<p>When my first daughter graduated from high school I got her and her friends down filled throws and had their names monogrammed on them. They still tell me two years later how they use their “woobie” all the time and take it with them whenever they travel. I just ordered 11 for my second daughter and her friends graduating this May!</p>
<p>I love adding something that my daughters collect that they wouldn’t buy themselves because of price. One of my daughters is graduating in May with a B.S. in Architecture. She collects (only has 1 so far, so not much of a collection yet) miniature Vitra chairs. They are beautiful and exact replicas of famous chairs. Could be a good choice for a design major. Lots of choices at this link that are organized by era.</p>
<p>[Vitra</a> Design Museum Shop | Miniatures Collection](<a href=“http://www.design-museum.com/shop/index.php?sid=8894e521e1d616c8cb0c8330aa298691&cl=alist&cnid=miniatures]Vitra”>http://www.design-museum.com/shop/index.php?sid=8894e521e1d616c8cb0c8330aa298691&cl=alist&cnid=miniatures)</p>
<p>My other daughter collects old music boxes (and martial arts weapons). They’ll each get something that will be a keepsake for their budding collections.</p>
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<p>Could give a check for $2009!</p>
<p>Another laptop here. We gave DD a new one when she started four years ago, so it is indeed time to replace it (no built-in camera, the horror).</p>
<p>The “laptop” discussion was a riot in our house. It’s an early hs grad gift for our oldest d. My husband was completly mystified as to why she wanted a “Mac.” He kept researching other makes, etc. Looking at sales. We ended up compromising and she pitched in (significantly, I think.) But I couldn’t help laughing at the entire discussion. They are both stubborn, and I mediate 
She is a serious student & otherwise a very thrifty kid. She doesn’t even like to shop. She was getting all this advice from her friends. But I’ve got to admit, she LOVES it!</p>
<p>Bluerobin, would you share your source for the throws? I really like that idea~</p>
<p>For friends/children of friends who are graduating from high school: iTunes cards, other gift cards, books like Naked Room-mate
For my own kids for high school graduation: A scrapbook of their childhood. </p>
<p>For friends/children of friends graduating from college: cash, gift cards to a store in their “interest range” , be that REI or Williams Sonoma.
For my own kids for college graduation: Framed diploma. Cash to pay off student loans.</p>
<p>We will give the $20.09 to friends. D2 will get a car…most likely used. H made her a deal that if she got a certain amount in scholarships she would get a car. She pulled through and now he has to pay up. ;)</p>
<p>Money is always nice. Do not give silly items with the year of graduation- anyone want a stuffed dog that still has a label (wrong year…)? An address book filled in with relatives’ names, phone numbers, addresses and birthdays is nice for a small gift that takes an effort (my sister asked me for the data on my H’s side of the family).</p>
<p>I ordered the down throws from The Company Store online. Check for free shipping or other coupon codes you can find by googling ‘company store coupon codes.’ They come in beautiful colors. They were a bit pricey, $49.99 but that would be the same amount if I gave them a check instead. My first daughter’s friends love them and they will use them for years to come.</p>
<p>Last year when S2 graduated fr. h.s he was in need of a new cell ph. We got him a better one than we normally would have since it was a graduation gift. I can honestly say it’s a gift he uses every day. </p>
<p>We gave S1 $$(airfare) for a trip to Mexico with a friend’s family for h.s grad.
He had a great time and thought it a very good gift.</p>
<p>S1 will graduate fr. college in May. We have bought him a nice watch. He is a Natural Resources major so we think he will appreciate that is is an Eco-Drive watch (continually charges itself off of light, no batteries ever).</p>
<p>I’m planning to throw DD a summer graduation party on a boat but I’m afraid of accidents happening. Does this sound like a good sane idea?</p>
<p>POIH–is the concern the boat issue? As a senior you know your DD. Unless it is going to be a surprise I’d express my concern and ask DD to provide a list of guests who would be appropriate for being on the boat.</p>
<p>I did what my parents did for me in 1968. I gave my S a “limit” to spend on a party for friends of his choice at the place of his choosing. No parents, no relatives. Just those he wanted to invite. </p>
<p>He (and HS senior GF) took it from there. He thanked me and said it was the best gift/party he could think of. I had one of his MALE HS friends call me afterwards and tell me that was the coolest thing he’d ever experienced.</p>
<p>One more step toward adult decision making. </p>
<p>BTW–I called the restaurant he chose and gave them my credit card number for the bill and tip. The manager asked me if there was a limit to what amount could be charged. I told the manager NO.</p>
<p>When I got the credit card statment, my S had brought the party in under the limit I had set even though they all ordered off the menu. That was his gift to me eventhough he probably didn’t realize it.</p>
<p>Ya, concern is the boat. I wanted it to be surprise. The boat I had in mind is two level. The lower level for DW and I and our friends and the upper level for DD and her friends. The boat has dancing floor deck at both level, seating and eating place at both level. I was planning to have the party held from 7 to 11 p.m.</p>
<p>POIH–you can probably check the safety record of the boat and tour it to make sure it has rails, rescue ropes and inquire as to their safety precautions.</p>
<p>Are you serving alcohol? That always adds to the risk. Does California have social host liability? Some states do, some don’t. In most states, serving under-age guests opens up all kinds of liability and would increase the risk from being on the water.</p>
<p>You can check with your insurance agent to see what your coverage under your homeowner’s policy might provide. Perhaps there can been an event rider issued.</p>
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I’ve done that and seems fine to whatever information I’ve regarding this.</p>
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Alcohol will be served on the lower deck but won’t be served on the upper deck. DD and her friends are not into drinking as we had a DD 16th B’day bash and had served drinks to our friends without any mixup.</p>
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I do have a $1 mill umbrella insurance on top of my HO Insurance. Will that be sufficient?</p>
<p>Our DD is getting a really great set of luggage. She’s going to be flying a lot. A slightly old-fashioned gift, perhaps, but it’s really not fun when your luggage fails on you. Plus it sends the message that they’re going out on their own now, no longer borrowing the family luggage, but has her own. See the world!</p>