What's appropriate gift for college grad?

[MinnieGirl33]

I need opinions on what an appropriate college graduation gift is for my brother (15 yrs younger than me).

I did buy a plane ticket & will incur hotel expense so that I could be there for his actual ceremony (DH is staying home with kids so I can go). Does this/should this factor in or am I being cheap?

Our parents are giving him a trip for 2 to WDW (what he wanted) & I thought I would give him spending money. How much is appropriate?

Any other ideas besides cash would be welcome too.

 

[WDWAurora]

Well, out of all the gifts I received, basically only 1 was NOT cash. It was a book by Maria Shriver. DH (then DBF) got me a nice framed picture of us and some scrapbook stuff I wanted and his mom gave me money and a cute picture frame. Since he's getting the trip, could you plan ahead and pay for one of his meals or a show or something like that? Ooh or even something like disneyquest tickets? Add to the trip without it being cash? Does that make sense?

 

[golfgal]

You have to go with what you can afford. If I had a brother graduating now I would probably give him $100. When my sister graduated I had just started working myself and I think I gave her $20. It also varies regionally. I know that we have a few grad parties coming up for friends' kids and for one we aren't all that close to them and we will give $20, another we think the world of this kid and will probably give $50 or 75.

 

[Snow Brite]

What about getting him some Disney Dollars? You could get what you want to spend, but it will be "cute" and fit with the WDW trip theme.

I do think that you coming to his graduation counts as a "gift" as well. At college graduation, he is an adult and should appreciate the expense you have incurred to attend. But a smaller gift as well would be good.

 

[kellyf2626]

I think a great gift is the college frame for the diploma. It is something that he probably wouldn't buy for himself - but will greatly appreciate it when it is hanging on the wall! Most schools offer their frame on the website....

 

[MinnieGirl33]

I think a great gift is the college frame for the diploma. ..

I do like the idea of having the diploma framed. Someone had that done for my wedding invitation & it was one of my favorite gifts.

Maybe I'll do that & give him some money so he & his DGF can have a nice dinner.

Thanks everyone for the input!

 

[NMAmy]

When my sister got her Ph.D., I got her a 5x7 silver frame for her graduation photo. I had it engraved with her name, Susan Lastname, Ph.D. and the date of her graduation. When I sent it to her, I placed her graduation announcement in the frame with a note that she should replace it with her picture when she got it. She really liked it.