<p>My son has been invited to quite a few grad parties. He doesn’t think he needs to bring a gift. Do you think a small gift would be appropriate? Most of the parties are for girls, so he has no idea what he would bring? Any ideas? CJ</p>
<p>I doubt most of the other guests will bring a gift, so he might feel uncomfortable bringing one. I think I’d let him go with his gut on this one.</p>
<p>He could take an envelope with a gift card inside (Starbuck’s, Dunkin Donuts etc.) and either give it or not as he sees what everyone else is doing.</p>
<p>In the past years, my son has attended many grad parties and has only brought a gift one time. This was for a girl who was a close friend and the gift (cash) was from the family. We are following the same route this year (his senior year) and are giving gifts to half a dozen or so friends who have become special to us over the past 4 years (or more).</p>
<p>Thanks, a gift card sounds like a good idea. CJ</p>
<p>At my daughter’s grad party, almost none of her friends brought gifts. Her very closest inner group exchanged gifts but the parents were involved e.g. a laundry package (hamper, detergent, softener sheets, hangers). No gift would be fine but if you felt the need gift cards are the way to go (Blockbuster is a good one - seems all my daughter and her friends do is watch movies!).</p>
<p>What are good gifts for boys? What about a gift for a boy who has wealthy parents?</p>
<p>toshimi - Not sure if you are talking about a “significant” gift such as what one might give own child/close relative/close friend’s child.</p>
<p>But if you are talking about a more general gift, I just had great success last evening with Harlan Cohen’s book: “The Naked Roommate and 107 other issues you might face in college.” It was suggested (where else ;)) here on cc. We gave it to S and his bst friend at dinner out last night. The title is, of course, a winner. Boys reacted well and we found them both sneaking peaks into different sections throughout the evening. I think it really will be handy for them, as well as amusing. I ordered 5 copies from Amazon and am also giving to another close hs friend, our niece and our grandS.</p>
<p>jmmom ~
thanks for a great suggestion! My son has a few friends that I would like to give gifts to. I’ll definately check this out!</p>
<p>Gifts for boys ~ Gift cards are great. Video stores, electronic stores, fast food restaurants, cards from gas stations are greatly appreciated! I would ignore completely his parent’s financial situation.</p>
<p>With many grads receiving ipods, gift cards to itunes would probably be very appreciated. (Available at apple.com)</p>
<p>Scratch off lottery tickets are always fun!</p>
<p>Itunes gift certificates are a great idea. I have also given gift certificates to the student bookstore at the college of choice. Normally, they are available in almost any denomination and certainly help out with those extra expenses once the recipient is at school next fall. The gift seems equally appreciated by both boys, girls…and parents!</p>
<p>Tools, everyone is getting tools. This old toolgal knows they’ll thank me for them someday. :)</p>
<p>My dear and occasionally knuckle-dragging Neanderthal of a son asked, “Girls too?”. (where did I go wrong with him? 
) You betcha - girls too.</p>
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<p>MSB - Tools are def on my list to give S and this kit looks v handy. Have you actually seen these tools up close and personal? I would value your endorsement if you have, as you are a self-confessed “toolgal” :D. They look solid from the photo, but I just want to avoid some of those small, cute tools which aren’t really well-constructed.</p>
<p><em>ouch</em> just re-read my post and it’s beginning to look like one of those kid im’s with the shorthand, lower-case, etc. Forgive me. :eek:</p>
<p>jmmom, Bought some the other day (they’re in the store too). While not Craftsman or even Stanley quality, they are full size, hefty, and they’ll get the job done. A big plus is the soft case, when closed, will easily fit in a desk or dresser drawer.</p>
<p>Added it to my BB&B wish list, which I am building, then will order for pick-up near S’ school, as we are flying. Thanks, MSB.</p>
<p>When I mentioned this idea of tools to my husband he suddenly perked up - no, there was no stopping him - yes, he was going to Sears to get my son tools to take to college! I tried to calm him down - there was no changing his mind or downsizing his ambitions in this area! He ended up with a big tool box filled with nice tools - can’t imagine where that is going to be in the dorm or how long the screwdriver will remain in son’s possession! We gave our son other gifts (thank goodness) but S kept saying, how about that tool box. Undoubtedly, he was quite confused by why he would need tools at college! I am sure he thinks his Dad is crazy. Meanwhile, my husband was so happy to give him something he thought was important <g>!</g></p>
<p>I think it is important to consider if the student is staying locally or not. It’s not a great idea to give them something that takes up a lot of space if they are going a distance. I really like doing a little research of the town/city they will be going to school in and getting the grad a gift card to a local restaurant that would be treat for them to use once they are in school - a break from dorm food and maybe something nice to do with a date. I gave a grad I know coming to school in Boston a small book (with a section for college kids) that outlines the best of the city - restaurants, clubs, beaches, movie theaters,etc. I also called the MBTA (transit system) and got free pocket size maps of the T which I included in his package. The T is an essential part of Boston college student’s lives. He loved the gift. A teacher gave my son last year a box filled with essential school supplies including a great stapler and scissors,etc. It came in very handy and one less thing to deal with initially with all the other start up expenses. One other idea - I just gave a friend’s daughter who graduated college and will be living in an apartment in Boston a gift card to Whole Foods.</p>
<p>My D received as a graduation present–“Once Upon a Campus: Tantalizing Truths about College from People Who’s Already Messed Up.” It holds a lot of common sense that some kids may not heed from parental units in a fun format.</p>
<p>Another very good book similar to “Once Upon a Campus…” is “Been There, Should’ve Done That II : More Tips for Making the Most of College”</p>
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