college grad etiquette?

[luvmyfam444]

do you send a gift? If so what? and what if its an adult gettin their bachelors?

 

[pearlieq]

Gifts are not required, but they're always appreciated. I would get one for someone I really cared about but not for a random cousin, unless they or their family had given me a gift in a similar situation.

Gifts can be something they can use for their professional field (i.e. a briefcase, organizer (digital or paper), etc.), jewelry (a watch for men, or a simple pendant for ladies), or a nice gift to treat themself after their hard work (like a Starbucks card, spa gift certificate, or restaurant gift card).

You don't have to spend a lot--a $10 card to Starbucks and a warm note saying how proud you are of their accompishment really means a lot.

 

[LadyZolt]

I'm an adult who got my Bachelors degree at age 45. One friend got me a "Class of 2007" picture frame to put my graduation photo and my tassel in. I did. LOL! A young friend got me a teddy bear wearing a cap and holding a diploma. Family members got me necklaces or earrings, which was nice. I also got flowers from several people. I think for an adult who has been working on a degree for a while, any remembrance you send will be appreciated and treasured as a keepsake of a special accomplishment. Congrats to your grad!

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

 

[emma'smom]

I would especially get an adult a gift---They'll really appreciate the recognition. When I got my doctorate, no one but my parents and my dh much paid it any mind since I also had a job/kids, etc. It was a Huge deal in my mind---but, since I was a grown-up, I didn't make much of a deal of it publicly (sending announcements, etc) like I would have when I was a teenager or in undergraduate.

However, one aunt/uncle sent me a nice card and a gift card to Amazon. I really appreciated the fact that they had recognized what an achievement that degree was for me. The gift card was nice too (but the recognition was the best part).

 

[disneymarie]

do you send a gift? If so what? and what if its an adult gettin their bachelors?

At 50 I got my BA and when I received a few cards, I was thrilled, someone was thrilled for me.

I did not expect a card. When I got one with money in it from an Aunt I told her I was too old, and she was too kind, lets just do lunch dutch treat to celebrate.

She insited to use the money, it was $20, but I insisted to leave the tip.
she is such a sweetie,
i just wanted to share my happiness and a huge Woooooh, Yea!
di

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Yes, if you feel it appropriate for any reason to give a gift, then do so. An adult will almost always be very touched and thankful for such recognition.

Perhaps a gift certificate to a nice bookstore? I know many graduates look forward to being able to "read what they want" after graduation since they've spent so much time reading "what they had to." Of course that would depend upon the given graduate.

You may offer to have the diploma framed. That would be a very nice gift.

 

[tomthebarncat]

was enough for me. My spouse at the time bought me a very expensive brief case to start my new career other than that, congratulations was enough!

 

[luvmyfam444]

thanks for the ideas

 

[Keli]

It depends on how close you are to the person graduating as well as how much you feel comfortable giving IMHO.
For a niece or a nephew I will send $50. My child gets more, about $200. My son in law will graduate in Dec and we are planning on giving him $200 too.
I didn't get my BS until I was in my late 30's. I received a few cards/small gifts from close friends and family.

 

[quentina]

Well, I am almost there. With alot of transfer, I only need a few semesters of study.

I would appreciate my close friends to recognize however, I'm not sure that they will even know. If there was a passing conversation and I said ...oh, on Saturday it's graduation....maybe they would catch on.

I would expect my husband to recognize it and possibly have my kids make me a card or something (we don't normally do adult gifts here).

Kim

 

[shellybaxter]

I am 41 and just received my Masters. I didn't tell a lot of people but my close friends gave cards and a bottle of wine. I appreciated the acknowledgement of my acheivement. The best gift I recieved was a poem that my father wrote for me.

 

[Lynn CC]

Our son graduated in May undergrad and then went to Japan 3 weeks later to start his graduate studies.

We threw a big High school graduation party at a restaurant for him in 2005 but this time we gave him the money we would have spent on a big party to "upgrade" his apartment in Japan.

People are funny even when it's family some sent him cards with well wishes, some gave him gifts and others not even a good luck wish.

If you care about the person at all I think you should acknowledge their accomplishment even if you can't afford to buy a card a handwritten note or something is wonderful.

I can't believe my own brother, & nephews who we have been close to for years didn't even bother saying goodbye to my son who they know they won't see for 3 years.

 

[klacey1]

A card and Amazon giftcard (they can use that for anything!) will mean the world to an adult who worked hard to finish their education.