<p>We bought our daughter a diamond and gold bracelet. We were together in our jewelry store and she pointed it out as something she would like “someday”. (not that many diamonds…3/4 carat of small diamonds). She put it on. I said, “wrap it up.” Daughter nearly fell over.</p>
<p>We are also going on a trip.</p>
<p>One thing ours is getting is an hour consultation with our financial advisor…(she has secured employment post college already-yay!)</p>
<p>S1 got his post-graduation kitchen supplies, small appliances, dishes, flatware, etc.</p>
<p>S2 got what he needed for his post-graduation bedroom (he moved in with 2 others into an already furnished apartment) including bedding, small furniture, and a TV.</p>
<p>Nieces and nephews have gotten cash when they graduate.</p>
<p>We’re doing a family trip to Bermuda. Two years ago, after the elder kid graduated, it was a family trip to visit relatives in Germany. Hugely expensive, but this way it’s a family celebration and a lifelong memory.</p>
<p>We paid airfare for a trip to China (where he stayed with friends). We had already helped him set up an aprtment on campus, so he didn’t need much in that regard, plus he a good job with a good income right out of school (hallelujah!)</p>
<p>Hi all–There are some really good ideas here. Our daughter doesn’t yet have a job so we don’t know if she is moving home after graduation or not. I have thought of the money idea, to help her get set up. Her car either needs to be scrapped or overhauled. I have thought of helping with that, or offering to pay part of a new car for her. Then there is the IPad idea. I like the idea of paying the student loans until she is set up and can handle it (thanks Thumper).I have also thought of a new bike (hers has chronic issues). Thanks everybody!</p>
<p>If your child, ask what they want. Believe me you will spend a fortune preparing them to leave. I bought everything possible for S for his dorm. He also wanted all of these new clothes before and during his first semester. His present was a trip with friends to Florida. They loved the independence. </p>
<p>If relative, then it should be sizable gift card so they can buy what they need for dorm.</p>
<p>If friend, then $25 to $50 in cash.</p>
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<p>mathmom - how much are those chairs? I actually have the one my dad received when he retired from being a prof, and my kids love it. this would be a great present for them from their own college (once they graduate…)</p>
<p>We got our graduating D1 an iPhone. She was still using a very basic cellphone, but with job interviews and such, it became clear she finally needed a good smartphone. We will also keep her on our family plan for a while after graduation.</p>
<p>We got S1 a Citizen EcoDrive watch and had it engraved on the back with his college’s initials and graduation year. DH also signed the truck S1 was driving over to him and gave him the rest of the $ (savings bonds in S1’s name) left in his college fund. S1 saved/grew the $ for two years and recently used it toward the purchase of a house.</p>
<p>S2 graduates next month. So far we have no plan. He does’t have a job lined up so will be moving back in with us. We’ll see what the needs are.</p>
<p>We have given money to HS and college grad relatives and our former babysitter. Better than some gift they don’t really want/can’t use. Son ended up with a car since he couldn’t get the paperwork from his new job (for which he needed the transportation) to get the low interest loan that weekend. Frugal son chose a good gas mileage car within his budget- we didn’t spring for a luxury car like we drive.</p>
<p>I like the “needs are” attitude. A lot depends on the family budget and student’s plans.</p>
<p>Planning on an iPhone for my D. That’s what she wants, and it will probably have some utility. That’s what we got her older brother, so there’s already an expectation. She’s itching to get one now, but I’m telling her to wait until she can see what the iPhone 5 looks like. One consideration with a smart phone is that it is the gift where you have to keep on giving, at least until they can afford the data plan on their own. An iPod or iPad can do everything except make calls, but then you would have to carry two devices.</p>
<p>We’re taking our son with us on a trip to Europe, spending half the time visiting relatives of my husband–a relationship that’s continued through three generations. S is interested in keeping up the connection as he gets older. So it’s kind of a coming-of-age trip, but also a visit to the 90-year-old matriarch. The current generation includes three young men near his age. Of course, Paris and Vienna aren’t half-bad places to visit. And we’re pleased that he’s still willing to travel with us.</p>
<p>For nieces and nephews, I admit that I’ve sent cards and good wishes. We really don’t exchange gifts for college graduations.</p>