I’m quite impressed at the suggestions for HS graduation. Looking back, I did buy him a laptop, but he didn’t have his own, and his birthday does fall in September. He would not have wanted a watch at that point. I did start a Roth, but that was after his first internship. We bought a bike during his freshman year, but that was more a necessity than a gift. Most of the items mentioned I would use for college graduation. I like Mathmoms chair idea. If he ever graduates grad school, I’ll borrow that.
We also did the Roth IRA. Other gifts were a nice travel toiletry kit and a weekend size leather duffle bag. Also, a blanket for the dorm with the college logo on it.
The grandparents gave a very appreciated backpack designed to carry a laptop as well as books.
Too late for the OP, but maybe not for future parents of grads: we chose to give both of our kids an experience rather than a tangible thing. Our daughter chose a party with about 100 people. We rented a tent and had it catered. Her friends had a blast. Our son wanted a train trip to NYC to see a musical, so that’s what we did.
And, of course, they are getting a college education, which is the best gift of all!
Grandma gave laptop (so appreciated!)
We got her a custom afghan for her dorm with the college logo, a family get-together, and the gift of a college education with no debt.
I know this may not be popular but my parents got my brother a Kreighoff K-80 sporting clays shotgun. There is no doubt that he will keep and use it until he passes it down to his son or daughter. May not be PC but certainly a very cool gift.
We gave our boys a good watch for HS graduation. We let them choose the style. I realize not everyone wears a watch, but it looks nice when they are dressed up. They have graduated from college and still use the watches.
Hmmm. It’s clear the culture of consumption isn’t too threatened as of late. I can still remember when I had to sell my well worn ice axe and crampons to pay for college.
Not a grad gift but funny coincidence - as I read these posts I am sitting next to my dad’s college chair. It was a family gift to him in the 70’s - he’s been gone for 20+ years and I cherish it, as he did. If my DS ever settles maybe I’ll get him one!
Scrooge here, I guess. We gave him big hugs and congratulations. Will do the same when he graduates from college.
My son asked for a $30 yo yo for his upcoming 18th birthday! I am lucky that my kids don’t have expensive tastes.
I like the Roth idea. Techson17 has a job with the school district and I had him enroll in the pension fund. I will have to wait until he gets his tax statement to see how much I can put into it.
For graduation, I am going to have H help me construct a tool kit for him. He is going to be studying theater tech so he should have basic tools, at least. I am going to buy him a nice container to carry it in. I am thinking some different screwdrivers, a hammer, screw gun, glue gun, pliers and the like. I am also going to get him a good pocket knife, which is something we’ve given all of the boys.
Actually, we also gave D a good pocket knife as well.
I can’t for the life of me remember what we gave for HS or college graduations. Most likely we gave nothing. We celebrated with them and their friends, paid for the proms, and that was enough. We did open IRAs for both kids as soon as they got their first jobs, but they earned the money, so these were not gifts. Son’s birthday is tomorrow, and the only thing he wants is a donation to a non-profit he volunteers for many years.
Ha, we gave three new suits. LOL. They have been greatl appreciated and much used.