Grad Gift for Son's Girlfriend?

Updated on June 25, 2010
W.P. asks from Chicago, IL
19 answers

My 16 year old has been dating a senior for most of his sophomore year, (they broke up at one point and then got back together). Now she is graduating and they seem to be committed to continuing the relationship. We don't know her terribly well, but have had her over for dinner, don't know her family at all. Do we get her a graduation gift? I don't want to skimp if it's something we should do, but who knows how long this will last? We're not rolling in dough right now, but I would pull together some kinda cash if it is appropriate. BTW my son is already making a personal gift for her. Thanks for the input!

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So What Happened?

Thanks for all the great feedback and ideas. I think I will give her a small gift card, as a gesture of good will, and just cause, hey, she graduated! FOr clarification: as I said in the post, my son is making her a gift that will be pretty cool but is more of a personal thing. BTW, "dating" a minor is not an offense anywhere. I think Barb A. meant "sex" with a minor. That is a different story.

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B.M.

answers from Chicago on

I would give a small gift, and the I would ask my son if he will give a gift. Ask him what he wants to give her.

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S.S.

answers from Chicago on

my standard gift is a laundry basket (the regular round ones not big rectangles lol
in it put the following

Big bottle of laundry soap
small bottle of bleach
bounce
spray and wash or shout or something along those lines
tide stick
a package of hangers (they usually have then cheap at walmart)
and a laundry sack

this whole thing looks great and costs about $20 total. kids love it as they can take it to college and use all of it

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J.G.

answers from San Antonio on

I agree with Laurie A. When I graduated, I got a lot of items for college at Bed-Bath-Beyond. Of course, any town she may move to will have a Walmart so maybe a gift card there.

If she sends you a graduation announcement, then you should give her a gift. If she doesn't, then a nice card with a gift card OR a nice picture frame with a picture of her and your son.

1 mom found this helpful

L.A.

answers from Austin on

Is she going away to College in the fall? If so maybe a Gift card to Bed Bath and Beyond so she can purchase things for her dorm room.

If she will be attending local college maybe a gift card to the Campus bookstore.

If she will be working and not attending college, maybe cash or a gift card to a local department store where she can purchase whatever she needs for her new job.

Most people give $25. or $50. for High School Graduation Gifts..

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J.

answers from Chicago on

i like the quarter for laundry
i think something under 20 would be sufficient
i would use a water bottle unless she's into coffee

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K.S.

answers from Chicago on

A friend of mine gave a graduate a set of return address labels from Colorful Images. They have some that say Class of 2010 along with name and address. They are great for sending Thank You notes (for the graduation gifts) as well as anything else sent from college or wherever..You can order on line.

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B.B.

answers from New York on

I would say no. It would be a different story if you were close to her, but because you are not I think your son giving her something is sufficient.

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E.B.

answers from Chicago on

It would be nice if you got her a small something, maybe a nice frame with a cute picture of her with your son for her to take to school with her. Something in the $10/$15 range. But, if your son is getting her a gift, you could just get a card congratulating her on the achievement of graduation

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J.F.

answers from Austin on

Yes, you could get her a Graduation Mug and fill it with tweleve dollars in quarters. Now if you think the relationship your son and his girlfriend will endure through her college years then mabe this is a good time to get to know her parents. Invite them nover for a cook out.

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R.M.

answers from Chicago on

Maybe a card with a $25 gift card but only if you want to, you shouldn't feel obligated.

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T.G.

answers from Rockford on

If you are invited to the graduation party, a card with cash or a gift card or a useful going away to college gift is appropriate.

If there is no party, then I think a card with a small token gift (could be something useful) would be a nice gesture.

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B.A.

answers from Chicago on

Here is my take on this. While they may have been dating a while, your son is the one who should do a small gift, nothing elablorate or costly. You could give a card. They may or may not stay together as college gets underway for one and the other stays in high school. Also watch the ages as legal issues can come up for dating a minor.

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J.S.

answers from Chicago on

My brother dated a senior when he was a freshman. My parents got her luggage when she graduated. You can find inexpensive suitcases these days and just buy an on-board size one (since it's so expensive to check these days anyhow). It was a good move on their part - she's now their daughter-in-law and mother of their grandchildren. You never know where things may lead down the road. Don't feel like you have to dump a ton of cash, but do find a way to show that you care.

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B.B.

answers from Chicago on

I think a nice card would be sufficient. It tells her you were thinking of her.

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E.R.

answers from Chicago on

I would give her a small gift if they are still dating, just send a card if they are not. It's pretty unlikely this relationship will continue for two more years while your son is still in high school and she goes away to college. But a small cash amount or even just something she can use in her dorm room and a card would be thoughtful.

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J.E.

answers from Chicago on

I would save and get her a gift. You just never know if this is your future daughter in law and if you want to get to know her more and it is a wonderful gesture to any graduate.

C.P.

answers from Columbia on

A nice card with a $25 Visa gift card enclosed and a note inviting she and her parents over for a BBQ would be a nice start. The Visa gift card can be used anywhere.

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M.J.

answers from Chicago on

I can only speak from my personal experience. If you are invited to her graduation party, then you should give her something. A typical cash or check donation for someone you kind of know is $25 to $30 bucks. A really good friend, $40 or $50. If you were just thinking you should give her something, because she is your son's girlfriend, I would hold off and let him do the gift-giving.

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N.P.

answers from Chicago on

your son should pick out something for her, you should perhaps give her a card and if you want her to continue dating your son then give her a small gift, if you don't want to encourage the relationship then you get her just the card

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