<p>I'm here seeking advice for graduation gifts for a few friends. I'm graduating myself this year, and feel compelled to pass along small gifts of appreciation (and congratulations) for a few very close friends at other institutions. I don't want to give the typical engraved pen set, etc., but thought a book (particularly one touching on leadership, politics, etc, as both friends are graduating with degrees in govt. from a top institution) or other meaningful gift might be nice. Both are also employed in fairly time-consuming jobs though, so it needs to be something that's enjoyable to read if I go that route.</p>
<p>Anyway, I don't want to stovepipe this too much, so I'll leave it open for any suggestions (books or otherwise) that you might have. Ideally I'd like to keep the gifts below $25 each. Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>I see a problem. You choose to give some fellow grads a present, even if at another college. How will they feel if they didn’t plan on also giving YOU a gift? Especially if they don’t have any spare money (even $5 or $10 to spend)? You shouldn’t be doing this to your peers, especially if you are asking strangers for suggestions. It would be okay if you had something you wanted to give and were using graduation as an excuse to give it, but this is terrible. I would be an embarrassed recipient feeling an obligation to think of a gift for you, or upset that you could afford to give a present while I couldn’t. I guess mini’s suggestion of a totally silly useless gift could spark conversations among friends.</p>
<p>wis75, I appreciate the concern, but both are going into IB at major Wall Street firms. To say they have spare money is an understatement.</p>
<p>That’s besides the point, though. One is someone I would consider a close peer mentor, and the other is my best friend. I understand the awkwardness of giving gifts to mere acquaintances, but I’m closer with these two than I am with my biological siblings, so I think it’s appropriate. We regularly exchange gifts on holidays and birthdays.</p>
<p>Just thought I’d run it past some people who’ve been around the grad block a few more times than I have. Though a little more respect would be appreciated – I’d be beside myself if I heard my parents address one of my peers the way you just addressed me. But thanks anyway. </p>
<p>I welcome any useful and courteous comments.</p>
<p>Considering your closeness, you might make a 4x6 or 5x7 print copy of the best digital image you have of yourselves together on a trip or some happy time shared together during these years. Frame it in hardwood with the ability to be wall-hung or sit on a desk. The card might hint that it can go with them to the new job. Such a gift can accompany any book, too. </p>
<p>I’m thinking that when students begin jobs, they don’t have pics of their own children or partner to decorate their workspaces, as their colleagues do.</p>
<p>I like the picture idea, either the framed photo or a small photo album if you have enough pictures for that.</p>
<p>Or you could go to the websites of the schools they’ll be attending - a lot of them have online stores - and get them an apparel item, travel beverage mug, etc.</p>
<p>I like the picture idea, too! They make fun of me at work and say they’re going to give my cube to somebody else because it looks vacant. I need to get some photos. lol</p>
<p>If you’re looking for a book on leadership, you could try the new Colin Powell book. I’m buying it for my rising HS senior, who just got elected student govt. president. It’s less than $16 at Sam’s.</p>
<p>Wow, I soooo don’t agree with this! I would never assume this poster was expecting repayment in kind. </p>
<p>Gifts should be given from the heart, as this seems to be, not with regards to matching some kind of social rule ensuring reciprocity is possible to stave off embarassment. Even if someone can afford it, it would seem rather silly to reciprocate in this situation. Most people I know have no problem accepting a token of gratitude with a book from a friend without it becoming some monumental social exchange. Real friends buy gifts for each other, and engage in various forms of generalized or delayed reciprocity…it comes around in all kinds of forms, it doesn’t need to be ‘repaid’ quid pro quo (or really then what is the point of it?).</p>
<p>To me this isn’t ‘terrible’ at all but simply a very kind and generous person looking to think of others during their success. Why can’t they be lauded?</p>