Proper Etiquette

I would give cold, hard cash! It's something everyone can use, and you don't need to worry about sizes and colors or if they have the same thing. To make it a tad more special than just "here's some money", I always get crisp bills from the bank. Maybe it's just me, but crisp bills seem to say that you made an effort.

i would give them a gift card that way they can buy what they like. if there is a nearby mall,get a mall giftcard. most of the time you can do it in any denomination that you want.

I always give money for graduations. It depends on how well I know the grad how much I give. Personally, I would not give a gift for the younger child, maybe a card. I don't really think "graduating" eigth grade is a gift-worthy event.

Our standard goto gift for any high school student is an Itunes gift card. This way they can choose any music or movie they would like. And with $15 to $25 dollars they can download an entire CD or 15-25 songs.

There is a book I always give at graduations called 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens. Or one of the Chicken Soup books. Along with a card and some money. How much money depends on the person, their relation and how well I know them. I hate giving money... that's why I give the book along with it. An 8th grade graduation I would just give a book. Though graduating from 8th grade is an accomplishment I don't think it entitles someone to the benefits of the whole shabang that you get when you graduate high school

I am sorry. I don't have a response, but I would love your help in being able to work from home.

I agree that cash and/or gift cards. I got my neighbors daughter a Gas card since she just graduated and doesn't have a job yet. For the 8th grader a card and $10-15 should suffice.

High School graduation we usually just give what cash we can afford. Family members (cousins) usually got $25 and close family (siblings) usually get $50.

Maybe get the child you do not know well a card and throw in $10 - $15 for his graduation? Or a gift card to a local store.

I think cash is usually best, unless you are doing a Visa gift card, if you choose a store that does not mean that person actually likes shopping there.

I hate to say this, but as a mother of 3 teenagers...
all they want is $$$$$$ ...... so whatever you can afford-
OR if its a girl- maybe a mani/pedi gift cert...?

A card with money is the simplest way to deal with this, whether you are familiar with the graduate or not. Children of all ages appreciate the value of a monetary gift they can use for whatever purpose they choose. We generally give $50.00 to close family members and friends and $25.00 to others. Some other ideas of gifts my sons received at graduation - Best Buy or Target giftcard, to be used towards items needed for dorm living.

Gift cards and cash are the best graduation presensts ever. I can't stand all the fuss about a child "graduating" from 6th, 8th or pre-k....it sooooo silly. But when in doubt gift cards always work! Wal-Mart, Target, or a local Mall are usually the best unless you know what store is their favorite!

Hi B.,
I agree that cash is the best for a high school graduation. I would say what you can afford--$30-50. Cash also for the 8th grade grad--or if he's into it--an iTunes gift card!

We just had a daughter graduate from high school. In general, close family gave her $100 or a special gift that had something to do with her. Friends and her cousins (who are in their twenties) gave her $50.00 gift cards to Bed, Bath and Beyond or cash in a similar amount. Gift cards for gas (Wawa), supplies for school (Target, Macy's, etc.), or fun things like Starbucks are always appreciated. If your cousin is getting a computer for graduation, you might consider something for that - the carrying case if it's a laptop, a wireless mouse, software, etc.

For the younger child, if you're giving cash, I would give $25.00. But they LOVE iTunes gift cards because, of course, it's the age for figuring out music tastes. I also have made up a high school survival kit. Stuff to decorate the locker if it's a girl, not sure if it's a boy, but you could ask the parents.

Is the high school grad going off to college? If so.....a gift card to a favorite retail store would be good....it can be used to buy houseware....or a grocery gift card....as for the 8th grade grad....do the same thing....a gift card to a local mall or something.

Dear B.,
I would agree with the $$/gift card idea. If the high school grad is going to Wal-Mart, you could try to find out where he/she will be attending college. If college will not be nearby, you could consider an on-campus gift card for incidentals that he'll want while there. Most campuses now offer some type of student debit card. Also, please consider including a photo of your family for the high school grad, particularly if he/she will be leaving home to live farther away. Please be sure to label who is in the photo on the back. In addition, try to write something somewhat personal on the cards ~ i.e. "We hope that you will be able to use this ____ for ___." Hope you all enjoy the party!