[Linda]

It’s graduation season, and I’m finding myself invited to a number of parties – some for close friends or family members, others for coworkers or acquaintances.

I’d love to hear how others handle gift-giving in these situations. Do you give something different depending on how close you are to the graduate?

Is cash still the go-to, or are thoughtful gifts more appreciated these days?

What’s considered an appropriate amount to give, especially for coworkers or more distant friends?

I want to show appreciation without overdoing it or making others feel uncomfortable. I’d really appreciate hearing what others typically give—or if you skip gifts altogether in certain cases.

Thanks in advance for the insight!

[Desiree]

Graduation parties are usually at someone’s home, I am a paraplegic so I don’t usually get to go to them.

[Jill]

To my friend’s son who is dorming: a collapsible laundry basket and detergent pods.

Plus, an Amazon gift card for whatever else he needs.

[Jody]

Several online places have key chains with a penny from the year they graduated

[Truly]

I let my son choose a watch, gave him 20 different choices ranging $75-$125

[Astell]

Showing up to celebrate them is enough. If you want to give something then anything they would LIKE + what you can afford

Sometimes showing up with a hand full of balloons is fun
Maybe a college hoodie if they are going (those things can be pricey )
Gift cards for pretty much any amount
A heartfelt card

Maybe a collection of pictures as they were growing up (showing their journey). Pics they haven’t seen.

Maybe you’re a great baker and can make fancy cakes.

[Melissa]

I rarely attend these. Graduating high school is expected. College? We celebrated our daughter by taking her and fiance out to dinner. For us, education is an expected part of life.

Our daughter took a trip to visit Uncle in Netherlands during her high school and college break.

Her 1st big step into adulthood. We paid the plane fare as a birthday gift.

She used her savings for everything else. 2 months later she was back into her studies and pt job.

[Thea]

Nothing.
I’m a single mom with no family and no child support. It was enough just taking care of graduation outfits, expensive food for field trip amusement parks etc.

I still have to come up with summer clothing, shoes, highschool registration fees, gym uniform, school supplies, a new backpack and lunch bag, and fall clothing, then birthdays and Christmas.

My kid needs swimming lessons. We don’t have a car. I’m paying off emergency home repairs, and medications.

Legal fees. I don’t need to give a gift to everyone for everything. It’s never ending, but the bank account is.

[Wendy]

I usually go to the Dollar Tree and buy items they may need in a dorm, if they are going to college.

Double sided tape, regular tape, scissors, stapler, paper clips, highlighters, maybe oven mitts for the microwave, etc.

[Author]

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