I would give a small journal so she can write a few thoughts and observations about the event. This doesn't have to be like homework, but just a few notes about what she's been through, what our current environment is like, and how it feels to be graduating in 2020. One day, her children and grandchildren will appreciate this.

eta Congratulations to her!

When I got my PhD I ordered personalized announcements to send to family/friends.

A nice diploma frame from the bookstore.

Probably redundant at this point but here's my suggestion: Have her in her graduation gown, play Pomp and Circumstance and call her name to walk up and receive her "diploma". Dress up clothes for all for a fancy dinner and gifts. I'd want it to be as close to real as possible. Music and centerpiece, natch. Must be video'd. (we want to see!)

Excellent ideas! Of course dress up - I kinda forgot what that was :).

When our son got his Master's last may the rented their regalia, so not sure you could get a set for her--but if they do the virtual gradation properly she should be wearing it and see her name up on the big screen..for sure make a party of it!!

My daughter is set to graduate with a BS in May, and her university hasn't cancelled, rather, they have postponed to an future date that is not yet set. She says she doesn't care, and that's mostly true, but I know there's a part of her that would like to have her grandparents, with whom she is very close, see her graduate. We are having a frame of local cherry made for her diploma by a local woodworker, as she expressed disdain for the oddly dark-yet- frilly bookstore offerings, so I backed off of that idea quickly (and yup, I was all set to order). At this point it seems like we will order takeout from a local restaurant, pick up a bottle of champagne and call it good, no local family and I doubt anyone will travel here if there's no ceremony in the offing. And no dressing up, as a family we loath it, and if I even suggested it, she'd be pissed as hell, she is her mother's daughter in some ways, haha.

Besides the picture frame, I considering a signet ring, preferably an antique one, but I need to get my act together soon, don't I? Virtual jewelry shopping, ugh.

Thanks all! And congrats to your DD lake - I love the idea of a signet ring. Wish my daughter was a ring wearer as I would have definitely considered that option.

I think the new definition of dresing up is getting out of pj's or "workout" wear :).

Here's what Virginia Senator Tim Kaine has proposed. Think about it for your state.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine launched the “Everybody’s the Graduation Speaker” video contest. With many in-person graduations likely to be postponed or canceled due to the coronavirus, Kaine is encouraging Virginia’s graduating high school seniors to submit a video of an original speech they would like to give at graduation. Kaine will select speeches to feature on his Facebook page and website during May and June to celebrate the graduates.

“One of the many groups of Virginians I’ve been thinking about during this challenging time is the graduates of the Class of 2020, many of whom won’t have the graduation experience they’ve been planning for a long time. I feel a sense of loss about that, so I want to do something fun for them and give all high school seniors the chance to be a graduation speaker. I look forward to hearing the wisdom Virginia’s future leaders have to offer and sharing their inspiration with others. Let’s show Virginia what the Class of 2020 is all about,” Kaine said.

Kaine is encouraging students to film videos of speeches that are 10 minutes or less and submit them to gradspeech@kaine.senate.gov by May 15.

suero - thanks for sharing that. Love that idea and it is somewhat similar but more targeted version of feather's journal suggestion. A way to capture their houghts and dreams during this weird time in history.

My son is graduating with his BS in May, and his University has also postponed rather than cancelled. The school postponed ordering all of the graduation regalia, so we will not have the opportunity to get a picture in his cap and gown yet. I am really at a loss on what to do on the actual planned date other than bringing a nice dinner in. But since we still plan on a ceremony and having a party to celebrate down the road, I am thinking it will be low key for now.

My daughter graduates with her Masters next Spring, hopefully we will be able to have a more traditional event.