This thread will be too late for many, (and many answers may come in too late to help me) but what is an appropriate “token” gift for a high school grad. I say token because we’re attending a party today, son of family friends, and graduate is a friend of our graduating son. I wouldn’t say any of us are close, though, but they’re good people and we care about the boy. It’s one of those things where we would not be giving a gift to this grad if it weren’t for going to the party, though. And not that this matters, but it may be relevant, but since we’re not having a big party for our son they will not be giving our son a gift, nor will we be giving gifts to kids who are even closer friends of our son.
I don’t want to go empty handed. So, a small check? (We usually do $100 for close friends and family, but this seems too much.) Some other token thing? Any ideas?
I think $100 is too much. My sister calls grad parties the “$50 Exchange” as she gave $50 to all the grads, and that seemed to be what her kids got too.
I would have been in the $25 group, but didn’t go to any grad parties, even when my kids graduated.
Why is it a token gift? A gift is a gift. Give or don’t give.
If money is an issue give a gift of kind words of encouragement directly to the graduate. Giving gifts because you feel obligated is exactly why we didn’t send out any graduation announcements. I prefer not to make anyone feel obligated. We are not followers of social norms.
I’m a book giver, always have been, always will be.
I’d suggest either a book related to a subject the graduate will pursue in college, or some fun beach reading with a note “rediscover reading for fun and not for school!” The books can always be exchanged, and most bookstores carry tchochkes in the event the graduate is a complete non-reader. (boo.)
I’d suggest an amazon gift card for whatever amount you feel is appropriate. Or maybe can get a book like The Naked Roommate if you want to spend just a small amount.
Thanks for all the ideas. I appreciate you all taking the time. Keep going in case others need help, but I ended up just doing cash in a card with a nice sentiment. I was going to give $25., but ended up giving 20 dollars and 17 cents. It’s @thumper1 's fault the kid got $4.83 less. I looked at Gift Cards, and just really didn’t feel like I knew his tastes well-enough to decide on something. But oh, get this, I found out he is shipping out to USMC boot camp in two weeks! Had I known that I surely could’ve thought of some other things. Oo-rah.
Luggage/rolling duffel is a good gift if you know the people well enough to know they need something for kiddo to take and keep. I like Bed Bath & Beyond as a mom. I think the grads would like cash.
I give more to close relatives, but for casual friend’s kids I usually do $25 cash OR…(and I’ve had really good feedback on this)… A new beach towel and some sunscreen in a bag. It’s practical, celebrates the last summer, and you can throw some kid thing in there like an inflatable or super soaker or something silly. Kids always look surprised and thrilled with something that encompasses the fun of their childhood…since the pressure of growing up is growing far too real. Fun recreational gifts are an appreciated release valve.
My kiddo likes getting highschool grads a giant brick of Ramen Noodles for their dorm room. LOL:) Always met with laughter, and it’s practical!
Other cool token gifts, particularly for those going to college:
A travel iron. My kiddo has one of those little irons that fold up and fit in a drawer…and everyone was always borrowing it to tidy up dress clothes for presentations and formal dinners, etc.
Portable batteries for tech. You can always find deals on amazon. You can find rechargable power supplies the size of a candy bar that can power a laptop or recharge a cell phone multiple times while on the run. My kiddo loves hers and always has it in her book bag just in case. Having a charged phone is a safety issue. Both kids and parents appreciate this gift.
I’ve given zippered desk kits (those things that are SO helpful that you never think of because they’re always handy on your desk). You can make it as elaborate or simple as you like–scissors, glue or glue stick, stapler, tape (assorted), mechanical pencil(s), pens, sharpie, etc. Son’s was used as we were unpacking his stuff for his dorm. If you want, you can even include a few postage stamps and envelopes.
Gosh, I received 23 announcements and party invites for high school and 7 college anmouncements. I cannot afford to give to everyone so just sticking to close family – 2 college grads. I hosted one party because niece lived with me while she finished. I’m still full.pay for DS so my budget is really tight. I like the ideas though!
Our kids gave inexpensive little gifts–Jamba Juice, picture frames, etc. The desk kits can be very simple and allow the kids to add things as they think of them. Tape, scissors, correction tape, pen, etc.
When it’s a close friend, I do a dorm survival kit- eveything from earplugs/eye mask to shower caddy/shower shoes, to a first aid kit, school supplies, flashlight, short cut items (dry shampoo, spray mouth wash, etc.)…then I put the items in separate organza bags (like wine bag size) and label them “sleep time,” “shower time,” etc. and put all the organza bags in either a storage cube the color of their college color or a tote bag they can reuse. It’s proven a very popular gift
We had HS graduation parties for both of our kids…with a NO GIFTS PLEASE noted on the invites. These kids and families were getting invited to a lot of graduation parties. Really…we wanted the kids to share a good time. We had our the first week of August…sort of a farewell before everyone left for school. It was good timing…and away from all the June and early July events.
Close friends, and relatives sent gifts anyway…but not because of the party. They would have anyway.
It’s