College Graduation Gift - what can you give besides money?

17 years ago

I got a college graduation invitation/announcement from someone last week. I won't be attending the ceremony but I would definitely like to give a gift. Is a check about the only thing I can give? I'd rather give somethimg more personal, but I honestly don't know him well enough to know his interests. Also, he's getting married in October and I'll proabably give money for that as well, so I'm looking for some ideas.

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Comments (13)

triciae
17 years ago
May I suggest Lee Sand's Eel Skin Bi-Fold Wallet. My DH loves these wallets. The leather is beautiful, shiny, soft, & supple. They wear like iron. DH stuffs his 4" thick & they last years. He has spent upwards of $200 on a wallet & always returns to Lee Sand's. He also gives these out by the dozens as business gifts. A young man graduating from college will need to replace his college-era wallet with something more professional.

/tricia

Here is a link that might be useful: Lee Sand's Bi-Fold Wallet
lindac
17 years ago
A wallet is good....but I know my son got 4.
Depends on what you want to spend, something to do with his profession? brief case? leather card holder, travel alarm clock, dopp kit ( or whatever they call them now) piece of luggage a book, pen...anything from Cross to Mont Blanc..
And remember....money is always good!
Linda C
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Congratulations! "now, what would you do? is it understandable for me to be upset or not? is it normal to not even send a card or a small gift? would you say anything?" 1. What I would do is exactly what you are doing. Venting :) 2. Yes, it's understandable, I'd be upset too. 3. "Normal". Hm. Well, from what you've described it is normal for him and his relationship with your DD. It appears it's not normal for how he treats others. Unfortunate. But probably normal. 4. I'd say something if I thought it would do any good. And I'd say something like what was suggested above: DD worked hard, I know you're probably busy and it's easy to forget, but would you give her a call or send a card letting her know how proud you are? It would mean a lot to me. I received no gifts/cards/etc. for my college graduation from family members. My friends, their parents... they gave me gifts and I appreciated their tokens of pride so very much. For me, taking the time to really congratulate someone for accomplishing a goal is very important. Regardless of what it is. Your dd sounds like she's gone above and beyond many graduates, and that is worthy of extreme pride (so please don't take this wrong because it has nothing to do with your DD, just a generalization). My feeling is that if someone graduated Summa Cum Laude from Harvard or plumbing school it shouldn't matter insofar as they should be shown by their family and friends that their efforts and accomplishment did not go unnoticed. Praising someone for success (even if it's something that may be considered by others to be not that hard or unusual) is important. Acknowledging achievement is important. I have a friend who recently completed a marathon. Ten miles is not very much. I can run 10 miles faster than this person. I have another friend who has won the Ironman and many who have competed in similar elite marathons and triathlons. But I am so proud of her and I'm her biggest cheerleader. She set a goal, she worked toward it and she accomplished it! It's so cool to see her look of pride, and see her self-worth rise and to know that she knows that she is more capable than before. To me, that's cool. And if your brother is too ignorant to see just what a cool niece he has, it's his loss. Heck, I'm proud of her and I don't even know her. (((virtual card congratulating dd)))
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That's a sweet keepsake, Justretired, but as I said I've done lots for her as a new mother. I have not marked her graduation from college. It is important to me that in addition to all that i/we have done for her as a new mother (and new adult, for that matter), that I mark her personal achievements in graduating college (and in fact, finishing early). Fun2B, I may end up taking her shopping but I will also try to think of a keepsake as well. I remember only a few gifts when I graduated -- but then I was going right on to grad school so most of the gifts were money. I did check with my sister, thanks for noting that a commitment often comes with logo gifts, Allison! Sister told me a note was perfect and there was no need to gift her-- "but in case you don't listen to me, she has x, y and z" lol Still working on gift ideas for the other grad-- but that will be relatively easy when I can focus. Thank you all for your ideas and thoughts!
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I think you are on the right track, Lynn.. and with much great guidance! College graduation was much less about a big party for me and more about my personal achievements. My parents did much what you're planning-- a nice dinner with a few of my closest college friends (a few days before graduation in my case.. we had a week between the end of finals and graduation) None of my nieces or nephews had big college graduation parties either-- nothing like their HS graduations. However, the two who moved away had "launch parties" which ended up being more send offs to their grown up lives. I was the only one to go on to grad school right after college.. and honestly, I'd have LOVED a trip! The only college graduation party was my parents' party.. the "no more college tuition party!!" which was marked by my youngest sister's graduation.
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LOL, I thought my brilliant idea — giving my son’s GF a nice overnight bag for graduation — was so unique and creative! Not so much, I guess! For her it’s extra appropriate since they will be living pretty far from each other for at least a couple of years. They’ve been seeing each other for 6+ years (since 11th grade), and for the duration of college have been about 6 hours apart and now will be even further from each other. Anyway, I got her a nice Kipling weekender bag. DS confirmed that she doesn’t have anything like it and that she would love it. My first thought was jewelry too but she doesn’t wear much, and the few small items she does wear are from DS. We have a few high school graduations coming up, too. For those I got Dr Seuss “oh, the places you’ll go” covered Tervis tumblers and inside the tumblers I’m putting gift cards to their respective college bookstores.
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brenda55
17 years ago
How about a gift certificate? They were pretty popular when DD and her friends graduated college. DD got some to Target, Walmart, Bed, Bath & Beyond.
gbsim1
17 years ago
For years I gave hanging garment bags.... a good quality one and if I really liked/knew the kid then I had initials monogrammed. You can do colors and bold fabric ones for the girls and the usual simple dark colors for the guys. They always like them!

I have this thing against giving money and gift certificates.... just me.

Grace
lpinkmountain
17 years ago
I have given coolers filled with goodies as wedding gifts, has been well received. Also maybe a snazzy executive lunchbox or thermos or some kind of snazzy coffee maker. I gave my cousin one of those all purpose tools for graudation--he liked that. Or a snazzy toolbox with a gift certificate inside for tools.
Staples gift certificate for his new job needs.
dedtired
17 years ago
It might be easier to give money for a graduation present and then choose a gifty-gift for the wedding. Most likely they will be registered somewhere and you can choose something from their list, and know that they will like it.

Just a thought.
obxgina
17 years ago
My DH just received his MAster's Degree this past weekend. I bought him a custom made frame for his Degree. The company is great to work with and the frame is gorgeous! Here is their website:
http://www.usadiplomaframes.com/
Or, do you know what he'll be doing? Maybe a framed print for an office wall or something that represents something that he is interested in. When DH received his undergrad he received a beautiful clock from his Dad for his office. Just some thoughts, I hope they help! Gina
annie1992
17 years ago
I'd give the same thing I give every graduate, my heartfelt congratulations and cash, because every kid I know comes out of college with student loans and cash is always appreciated.

No help, I know.

Annie
bri29
17 years ago
I would go with cash or a gift card to somewhere like Target or Bed Bath and Beyond. That way they can get stuff that they need for a new apartment or just necessities. I loved getting presents as much as the next graduate, but sometimes practicality rules! :)

Bri
raw1020_AOL_COM
15 years ago
my mother got my daughter an OSU bangle bracelet from the diamond cellar.she got my cousin one too when she graduated,they run about $295 dollars which is kinda high. (they have other osu stuff that is lower in price) but they both loved it. i thought it was very sentimental. if the link below doesn't work just go to the diamond cellar website.
trixietx
15 years ago
I think the wallet with a check inside is a good idea. When my son graduated from college he got mostly money.

I agree on the wedding, look at their registry and pick something from that.
spacific
15 years ago
Frequent flyer miles?
gellchom
15 years ago
Someone else already suggested it, but I love a toolbox and tools. He can also exchange it if he already has one if you get it at Lowe's or Home Depot.

College Graduation Gift - what can you give besides money?

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triciae

lindac

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