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You can't go wrong with a gift of money. If you want to give money to go toward something specific, say so. "I know you need money for your move," or "this is to help you furnish your new apartment."

If you want to give money for a long-term goal –- say, a down payment on a house -- consider giving it in a bank certificate of deposit. That way, your grad can't touch it until the CD's term expires without paying a penalty.

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