<p>Parents have an obligation to spend the money necessary to feed and clothe their children. And yes, after ~18 years that probably does end up costing thousands of dollars. It’s not that I’m not grateful, but that really is something they need to do. It shouldn’t give them an excuse not to reward their children when they accomplish something. Now if they spent an extra ten grand on your education, that’s different, though that would be a waste of money.</p>
<p>As for college, a wildly extravagant estimate of my costs says my parents will spend $50k, which is still significantly under your hundreds of thousands. More likely, they’ll end up paying $10k to $20k in total. Is your estimate of 2 to 20 times that a waste of money? IMO yes.</p>
<p>If you’ve worked hard your 4 years and stayed (relatively) out of trouble, I don’t think that your parents would mind spending a couple hundred dollars on a nice practical gift. $500 is a small amount compared to the “$500,000” they’re supposedly paying for your college.</p>
<p>I went to a private school until my freshmen year of high school. My parents gladly put me into a good school because they wanted the best for me. I transferred to a public school for the last three years of high school. I became #3 in a class of 460 and I also got my AA at the same time. I worked my butt off my entire life. An I have never asked for rewards on success. my parents are so proud of me. So please don’t give me that bs “imsounsure”. Most parents are very proud of what their child has succeeded in. Maybe your different, but most of us have strained ourselves to great miles in completing a successful goal and our parents want to reward us.</p>
<p>Don’t most people get presents from more than just their parents for graduation? My sister’s biggest graduation presents came from our grandmother, who gave her $1000 dollars and a hand made bed-comforter size quilt. But most relatives give either money or small things that just symbolize the event. Women in my family often get jewelry. </p>
<p>Anyway, good presents might be:
Computer
TV
Mini fridge
Rug
Dishes
Glasses/cups
Comforter, sheets, pillows, etc. for the bed
Clothes that suit if you’re moving to a new climate, like snow boots or shorts depending</p>
<p>Most of the things you ask for should be the practical stuff. It’s a good idea, once you see all of your actual graduation presents, to divide up what’s left with your future room mate. Obviously, you’ll each by your own comforters and the like, but you’ll probably only want one TV, one mini fridge, etc.
Sometimes, some people will buy you presents late. Eg: My 3 siblings and I have a habit of giving each other presents late, so if needs come up later, we can ask for the “present” then. My sister got a TV from my brother as some sort of combination present. We don’t really buy each other presents for the holidays, but if one of us has a need or want and the other(s) can fulfill it, we buy it and say it’s for whichever holidays or occasions are nearby.</p>
<p>All I need is enough money to buy a train ticket so I can actually get there. Grants paid for tuition and housing. Scholarships are taking care of food, books, technology and some pocket money.</p>
<p>Does that count if I’m only 17 when I graduate (winter birthday)? I already have most of the college essentials (laptop, printer, usb drive, mini-fridge, car). </p>
<p>I’d probably ask for new supplies (sticky notes, calenders, day planners, pens, pencils, staplers, etc.)</p>
<p>I asked for expensive winter stuff-a burbury scarf and a northface jacket. But, i’m only getting the scarf on graduation day…because I really need it over the summer, living in florida and alll.
also getting a new computer for college in the fall</p>
<p>Yeah, but saying $10,000 makes it seem like parents spend a lot less than they do. An awful lot of parents spend more $10,000 per child per YEAR.</p>