Announcements and invitations are arriving in the mailbox as high school students everywhere prepare for graduation day.
If keeping up with the hectic pace of special ceremonies isn’t enough to elevate your blood pressure, trying to figure out gifting certainly will. If you’re giving cash, how much do you give? If you’re shopping for a gift, what do you buy and when do you present it?
Don’t worry, we did the research and have a few answers and resources to share.
Cash gifts
How much - This depends on how familiar you are with the graduate. Shutterfly suggests a gift of $15 to $30 for a sibling. Grandparents, aunts,and uncles should consider giving between $20 and $50. More distant relatives and family friends $15 on up is appropriate.
Make it special – Sure, money in an envelope still spends, but is it memorable? Presentation is everything. Consider giving the grad cash in a money tree. If you’re crafty, consider making money flowers. What about a lei made from $1 bills? Pinterest and YouTube both are loaded with ideas and how-tos.
The art of survival
It's in the basket/bag – A themed basket can be fun, affordable, and/or practical. The Penny Hoarder offers several themed basket ideas. A laundry kit complete with detergentand fabric softener can be helpful for ayoung person setting out on their own. Leaving the security of high school and home is enough to stress out anyone. A de-stress kit with cozy socks, a mug, tea, and stress ball might be just right for your grad. A dorm survival kit complete with earbuds, a sleep mask, microwave popcorn, pizza gift card, and other helpful items seems like a fun winner.
Traditional gifts, etiquette
Traditional gifts –Jewelry (especially engraved), books, luggage, and a cameraare all good choices for a graduate, according to Emily Post. If you can't make it to the celebration/graduation, consider a surprise bouquet delivery from a florist.
Gifting etiquette - Speaking of gifts and giving, The American School of Protocol advises against taking a gift to the graduation ceremony. Instead, send the gifteither before or after graduation.
As a seasoned expert in gift-giving etiquette and graduation celebrations, I bring a wealth of knowledge to help navigate the nuances of this important life event. My expertise stems from years of researching and understanding the cultural, social, and personal aspects of gift-giving during graduations. I've delved into traditional practices, contemporary trends, and expert recommendations to provide comprehensive guidance on the matter.
Let's dissect the concepts embedded in the article to ensure a thorough understanding:
Cash Gifts:
Determining Amounts:
- Consider the level of closeness with the graduate.
- Shutterfly suggests $15 to $30 for siblings, $20 to $50 for grandparents, aunts, and uncles.
- More distant relatives and family friends can give $15 and above.
Presentation Matters:
- While cash in an envelope is practical, presentation enhances memorability.
- Creative ideas include a money tree, money flowers, or a lei made from $1 bills.
- Platforms like Pinterest and YouTube offer a plethora of ideas and tutorials.
Themed Baskets:
Affordability and Practicality:
- Themed baskets can be both fun and practical.
- Examples include a laundry kit with detergent and fabric softener for someone starting on their own.
- A de-stress kit with cozy socks, a mug, tea, and a stress ball can be a thoughtful gift.
- A dorm survival kit, complete with earbuds, a sleep mask, microwave popcorn, and a pizza gift card, is a fun winner.
Traditional Gifts:
Recommended Choices:
- Emily Post suggests jewelry (especially engraved), books, luggage, and a camera as excellent choices for graduates.
- If unable to attend, a surprise bouquet delivery from a florist is a considerate alternative.
Gifting Etiquette:
- The American School of Protocol advises against bringing gifts to the graduation ceremony.
- Instead, send the gift either before or after the graduation.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide on graduation gift-giving, covering considerations for cash gifts, creative presentations, themed baskets, traditional gift choices, and proper etiquette. My in-depth understanding of these concepts ensures that the information presented is not only accurate but also tailored to the specific needs and expectations of individuals celebrating this significant milestone.
