College Graduation Gift Ideas
A lot of her friends are getting trips and cars, but we are NOT in that financial position. And she is aware of this. BTW...we already bought her a car a few years ago, so she is set. She doesn't have anything in mind that she really wants. She is getting an apartment in the city and needs a new bed, but I don't want that to be her gift. I want her to have something that she can keep forever, well, at least a long time. She's not much of a jewelery girl (doesn't take after Mom!). So...what are some suggestions? |
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| How about a camera--there's a wide range of prices to fit any budget |
Great idea, however, she has one  She has pretty much everything!!! That's the problem. |
| What is she going to be doing, Deb? Career-wise I mean? Perhaps something to use in her new job? |
| She's getting her degree in Psych. She'll be taking a year off and then returning to grad school. |
| Something my daughters friends parent's did was to make an album of photos from baby stage with significant occasions and fun photos right up to the present day in a kind of 'This is your life' style book which they gave to her on her 21st but would work just as well for graduation? (Wish I had thought of the idea!)
It's something that doesn't cost much but a lot of thought went into it? |
debcram wrote: She'll be taking a year off and then returning to grad school. There's your answer.
Cash. |
| My daughter is graduating from grad school in May. We gave her brother money when he did the same and will do the same with her. BUT she is my girl and I wanted to give her something else. Haven't decided what yeteither. She would like an Ipod Touch if that helps. |
| Does she like to travel? Perhaps a nice set of luggage? Maybe some Vera Bradley bags if she likes those. |
| lap top? |
Beaureguard's Mom wrote: Does she like to travel? Perhaps a nice set of luggage? Maybe some Vera Bradley bags if she likes those.
lol, you're such a southerner! Even though you said she's not much of a jewelry girl, I still think jewelry isn't a bad idea. I got a necklace from Tiffany's when I graduated. It's nice because I remember why I have it, even though I don't wear it often. And, as you get older, it's nice to have a few nicer pieces of jewelry (and mine wasn't even that nice--it is one of their silver necklaces). Or Tiffany's also has bracelets and stuff that you can have engraved. At that age, it really is hard to get them much else that will 'last' a long time. Since electronics and cars and beds and all that stuff come and go so quickly, while they might be 'needed,' they'll be gone soon. Maybe a piece of art? Get her a nice framed one of a kind painting or something? |
Beaureguard's Mom wrote: Does she like to travel? Perhaps a nice set of luggage? Maybe some Vera Bradley bags if she likes those.
You know... maybe not the luggage but how about a trip! Maybe a Mom and daughter trip? Memories and experiences are a better legacy than things after all. |
| I agree w/barney. i hate when my mom buys me jewelry b/c I never wear it, ....but then the one time I have to go somewhere nice (maybe anniv w/someone she's dating, wedding, etc) ...I am glad I have that really nice set she bought even though I don't like admitting it.
Usually I think "1" person has a good idea for threads like this, but in this case... I think all the ideas are great even though most of them don't fit the category of a gift that will last a long time. Personally, I'd LOVE a new bed if it was something I needed, along with nice luggage to make me stand out for the trips to come, cash, or anything I can use at a new or existing place (washer/dryer). |
| Our daughter is graduating in May, too. As we did for her brother, she's getting a laptop as her combined present from us. Then we'll each get her something personal from us individually. My husband will get her a GPS (the girl has a worse sense of direction than her mother, which is really saying something!), and I think I'm going to get her one of those digital picture frames. She already has a good watch, lots of good jewelry. By this stage of the game, they're really hard to shop for! |
| Yes, they are! Stef already has a laptop. Ok...here are the three choices we will give her to pick from. 1. A new bed 2. Luggage set (she loves to travel, and has a couple mismatched pieces) 3. Since we can't afford a trip, I was thinking, maybe this summer she and I would go up to spa in Wisconsin, and we'd give her a gift card for services of her choice. Tony says, that's not good, cuz I will benefit too. Well heck YEA!!!  Plus, I'll buy her a special little gift there, to commemorate the trip. And we will have the chance to spend some special time together.The final decision will be hers. |
| I like #3 - as they get older its nice to establish some mother daughter traditions (and you deserve a nice treat too) |
| Cashola!!!
We have given a new laptop to each niece/nephew as they graduate from high school, and cash to them as they have graduated from college. The price of the laptops has come down substantially from $3000 to about $1000 over the years. Are we "cheating" the more recent grads? |
Ron wrote: Cashola!!!
We have given a new laptop to each niece/nephew as they graduate from high school, and cash to them as they have graduated from college. The price of the laptops has come down substantially from $3000 to about $1000 over the years. Are we "cheating" the more recent grads? Geez I wish my kids had aunts and uncles like you  |
| You'd think they would call or write once in a while.
We are destined for a very lonely old age.  |
When my son graduated high school in 2000, laptops weren't as prevalent so we got him a desktop for college, then a laptop when he graduated from college. Since we have to keep the two the same (daughter keeps score!), we got her a desktop for high school graduation and the Mac laptop for college graduation. The Mac laptops are a bit more pricey than a pc laptop, but that's what she wanted. Son got a pc laptop, but his college cost us more than hers did, so it all evens out in the end.  |
Drezzie's Mom wrote: When my son graduated high school in 2000, laptops weren't as prevalent so we got him a desktop for college, then a laptop when he graduated from college. Since we have to keep the two the same (daughter keeps score!), we got her a desktop for high school graduation and the Mac laptop for college graduation. The Mac laptops are a bit more pricey than a pc laptop, but that's what she wanted. Son got a pc laptop, but his college cost us more than hers did, so it all evens out in the end.
Don't you love it. My daughter mentioned inflation when I told her she was geting the same cash gift her brother did when he got his Master's like 8 years ago. Once I mentioned we could also do a cost accounting of the difference in the cost of their schooling she said she didn't want a bill for $40,000  |
Drezzie's Mom wrote: When my son graduated high school in 2000, laptops weren't as prevalent That's exactly when our first niece graduated, and that's when the laptops were quite pricey.
So are we cheating the more recent graduates? (We have another one next month... ) |
| Who will be paying for grad school? If you, then make the gift minor. Save something nice for when you are out of hock.
One friend bought her daughter clothing.....nice work clothes.....to start her new job. College attire doesn't cut it in the professional work force. They shopped together, didn't trust her to know what to buy. |
Ron wrote: You'd think they would call or write once in a while.
We are destined for a very lonely old age. Ron, if you give me $3000 and a laptop, I'll make sure you and Joan aren't lonely in your old age! And...I don't think that's too far away!!!  As for cash, my girl would just blow it on nondescript stuff...and never know where it went. |
debcram wrote: Ron, if you give me $3000 and a laptop, I'll make sure you and Joan aren't lonely in your old age! And...I don't think that's too far away!!!
OOOOOHHHHHHH!! I see another banned user in OES.Org's future!!!! |
 Oooopppssss! |
Ron wrote: So are we cheating the more recent graduates?
(We have another one next month... )I don't think so. Since it's not really about what it costs you, it's about acknowledging their accomplishment. You've done that in the most fair way you can by giving them each the same gift. I have the same dilemna with my niece and nephews regarding their trips when they turn 10. My nephew's trip was longer because we went during the summer. The weather was so hot and it was so crowded, that I refuse to do that again. Consequently, my niece's trip this fall will only be 7-8 days since she can't miss more than a week of school. Is that cheating her?  I feel like it might be. On the other hand, the dollar is so weak right now, that her trip will end up costing me more than his did. Fortunately, they're not keeping score, so I really don't worry too much about it for their sakes. I just try to keep things as even as possible for my own conscience. Ya know? |
barney1 wrote: Beaureguard's Mom wrote: Does she like to travel? Perhaps a nice set of luggage? Maybe some Vera Bradley bags if she likes those. lol, you're such a southerner! Yeah...can't help myself...my roots show.  barney1 wrote: Maybe a piece of art? Get her a nice framed one of a kind painting or something?
I think this is a great idea!  But, then, I'd like a necklace from Tiffany's too. |
debcram wrote: Ron wrote: You'd think they would call or write once in a while. We are destined for a very lonely old age. Ron, if you give me $3000 and a laptop, I'll make sure you and Joan aren't lonely in your old age! And...I don't think that's too far away!!! As for cash, my girl would just blow it on nondescript stuff...and never know where it went. My son "lent " his to a "friend". but a gift is a gift. |
| Deb-
I see that you have your choices already, however, I'll throw in my two cents. When my niece graduated from OSU we gave her a beautiful watch with an inscription that said " Each minute of every day, we cherish you. As time moves on, our hearts are full of pride and undying love" Just a thought.... not really jewlery... |
| ^^^
how sweeeet  |
| Aw...those are all such wonderful suggestions! You guys are the best! I talked to Stef tonight, and she reminded me, that about a year ago we saw a beautiful mahogany briefcase at Coach that she still really lusted after. She thinks she'll be doing research this coming year, and will be able to use it then, and for years to come. So...I guess the decision is made. Thank you all! |
| wow a coach briefcase - a trip would have been cheaper |
| My daughter Lisa is graduating as well this May (popular year!) and we are getting her.......
can't say, as she is known to pop on here on occasion! Lisa is horrible with surprises - they are like chinese water torture to her! She also is continuing on with school, and I know she would love a Coach briefcase!! |
| My daughter also graduates in May. She's actually getting her Bachelors degree, but already working on her Masters. We will give her the same amount of cash that we gave her brothers when they graduated. The boys used it toward clothing and expenses in getting set up in their real jobs, she will use it as spending money for the next two years as she won't be able to earn any more $$ because of her class schedule.
I'm not sure what we will do for their Masters - the oldest and youngest should both graduate in two years - hopefully different days as they are in different states. They will graduate owing nothing on their education, they each own their cars, they have desktops and laptops, furniture for their apt. We've told them they are getting their inheritence early. I'm leaning toward diamond studs for the daughter.... |
| I am in the same quandry...my son, Adam, is graduating with his Master's next month. They aren't having their party until September. He will not have tuition debt and he and his wife have a very nice home and cars...so I am leaning toward money, but would really like to give him something he will have as a memory from me the rest of his life. He also has a very good job, so cash for new clothes is out also. He and his wife just got back from a vacation in Mexico to celebrate her 30th Birthday.
I am so proud of his accomplishments. I will keep reading all of your ideas. |
kerry wrote: wow a coach briefcase - a trip would have been cheaper
Well sort of...but we have a wonderful Coach outlet here!!!! So it is very do=able! |
| Deb--you should get a leather tag to attach to the briefcase and have it engraved with something nice about the occasion, either the date or something to commemorate what it's for. Like a leather luggage tag type thing.
I think the briefcase is a great idea. |
If I get a new Coach bag from my mom, there's always money inside of it. I think it would be cool to find a smaller gift inside of her bag.  Heck, since I don't carry purses, maybe you should just take one of mine off my hands since I just sell them on ebay.
(for the record, i tell my mom allll the time i hate purses and don't want one ...and to return it, but she's hard-headed, so no sense in them sitting in my closet every year she buys a new one) |
| It's bad luck to give a purse or a wallet as a gift without money in it. That could easily transfer to briefcases. I like the engraved tag idea, Steph. |
| I love the engraved id tag!!! |
Joahaeyo wrote: If I get a new Coach bag from my mom, there's always money inside of it. I think it would be cool to find a smaller gift inside of her bag.
Heck, since I don't carry purses, maybe you should just take one of mine off my hands since I just sell them on ebay.(for the record, i tell my mom allll the time i hate purses and don't want one ...and to return it, but she's hard-headed, so no sense in them sitting in my closet every year she buys a new one) L, i had to laugh because Jen (my best friend) is married to a korean guy...his mom ALWAYS gives jen some type of exoensive purses....ALWAYS....it must be a mom/korean thing.....i drool over her purses and wouldnt mind a regift of one |
| Our Daughter is graduating on Saturday May 20, 2012 and she accepts the gift of 130,000 we paid for her undergraduate degree! |
| A sheepdog puppy |
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