be available second-hand.

Graduation gifts can also include financial conversation cards, which make it easier to talk about money in a relaxed setting.

3. Subscriptions and event tickets that expand knowledge

Subscriptions and event tickets are also great gifts for a financially curious young person. For instance, a subscription to budgeting apps like MyFinancier or Bilance, or to the business publication Äripäev, can be both practical and educational.

You might also consider tickets to events that promote financial learning and networking – such as the Investment Festival or Investor Toomas Conference.

4. Well-chosen gift cards

For recent graduates, having the freedom to make their own choices is important. Gift cards that offer flexibility while pointing in a meaningful direction can be ideal.

For example, you could give a bookstore or online course gift card. Alternatively, a summer experience gift might be a great way to celebrate the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

5. A seed fund for saving or investing

If the graduate already has some financial knowledge, a monetary gift to help them start saving or investing can be especially useful.

There are several ways to give money. The simplest is to gift cash or make a bank transfer. If you'd like the money to generate returns, consider transferring it to a savings account – for example, Coop Pank’s Cash Drawer offers a 2% annual interest rate. This option works well for graduates of any age.

If a high school or university graduate has opened a third pension pillar account, you can also transfer funds there. This enables them to save for the long term and become eligible for a tax refund the following year.

For younger children, you can open a separate children’s deposit – Coop Pank offers a €50 starter bonus for this.

In addition to money, you might also consider gifting precious metals like gold or silver, which hold their value over time.