Girlfriend gift for graduation?

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

My DS17 just started dating a girl less than a month ago and she graduates High School this year. Their first date was prom and they haven't been able to get together to go on a date since due to schedule conflicts.

He just got invited to her Graduation Party at a nearby church. He asked me what he should give her for a graduation gift.

She is his first ever girlfriend and will be going off to college this fall so I won't be surprised if they don't last long.

I've no idea what he should give her. I was thinking maybe a pretty bracelet or necklace.
Does that sound good?

******Update******
I wanted to pop back in and let everyone know what my son decided to do.

He decided he wanted to give her flowers. So he had me take him to a local florist shop where he picked out a pretty vase and flowers for her. He said she really liked that and wore one of the flowers in her hair during the party. So it worked out well.

 

[HM]

How about something she can actually use in school? I'd suggest a cute tote bag or make-up case.

 

[CathiVee]

I think a pretty necklace or bracelet from a boutique near you would be great! Even if you go to Things Remembered (if you have a place like that where you live) and maybe get her a cute keychain with her graduation date engraved in it. They have cheaper-yet-really good gifts there.

Also, I once received a Makeup Tools set, which I thought was the best gift ever. I think the brand was Bundle Monster (on Amazon). It's hot pink and foldable so it's a great gift.

Gift cards are great,too...since she can use it toward whatever she wants! Maybe an iTunes one or just a general Visa one. But I prefer giving actual gifts, so I'd probably just stick to one of the above.

I hope this helps a little!

 

[pklein09]

DH said he was raised that the first piece of jewelry you give a girl is a diamond engagement ring, and it was the first piece of jewelry he gave me. After having been given jewelry by a boyfriend (one person in particular stands out in my mind ), I didn't know what to do with it when we broke up. I couldn't give it away...no one wanted it...and I didn't want to keep it. When our sons get old enough to have this problem, we will explain our views on jewelry giving.

That being said, what is your budget? He could buy her a wristlet in the $50 range, something from Vera Bradley (assuming she likes the patterns), a tea/coffee sampler she can take to college with her. There are so many things other than jewelry.

Okay, I'll step off my soapbox....

 

[wiigirl]

How about something she can actually use in school? I'd suggest a cute tote bag or make-up case.

This...go find something small and cute that she would actually use.

 

[everythingALICE]

I personally feel that jewelry is a bit much, considering they haven't even been dating for a month.

I think a gift card for someplace that he knows she likes, paired with a small box of chocolates with ribbon and/or with flowers is a little more appropriate for the occassion.

 

[englishteacha]

I was going to say a simple bracelet. Nothing expensive or fancy. Or a cute ID case or wristlet.

 

[Soulsearching]

I think jewelry is a bit much after a month of dating.

What about, Perfume, keepsake box, designer key chain, designer wristlet, something in her college colors

 

[laurafergie]

I personally feel that jewelry is a bit much, considering they haven't even been dating for a month.

I think a gift card for someplace that he knows she likes, paired with a small box of chocolates with ribbon and/or with flowers is a little more appropriate for the occassion.

I agree!!!

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

I think flowers in a nice vase would be a good idea.

 

[lovin'fl]

Vera Bradley something (like something to hold her college ID, like a wristlet in a new pattern...or the fold up travel hanging organizer) or a 31 bag/organizer.

 

[WDW in Pearls]

I think you're right on with the bracelet or necklace. Something nice and classic that she'll be able to wear for years...maybe to their wedding in a few years? ;-)

 

[clh2]

You didn't mention his budget - If a $50 gift is workable - Vera Bradley has a smartphone wristlet. Holds all the college necessities including their smartphone. (DD just finished up her freshman year, and according to her - this one is "mandatory". DD also has a mini-hipster; a hipster, and one other bigger purse but I do not recall the name.)

Other things my DD really liked - Brita makes a slim water pitcher - great for the dorm sized fridges. Brita also makes filtered water bottles (DD HATES the campus water.) Those are pretty inexpensive - if you have Amazon prime.

Another few ideas - a fun umbrella (Vera Bradley has those too!)

A nice variety of 3M Command Strip products - a college necessity for hanging stuff up in dorm rooms.

A Bed Bath and Beyond GC -so the GF can pick up something she needs or wants for her dorm room.

And - if he is a sentimental kind of guy - what about a pic of the two of them from prom, in a frame for her desk?

 

[4shinystars]

Make sure she really like Vera Bradley before spending $$$. My DD just graduated college and said there were maybe a dozen girls who had them. She personally hates the stuff and it just isn't popular in my area at all. I asked her what would be nice and she said since they hadn't been together long a photo frame w/ a pic of them, flowers and dinner/movie, stuffed animal, things like that, nothing too personal yet but nothing too practical,lol. (that's what family is for, she said )

 

[MSSANDRA]

I vote no jewelry. Too much room for misinterpretation. I really would not consider one date, the prom dating. Is he graduating too? Most of the kids around here do not give gifts to each other who are graduating, but the parents of long term friends do give to their children's friends. I would go with something from her college choice. A hoodie or throw blanket or whatever item fits into your budget.

 

[krcit]

You didn't mention his budget - If a $50 gift is workable - Vera Bradley has a smartphone wristlet. Holds all the college necessities including their smartphone. (DD just finished up her freshman year, and according to her - this one is "mandatory". DD also has a mini-hipster; a hipster, and one other bigger purse but I do not recall the name.)

Other things my DD really liked - Brita makes a slim water pitcher - great for the dorm sized fridges. Brita also makes filtered water bottles (DD HATES the campus water.) Those are pretty inexpensive - if you have Amazon prime.

Another few ideas - a fun umbrella (Vera Bradley has those too!)

A nice variety of 3M Command Strip products - a college necessity for hanging stuff up in dorm rooms.

A Bed Bath and Beyond GC -so the GF can pick up something she needs or wants for her dorm room.

And - if he is a sentimental kind of guy - what about a pic of the two of them from prom, in a frame for her desk?

No offense and I might actually use some of those ideas for my dd's friends graduation gifts, but when I was 18 if a guy I liked gave me a water pitcher

I think the framed picture would be nice...along with something more special. Not expensive but special. Like a nice silver necklace...Kohl's always has cute sterling jewelry. if she was into music, he could get a her a necklace with a music note, if she's Irish, maybe a Celtic symbol, etc. I remember getting a pretty bracelet from a guy I dated and a cute ring from another. I also remember getting a sweater from one.... I was so disappointed

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I vote no jewelry. Too much room for misinterpretation. I really would not consider one date, the prom dating. Is he graduating too? Most of the kids around here do not give gifts to each other who are graduating, but the parents of long term friends do give to their children's friends. I would go with something from her college choice. A hoodie or throw blanket or whatever item fits into your budget.

My son is a Junior this year and graduates in 2014. Both of them consider themselves dating which made me kind of roll my eyes the first time I heard it since they've never had a "real" date yet other than going to prom.

The more I think about it, the more I think everyone who says no jewelry is right. I don't want him to give her the wrong message and it's hard to find something nice on a budget.

I'm not sure about the budget. Originally I was thinking in the 25.00 or 30.00 range for a gift so I wouldn't have to dig into the Disney trip fund.

I love the idea of something with the college on it - if my son decides he wants to give her a gift. Now he's waffling a bit about going because of the things below.

DS17 says he was invited via text yesterday and she only told him the date. He's going to have find out the time and where it's at.

Those could turn out to be an issue because we already have something going on that day for another graduation party that is an hour away that we committed to. It wouldn't be an issue if he had been able to get his Drivers License but he has to have his permit for one full year before he can get it per Georgia requirements.
And he takes his first SAT testing that same morning so he's a bit stressed.

Poor Dude.

 

[shortbun]

Years ago, my boyfriend gave me two bath towels and two washcloths in the colors of my chosen college. I loved it. I also vote NO JEWELRY.

 

[Pooh2]

I would go with a simple classic piece of jewelry too. My daughter says Vera Bradley is for grammas, and make-up or clothing is too personal.

 

[WDW in Pearls]

I would go with a simple classic piece of jewelry too. My daughter says Vera Bradley is for grammas, and make-up or clothing is too personal.

This. Don't assume all young girls like Vera Bradley; it's very unpopular for young girls where I live (more of a middle aged woman thing, even though my mother wouldn't be caught dead with one).

A bag isn't a bad idea depending on her style. Marley Lilly makes cute monogrammed clutches, but if she's a tomboy she wouldn't like it at all. Try to have him find out what stores she likes.