graduation open houses

[powellrj]

I am sitting here looking at a stack of graduation open house invitations that DS has gotten this week. He is a freshman and these are his friends from school. He doesn't have a job, so I will have to buy gifts for these kids. I don't know any of them, and unless I drive him to the parties, he won't be attending any of them.

My question is what is expected gift wise. If they were kids I knew, I would just put $20 in a card, but there are way too many to do that for. What would be an acceptable amount to give when he isn't attending the open house or would a card be sufficent?

 

[Breezy_Carol]

My DD graduated in 2004 and DS graduates this year. In this area, generally the kids don't get gifts for each other. As a parent being invited to a select few open houses, I would probably put $20 -25 in a card but DS won't take gifts to the parties of his friends that only he attends. And I don't expect gifts from the kids that come here. DD got a few memory type gifts from special friends, photos, a necklace, etc, but not everyone brought a gift. And that was fine.

I just went back and reread the original post. If he isn't attending, a card is more than enough.

 

[NMAmy]

In our area, the kids don't get each other gifts either. Thank heavens! It would cost me a fortune when dd gets older.

I do send money when I've known the kid. Depending on how well I know them and our relationship--anywhere between $20 and $100. My cousin's son is graduating this year--we'll give him $100.

 

[monarchsfan16]

I graduated last year. My friends and I didn't give each other gifts. We did give cards. Just a card, nothing in it.
My best friend and I did exchange gifts, but that's because we're best friends. She gave me a link for my Italian charm bracelet that said best friends. I have her a small photo album for grad pictures. Another very close friend of mine gave me $20 in a card, despite my insisting multiple times that he shouldnt give me anything
But generally people that are just friends only give cards, and that's only if they go to the party. If they don't go to the party, a simple congrats is enough.

 

[powellrj]

thanks so much! I didn't want to seem cheap, but I was going to go broke buying all those gifts!! I am glad to hear kids don't expect gifts from other kids!

 

[budbeerlady]

When my friends and I had our open houses we didnt bring each other gifts. That would cost a fortune! A couple of close friends and I exchanged gifts but that was it!