Any creative ideas out there for graduation gifts? I know the kids like money too - what's the "standard" amount? We have at least 12 so far - some are kids we know through sports, some are kids of adults we know. Do you give more if you attend a party, or give the same either way?
I received an atlas (road map) from my highschool Social Studies teacher 9 years ago and still use it. It is a large one with all 50 states that I can keep in my car.
It was the best gift I received and honestly the only one that I really remember what I got from someone.
For people that we don't know as well (friends kids, whatever) I always thought it was cute to give the year they graduate as an amount -- $20.09 for example. Or maybe that and something small. Picture frames are nice (since most are going off to college or away from friends/home) and the Dr. Seuss book "Oh the Places you'll Go" is ALWAYS a big hit.
I second the book--Oh The Places You'll Go, and there's also new Curious George one that has the same feel called Curious You On Your Way.
For me, it depends on how well you know someone. I start at $20 (for that child of a more distant friend), and go up to $100 (for close relatives). But if you know something more about the person, you can personalize. For example, if you know someone is moving into a dorm, you could buy them a laundry basket, detergent, and a roll of quarters. It will amount to little monetarily, but come September, they'll love it.
A friend of mine makes and sells "guardian" bracelets, perfect for grad girls--they have beads that represent different things (knowledge, strength, peace, etc.), and are super cute. She's local but has a website, too: http://dragonflyadornments.com/default.aspx
I don't think you need to give more if you attend the party. If you are going strictly with the cash or gift cards, I would give according to how well you know the child. I got a nice book when I graduated but I can't remember the title exactly (we just moved and it's packed away somewhere), but it's something like "Instructions on how to lead a happy and fullfilled life" and it's structured like the God's Little Instruction book (pretty sure that's not it though). I really like the other suggestions, too. Good luck! That's a lot of parties!!!
I've been giving $25 cash to the neighbor kids. Recently the Minneapolis Star Tribune ran an article that said graduation gifts are optional whether you attend the party or not, but you especially don't need to give a gift if you don't attend the party. Receiving an announcement does not obligate you to provide a gift. It also probably depends on how well you know the graduate. If it was someone I knew well, but I just wasn't able to make the party because of scheduling conficts I would give them a gift anyhow. Sorry, no creative ideas for you. With 12 graduations the case would add up fast, so I might vary the amounts depending on your relationship to the person.
Wow! That's a lot of parties and presents!
I would spend an amount relative to how well you know the child. Any size gift is an acknowledgement of their achievement!
Here's a few ideas:
The store Bibelot or www.bibelot.com has many great ideas. They have a category for graduation presents too. I like the necklaces that have pendants that read - believe, dream, sieze the day, etc. for girls.
Silpada Designs has a new ring that is engraved "Be true to your dreams" that is a great idea for someone you might be very close to. www.mysilpada.com/J..mogck
I also like the idea of personal stationary and have used VistaPrint as well.
A journal along with pens, pencils, etc. for anyone going off to college.
I know this doesn't sound real creative, but one of the best gifts I got for graduation was a pillow. of course, I'm talking about a big or decorative pillow. I thought to make it more creative you could have they name or their favorite sport embroidered on it. If it makes any difference both my husband and I have our pillows and we are in our late thirties.
This year I am giving the book Learning to Fly, about believing in the impossible and in yourself from Usborne Books. I think it is a great short message and there is room to write in the front cover. Depending on how well we know the person and have been involved with them, I am adding a gift card or cash inside too between $5 and $20.
I work with kids at our church, plus my daughter graduated this year, so we were invited to over 20 graduations this year. I wanted to give something to each graduate but also did not want to break the bank! One thing I've done for the girls is take advantage of www.vistaprint.com. They have free offers all the time, so you can order a free set of personalized note cards, note pads, or sticky notes, plus pens, hats, key rings, shirts, etc. You only pay the shipping, which is minimal. Another idea is to pick up a box of thank you notes and add a book of stamps, maybe even make some return address labels on your computer (the dollar store usually sells the labels, and they are very easy to make). You can also make your own t-shirts (buy the shirts cheap at Hobby Lobby, the iron-ons at Walmart). You can find some nice gift books for $1 at www.bookcloseouts.com. Those are just some fun ideas, but honestly, most kids prefer the cash. :)
We typically spen $15 to $20.
Gift ideas would be, if they are going to college, a "bath" set. (Towel, wash cloth, shampoo, body wash, etc.)
Another gift we gave was the tupperware breakfast gift set. (Comes with a cereal keeper, bowls, lids, etc.)
Anything that they could use in their upcoming ventures. If they are going to college, get them something for their dorms. If they are moving into an apartment, give them a household gift. Etc.
And we do NOT give a gift if we do not go to the party. With the exception of close relatives. (EX: My cousin graduated last year but my brother-in-law was getting married the same day and my husband and daughter were in the wedding...... I gave her a card and check another day.)
My advice is to take a day and go clearance shopping. Put together nice little "package" gifts for each one you plan on attenting and then you can spend even less because they wouldn't know you got it on clearance....... Sometimes you can find some GREAT stuff in the clearance sections. (We were able to get a $200 Kitchen Aid mixer for my cousins wedding gift for $125 one time!)
I have given journals, bookstore (Borders, Barnes&Noble, etc)gift cards, Target giftcards (so they can buy college necesseties) and gift certificates or Sweatshirts from the bookstore at the college they are going to attend (many have online access to the bookstore). The amount I spend is from $10 and up. Don't worry about the amount (especially in this economy) it's the hearfelt well wishes along with the special gift that's important.
Have you ever considered a healthy alternative to your gift giving and make money at the same time. Instead of going to a store to buy your gifts how about getting paid for the gifts you give. Check out this site www.liveandbehealthy.myarbonne.com if you need some suggestions or questions I can help you. This has a variety of products that teens either male or female can use and they too can benefit from this while they are going to school to earn extra cash as wel!!!! With today's uncertainty it pays to check out other alternatives that help all involved.
