<p>Well–you know your boy best but none of mine has ever/likely will ever wear a watch. And they would snort at a class ring. I lean toward sentimental/meaningful rather than expensive gifts. It’s become something of a tradition to give males in my family the classic Tiffany’s engraved belt buckle. (In fact, DS#1 has his own but wears his father’s. He wrote an essay once about how it’s his favorite thing in the world.)</p>
<p>On the class ring, it probably depends a lot on tradition. My husband graduated from West Point in 1974 and wears his ring every day. Most of his co-workers wear theirs as well. And some of the wives wear miniatures (not me!). Rings are a huge tradition. They call them ring knockers.</p>
<p>I agree about tradition. Son asked whether or not he should get a UVa ring . I said that was up to him, ask around with classmates,etc. Some schools are more into this kind of stuff than others. He did not get one last year and has never mentioned any regrets about not having one. Always seems to come down to knowing your kid, what they would like. Engraved Dalvey of Scotland compass was a great high school gift for him. He likes nice things but can’t imagine him with a Rolex at this stage of his life. The Citizen Eco-Drive fits him now and I would worry about him in the DC club scene with a Rolex( but maybe I’m a little paranoid about that-potentially calling attention to yourself!). We had his college diploma framed but it is stilll sitting on the floor of our bedroom. He really still doesn’t have a good place to put it at this point in his life. I would suggest that you ask him for suggestions of what would be meaningful to him.</p>
<p>When S1 graduated from college, I gave him a lifetime alumni membership and $$ for investment.</p>
<p>I thinks you have been given some wonderful thoughts to consider.
Perhaps you could write a letter with sentiments of your pride and excitement for the next chapter of his life. You thought long and hard considering many options. In the end you came to the conclusion you wanted the gift to mean something very special to him’ not simply be a token. In that spirit you would like to offer (3,4 whatever the number) for him to choose from.
On another sheet of paper, which on regular printer can be made to look pretty formal with boarders, etc. Maybe use resume paper that is nice quality… And list the options for him to choose from. A vacation to xyz (with family or sib if that’s what you would like). A nice watch (you can go to choose this together since you’ll be paying. A piece of artwork for his first home. Framing of his diploma. A class ring. Customize this 'list however you wish. He gets to choose. He’ll know how much thought you put into the planning, as opposed to ‘just pick something you want.’. Personally I would stay away from a cash gift. It may end up going to utilities, moving expenses, etc, where he doesn’t end up with the gift or memories that is intended…even paying the cobra insurance was specific. I’m not trying to say practile isn’t worthwhile. You just want him to remember what it was.
This letter and ‘certificate’ if you will, could be wrappe in a nice box, wrapped, with a bow coordinating in school colors. </p>
<p>This is just one idea, but it did remind me of how a friends H handled a milestone birthday. He wanted to do something very special, but wanted to ‘get it right’. He gave her a select few choices so she felt she wasn’t planning her own birthday. </p>
<p>Just a thought.</p>