Grad Gift Question…..

[slo]

So.:….some friends that live far away have a DD that is graduating this year. We have never met this young lady in person, but I do see her all the time on Facebook (I haven’t seen the friends in person in over 10 years).

Yesterday, we get a graduation announcement and senior pictures, which is nice, but at the same time I’m now feeling like I should send a gift. If I didn’t have my own kid graduating this year, along with a ton of kids I know very well, I’d consider sending a gift, but holy cow, I have to draw the line somewhere right?!

Thoughts…..
Would you send a gift?
Am I being wrong with my thinking?

 

[HeatherC]

I wouldn’t be sending a gift, but I would probably just say congratulations on Facebook to my friend. I can’t imagine they would expect you to send one.

 

[Disneylover99]

I would not send a gift.
Just send a note of congratulations.

 

[lifesavacation]

I would send a small gift.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I wouldn’t be sending a gift, but I would probably just say congratulations on Facebook to my friend. I can’t imagine they would expect you to send one.

I would not send a gift.
Just send a note of congratulations.

Agreed. Maybe a token, small gift of some sort.

 

[cvjw]

I would send a gift card, like to target for dorm room items.

 

[KayMichigan]

Yeah, a small gift card, maybe a $20 Amazon card or something.

 

[DisneyHardin]

I would probably send $20-$25 in cash with a nice card.

 

[Kellydelly]

I would not worry about sending a gift. I would only give a gift if you are attending the graduation party.

 

[slo]

I would not worry about sending a gift. I would only give a gift if you are attending the graduation party.

I was thinking the same thing and since they live in Arizona that won’t be happening.

 

[evilmommie]

Maybe they want to reconnect as you both have daughter's graduating this year? I'd send a small gift. Love the amazon idea for dorm items. New college students can always use that. Send her your daughter's grad announcement as well! Why not? Maybe you all will be empty nesters together and meet up again at some point.

BTW, I don't think there is any right or wrong here. My observation is that you handle everything with grace, @slo.

 

[CdnCarrie]

I wouldn’t send anything.
Only ones I ever gave grad gifts to were our nieces and nephews.
Seems like grad gifts are much bigger thing in the USA.
My son graduated last year and only gifts he got were from grandparents and some (not all) aunts/uncles.

 

[ronandannette]

So.:….some friends that live far away have a DD that is graduating this year. We have never met this young lady in person, but I do see her all the time on Facebook (I haven’t seen the friends in person in over 10 years).

Yesterday, we get a graduation announcement and senior pictures, which is nice, but at the same time I’m now feeling like I should send a gift. If I didn’t have my own kid graduating this year, along with a ton of kids I know very well, I’d consider sending a gift, but holy cow, I have to draw the line somewhere right?!

Thoughts…..
Would you send a gift?
Am I being wrong with my thinking?

If you care a lot for these friends, I'd recommend sending a grad card with a cheque for $20.22. It's not cost-prohibitive and makes the appropriate gesture. OTOH, if you don't see the people and don't plan to, simply congratulate the mom on FB with a heart smilie and be done with it.

 

[TLSnell1981]

I would send a gift. It doesn’t have to be extravagant.

 

[AppleDumpling]

I would go with your gut. My first thought was this: a 17 or 18-year-old should not be expecting gifts from old friends of her parents that she has never even met. I’d send a card, wish her well, and hope they do the same for your daughter.

Mailing out printed graduation announcements seems to be a regional thing. Most people around here don’t do it (although it’s common to post photos on social media). Invitations to a graduation party are different, and those are typically limited to family and close friends.

 

[a1tinkfans]

I wouldn’t send anything in your situation. Say congrats on FB and leave it at that. You’ll prob hear again when they are engaged lol

 

[Travel60]

I would send a smallish gift but then I'm a pretty soft touch. I remember my kids appreciating the gifts they got. I like the idea of a check for $20.22 or, if I know what college they are going to, a $25 gift card to the bookstore, or a store for dorm stuff.

 

[slo]

Maybe they want to reconnect as you both have daughter's graduating this year? I'd send a small gift. Love the amazon idea for dorm items. New college students can always use that. Send her your daughter's grad announcement as well! Why not? Maybe you all will be empty nesters together and meet up again at some point.

BTW, I don't think there is any right or wrong here. My observation is that you handle everything with grace, @slo.

Thank you….that is very kind of you to say.
I try, but sometimes I have doubt with certain things. It’s nice to have you all to bounce ideas and questions off of.

 

[fly girl]

I agree with @AppleDumpling, go with your gut.

Personally, I would send a card and a small gift card $20-25 (Amazon is always my go to), but it really isn't necessary.



... and on a side note. For those wanting to get nice cards that aren't ridiculously priced go to Homegoods/TJMaxx. They have really nice cards that are $1.99-$2.99. (some on clearance too!) I miss smilies ... I would've used the yes head shake for that.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

I wouldn’t feel obligated to send anything. I think a small gesture is always welcome, but I would never thinking badly of somebody who didn’t send something; even people close to us. We’re sending out announcements because we’re proud.