Graduation Announcements

We had a son graduate from high school last year and sent out announcements. We did not expect gifts at all, but he did get gifts from $5 to $25 from people. Nothing over $25 except from family. I will say after seeing the cost of everything we had to get to get him set up for college, it all was very much appreciated! Even the $5.00 gift cards to walmart or target were great for him to use as he needed supplies. I want to share a really neat gift idea. Someone had given a gift in a laundry basket that had laundry soap, shout, fabric softner, laundry bag and a couple rolls of quarters. We thought that was a really great idea. He even really appreciated $5.00 gift cards to blockbuster because he never had any money and that was handy to have. But as I said, it was not expected but was appreciated.

I just graduated college and I didn't expect a dime! In my opinion announcements are just that, announcements. Why is it that announcements have turned into requests for gifts? What meant the most to me was not the gifts, but the attendance of friends and family, sharing my honor at my big day. If you feel the need to send a gift, do. If you have just met or never met the child, I would just send a card.

Hi D.,
Well I would say go to the ones that are family and give those kids the $50, then go close friends and drop it to $25 and the others $10 or $15, are you even able to attend all of them or are these graduation parties? I don't know what other advice to give sorry W.

Proper etiquette dictates that if an announcement is sent it is just like if an invitation was sent. A gift is expected. It is not like if someone called you on the phone and invited you. You would not be obligated to supply a gift for phone invites. But just because this means you have to give a gift does not mean it has to break you financially. If you have the time, just simply showing up to the graduation with a card could be enough. If not, a card in the mail would suffice. These are for people that you just met or don't know very well. 50.00 gifts, I would have to agree are reserved for close family and your closest friends. I agree with the range of 5-10.00 if you just insisted on putting money in the card. When I graduated just recieving a card meant the world. I still have those cards and well wishes nine years later. The important thing is not to stress out. People are proud of their children's accomplishments and love to share the good news with anyone they know. Take care and good luck

I would say, FEEL LOVED. If that many people are requesting your presence on their special days, that is something to be proud of. To be thought of and loved like that, even if they don't really know you that well, is something special. When I sent graduation announcements in my high school days, the thought of expecting a gift never even crossed my mind. I sent the announcement hoping the people I loved would be there to share in the excitement...not to buy me things. I really like the laundry basket idea below, perfect for a soon to be college kid....

If you want to do gifts and feel like you must, do $20 for the one's that aren't super close...if I didn't know them that well, I don't know that I would send a gift at all?

I would say do 50.00 to family and close friends others I would send a small amount on a QT card or Starbucks or even one of those Visa cards(although some charge a fee for those!)

Those kids that you've only met once or twice, just send a card and if you really feel obligated to throw in a gift give them like $10 or so. I never expected money or gifts when I graduated.

Hi D., My answer is a little different. 2 of my children have already graduated. What I did was the family and friends that sent my children gifts and or money I do in return when there kids graduate. Some family members I still send a card and money. For friends I would at least send a card to let them know how proud you are of them.