graduation gift?

[Skatermom23]

I have a friend whose DS is graduating HS this year. While I am extremely close to my friend, I don't know her kids very well. They live in another state. I have watched them grow up through her eyes but we have never sent the kids gifts for birthdays or such. I would like to send a gift this time. Any ideas? Is cash best and if so, what would be appropriate?

 

[christinadei]

Cash or a giftcard. That way, he'll like it and it's honestly what he probably needs if he's moving out. A giftcard would be nice to get things for his new place.

 

[poohandwendy]

I have a friend whose DS is graduating HS this year. While I am extremely close to my friend, I don't know her kids very well. They live in another state. I have watched them grow up through her eyes but we have never sent the kids gifts for birthdays or such. I would like to send a gift this time. Any ideas? Is cash best and if so, what would be appropriate?

Cash is always a very helpful gift for a graduate and always appreciated. Is the boy going away to college or trade school? If so, a really cool gift is to find out what stores and such are in that area and to get gift certificates for them.

My aunt got my DD small gift certificates for Walmart, Staples and Destiny movie theater...she asked me ahead of time what things were in the area, close to her college and went from there. It was so cool because she could use them as needed and it sort of made it seem more personal, kwim? My DD realy, really thought it was cool and thoughtful.

Another cool idea is a care package type of basket, if they are going off to school. You can fill it with candies, snacks, microwave popcorn and/or meals, note pads, pens, post-its, hand sanitizer, tissues, batteries (AA are usually always needed), magnets, small dry erase boards, spray all-purpose cleaner, small tool kit, small sewing kit, stickers, duct tape, a roll of quarters, a small box of laundry detergent, fabric softener sheets, small plastic organizer containers, a phone card...the list can go on and on to be honest. But everything like that will be appreciated, trust me.

Just some ideas...

 

[Brittney85111]

I am a sophomore at Penn State so just graduated from high school two years ago. I think it is great that you want to send something and I know it will be appreciated. I was so surprised (and thrilled) when friends of my mom's gave me a gifts (usually it was around $25) Although I think that the idea behind putting together a kit of items you think a college kid will need is nice it can be a pain to have to lug all of that stuff up to school. I think it is better to get a couple nicer items you think they will need (like an umbrella, closet organizers, shower caddy, lamp, etc) rather than a bunch of $2.00 items that they could just buy at Walmart when they get to school. If those are the type of things you want to get them it is easier for the kid to just get a $20.00 gift card. Just my opinion.

 

[monarchsfan16]

Cash or gift cards are definitely the best choices. I noticed a trend (graduated last June from high school) in the amounts of money I got. Mom's friends who knew me best all gave me $50. The ones who knew me less well gave me $20 or $25. I will tell you that *THE* most useful gift card I got was to Staples.

 

[Megster]

I got money from $15 all the way up through $100. Honestly when you have that much stuff to buy every penny counts and any gift is very much appreciated. If you don't want to send just money gift cards to best buy and target were my favorite. If you want something more personal anything having to do with photos (album, frames, etc) are a good choice. If you can find christmas lights those would be good. It may seem odd, but xmas lights are a perfect way to light up a dorm room and even the guys in my hall have them.

 

[EthansMom]

For graduation gifts, cash is king. For a graduating highschooler whom you don't really know, I would send a smaller amount in a card, say $20 or $25.

Something I've seen that I thought was cute was a check in the amount of the year of graduation -- $20.06 for a 2006 graduation, for instance. That gift got a chuckle out of the recipient and everyone else too. It's cute and still only costs you $20.

 

[Snow_White]

When I graduated high school in 97, most of my parents friends gave me $50. Most of my family gave me $100. A few people here and there gave $25.

 

[Freyja]

I think it´s really sweet you want to send something. I would send a gift card. They´re always handy.