Graduation gifts for those who have everything?

[Desnik]

In Aug I have to go to a graduation party for my cousins two children. The older one, a girl is graduating from college. The younger one is a boy graduating from H.S. These kids have everything. They don't really need anything so, I have no idea what to give them as a gift? I don't have a lot to spend and I don't want to give them something they already have or will get a lot of. I'm not close to the kids and we all see each other only a handful of times during the year so I don't even know the kids well enough to get them something personal! What should I do?

On a side note, they are having this party at the house they just bought so we will be seeing it for the fist time. Do I need to bring a housewarming gift too?

 

[wdwmom0f3]

I would just give them money or a visa gift card. That's what my DD wanted more than anything when she graduated.

As for the house, unless the party was a house warming party I wouldn't think a gift would be necessary. You could do something if you wanted to.

 

[Princess Dolly]

Money

 

[shoney]

If it were me, I would just buy gift cards for whatever amount you are comfortable spending.

I would also pick up a token gift for the new home....house plant, maybe?

 

[Desnik]

Does it change your minds if I said they were millionaires? I just feel like any amount of money I can give would be laughable to them. Well, not laughable but really not needed at all. Or would you think that everyone is happy when they get money no matter what they already have?

 

[shoney]

Well it changes my mind on the houseplant LOL!

Unless you know them well enough to figure out something meaningful (not expensive), I would stick to a gift card.

 

[mjbaby]

Having money doesn't make people less appreciative of graciousness or being thought of (poor manners does that and those exist with or without financial resources!). And parents with money don't diminish the academic achievements of their kids, so yeah, I think *something* in the way of gifts is in order.

For the college grad, how about a leather business card case? Maybe embossed with her initials?

For the high school grad, if college-bound, you might see if the intended college has specific bookstore giftcards (some do, some don't - some have bookstores run by companies like Barnes and Noble and so B&N gift cards can be used there..some research would be in order to figure it out). In this case, I don't think the amount would matter as much as the idea that you paid attention and are encouraging his choice. Or maybe a gift basket filled with the kinds of things he'll need in his dorm (you can find lists online with lots of ideas) or ordering a tee or sweatshirt from the school?

For the housewarming, why not bring a bottle of wine with an interesting label - maybe one that speaks to a shared joke from your childhood? (For example, my sister and I have a running joke around "running with scissors" from an old SNL skit. There's a winery that bottles a wine called "running with scissors" so for one of her birthdays I bought it and wrote a little bit of a sentimental note to go w/ it about the joke and how I always appreciate the laughs we share. The bottle was about $10.)

My feeling is: if you can't/don't want to spend money, spend thoughtfulness instead.

 

[chicagodisneyfan]

Does it change your minds if I said they were millionaires? I just feel like any amount of money I can give would be laughable to them. Well, not laughable but really not needed at all. Or would you think that everyone is happy when they get money no matter what they already have?

For the HS grad - I would get a sweatshirt or a hat from the college they will be attending - you can never have too much college stuff!

For the college grad - a sweatshirt that say Alumni or a license plate bracket that says alumni

 

[ilovemk76]

In Aug I have to go to a graduation party for my cousins two children. The older one, a girl is graduating from college. The younger one is a boy graduating from H.S. These kids have everything. They don't really need anything so, I have no idea what to give them as a gift? I don't have a lot to spend and I don't want to give them something they already have or will get a lot of. I'm not close to the kids and we all see each other only a handful of times during the year so I don't even know the kids well enough to get them something personal! What should I do?

On a side note, they are having this party at the house they just bought so we will be seeing it for the fist time. Do I need to bring a housewarming gift too?

Give them money and buy a bottle of wine for the new home.

I see many kids only a handful of times a year and I do know what they like. I make the effort to know them.

Does it change your minds if I said they were millionaires? I just feel like any amount of money I can give would be laughable to them. Well, not laughable but really not needed at all. Or would you think that everyone is happy when they get money no matter what they already have?

This make you look petty. So they have more money and do not deserve what you would give a poor kid.

What if somebody asked if they should give you a birthday gift or a wedding gift because you must be rich you town two DVC and take a WDW vacation each year? This is exactly what you are doing.

I give the same graduation gift to all of my nieces and nephews. I do not decide what to give based on the how rich their parents are.

 

[sissy_ib]

I used to work at a gift store that did personilization. A popular gift for college grads was a nice set of pens with the name engraved.

 

[ZephyrHawk]

Does it change your minds if I said they were millionaires? I just feel like any amount of money I can give would be laughable to them. Well, not laughable but really not needed at all. Or would you think that everyone is happy when they get money no matter what they already have?

I grew up with lots of millionaire families with kids who had graduation paties. Most are perfectly happy to accept money or any other gift. Some (although this may not be true for your friends) expect their children to pay their own way through college (at least housing and the like), or at least expect them to begin serious work on savings funds. Just because you have tons of money doesn't mean that you intend to give it all away to your offspring.

 

[v.t.]

For the college bound we always get a golf umbrella in the school colors, or a personalized laundry bag. For the college grad you could get a silver charm or cross. It is not too expensive but lets her know you are proud of her.

 

[leebee]

For the college-bound boy, give him a laundry gift. I bought a mid-sized laundry basket and put detergent, fabric softener, all-fabric bleach, dryer sheets, stain stick, etc. I downloaded and printed "How to do laundry in a dorm" and put that in the basket, too, along with a roll of quarters. It was a whimsical gift, but appreciated; even though the kid did his own laundry at home, it was stuff he'd need at school and the how-to outline is funny, with several "bring your books to study while waiting" references in it!

Another good gift for the college-bound is a gift card to his soon-to-be University's store. DD really appreciated that, as she could put the $$ towards books, if necessary.

For the girl, look for Vera Bradley stuff that's on sale or clearance. It's more affordable this way. We've given change purses and stuff like that... even matching pens and pencils. Yes, it's a token gift, but we don't normally buy VB because it's so overpriced.

 

[mom2rose&john]

In Aug I have to go to a graduation party for my cousins two children. The older one, a girl is graduating from college. The younger one is a boy graduating from H.S. These kids have everything. They don't really need anything so, I have no idea what to give them as a gift? I don't have a lot to spend and I don't want to give them something they already have or will get a lot of. I'm not close to the kids and we all see each other only a handful of times during the year so I don't even know the kids well enough to get them something personal! What should I do?

On a side note, they are having this party at the house they just bought so we will be seeing it for the fist time. Do I need to bring a housewarming gift too?

For the girl I would get a coach or vera wristlet with a gift card. For the boy money and a t-shirt to the college he is going to.

Does it change your minds if I said they were millionaires? I just feel like any amount of money I can give would be laughable to them. Well, not laughable but really not needed at all. Or would you think that everyone is happy when they get money no matter what they already have?

No, it doesn't change my mind. I would give what I could afford.

 

[Desnik]

Give them money and buy a bottle of wine for the new home.

I see many kids only a handful of times a year and I do know what they like. I make the effort to know them.



This make you look petty. So they have more money and do not deserve what you would give a poor kid.

What if somebody asked if they should give you a birthday gift or a wedding gift because you must be rich you town two DVC and take a WDW vacation each year? This is exactly what you are doing.

I give the same graduation gift to all of my nieces and nephews. I do not decide what to give based on the how rich their parents are.

Holy cow are you projecting cause you are way out of line with your post!

The only reason why I said they were rich is because I didn't want people giving ideas of money as a gift or even a gift card. They don't need that. I was asking here for help because maybe someone could come up with something creative that I didn't/wouldn't think of. When did I say they didn't deserve something because they are rich? I really can't believe you responded to my post the way you did! Then you imply that I haven't taken the time to know the kids? Seriously? Where do you get off????? For your information this is my mothers cousins kids and they live over 2 hours away. They are a very busy family and they are out of the country most of the year. Wait, why am I even bothering explaining this to you?

 

[Desnik]

I grew up with lots of millionaire families with kids who had graduation paties. Most are perfectly happy to accept money or any other gift. Some (although this may not be true for your friends) expect their children to pay their own way through college (at least housing and the like), or at least expect them to begin serious work on savings funds. Just because you have tons of money doesn't mean that you intend to give it all away to your offspring.

Oh I am well aware of that but it's not the case for them. Their parents pay for everything and they are good, smart kids who are well deserving.

 

[Desnik]

I was at my moms house today and found out that the boy will be going to Virginia Tech. She also reminded me about the girls love of photography which she went to school for. I did know that but it totally slipped my mind. So, I might just go with the idea of getting the boy something with the school name and the girl something that has to do with photography. Thank you to those who responded with helpful advice!

 

[scrapquitler]

Does it change your minds if I said they were millionaires? I just feel like any amount of money I can give would be laughable to them. Well, not laughable but really not needed at all. Or would you think that everyone is happy when they get money no matter what they already have?

No, it doesn't change my mind. I'd still give cash. I've never seen a teenager who wasn't thirlled to get money as a gift, even if they already have enough.

 

[Eastern]

No, it doesn't change my mind. I'd still give cash. I've never seen a teenager who wasn't thirlled to get money as a gift, even if they already have enough.

Same here! There are always things to spend it on, and it's fun to have your 'own' money to spend how you like.