Classmate HS Graduation Gift Ideas

[Maddie2]

Our DS is a junior in HS and has been invited to 15 graduation parties of friends from school so far - with graduation still 3 weeks away, more invitations could be coming. We (DH & I) have been invited to some of them too as they are family friends, but many of them only our son knows.

Gift ideas? With so many to go to, it needs to be economical. I was thinking maybe something from the Container Store for the girls - maybe a shower tote for college? They have some for $9.99 that I like. DS seems to think that is a lame gift and said he might be embarrassed to walk into the party with a shower tote (even though it would be in a gift bag!). Am I wrong to think the girls would like them? Need opinions here as we have only boys in the family.

Gift ideas for boys in the $10 range?

I thought about photo frames, but would prefer something useful and not just a dust collector.

Maybe just a $10 bill and a card for all of them? The parties that DH & I also go to will get more $$, but for the many that our son will go to, I am thinking a token gift is enough.

TIA!

 

[figment52]

For the girls - shower gel and/or lotion from Bath and Body Works - they can always go and exchange it for a scent they like if you pick the wrong one. Once they get to college they may not have extra money for the scented gels. Watch for sales and you may be able to work your budget a bit.

 

[Hannathy]

When my DD graduated 2 years ago she only took cards to all those grad parties. Around here the kids don't bring gifts to all the parties. Usually only cards. Gifts are only to their very closest friends. ( I think she only bought 2)

I would have him ask a friend/senior what the norm is in your area. If it is gifts -wow that would be a fortune since they go to soooo many-I would go with the gift card or money. Yes the girls need shower caddies but they will get them and they usually like to pick the color.

Also the gift card/money would go in a card- less "embarrassing" for a teen boy to carry!

 

[Lucky'sMom]

I agree with the PP about only taking cards. Only the very closest of friends might give a gift.

 

[disykat]

I agree with no gifts. However, if he wants to give a small gift something like a movie ticket would be very appropriate.

 

[clh2]

DD has never brought a gift for any grad party she has been too. DD is absolutely not expecting any gifts from friends at her party in June.

If DH and I go to a party - we usually give $25. I also give $25 to each of the kids who has been on a team that I've coached over the past 4 years regardless if we are invited to their party or not.

If you "feel the need" to give a gift - please give the gift receipt too, and then if the grad already has purchased that item, they can return it for something they need. We've been gradually picking up stuff for DD, so she already has most of the "must haves" that we can purchase until she knows for sure what dorm she will get in.

 

[trip]

I would skip a gift. If he feels the need, just include $10 in a card.

 

[scrapquitler]

Our DS is a junior in HS and has been invited to 15 graduation parties of friends from school so far - with graduation still 3 weeks away, more invitations could be coming. We (DH & I) have been invited to some of them too as they are family friends, but many of them only our son knows.

Gift ideas? With so many to go to, it needs to be economical. I was thinking maybe something from the Container Store for the girls - maybe a shower tote for college? They have some for $9.99 that I like. DS seems to think that is a lame gift and said he might be embarrassed to walk into the party with a shower tote (even though it would be in a gift bag!). Am I wrong to think the girls would like them? Need opinions here as we have only boys in the family.

Gift ideas for boys in the $10 range?

I thought about photo frames, but would prefer something useful and not just a dust collector.

Maybe just a $10 bill and a card for all of them? The parties that DH & I also go to will get more $$, but for the many that our son will go to, I am thinking a token gift is enough.

TIA!

My DD tells me that it seems that most of the kids just give a card to all but their very closest friends. I'm happy to hear that, because it would just get ridiculous otherwise.

 

[v.t.]

I agree with just a card. But, if you feel you have to take a gift, monogrammed laundry bags are my gift of choice. You can either put their name on them or, "Mom, I'm home!"