Barter
Most likely, not all your gifts are going to be sums of cash. With gift cards see if you can trade them with other people, like your parents for example.
Invest in your life
If you are planning to move into your first apartment some of the graduation money can be used to secure a deposit along with first months rent. Planning on traveling around the world? Buying a passport is necessary. The plan is to invest your money in things that will take you further in life.
