OT: Graduation presents

[Polyglot]

In both of my daughters' senior year, I offered them a trip to any place they wanted (within reason) accompanied only by mom and dad. Just remember that this is very likely the last time you will easily be able to travel with them and still have them listen to you. My elder daughter wanted to go to Russia, we went to Saint Petersburg with a stop-over in Brussels. My younger one decided on Costa Rica. It was a great experience for them as well as for us and both still bring the trip up.

[Ken Robb]

Originally Posted by Mzilliox

Nothing at all. People are supposed to graduate from HS. Now he can apply to college, nice gift. Not everyone gets that.


the achievement is the gift. a Job to be proud of. leave it at that.

But not a watch, who wears watches anymore with clocks on our phones?

People who want to check the time surreptitiously while in a boring meeting.

[OtayBW]

Originally Posted by Mzilliox

...who wears watches anymore with clocks on our phones?

Oh, I don't know - I'm pretty comfotable with my watch....

[Frankwurst]

Ours got a party and tuition paid for 4 years to the school of their choice.

[Birddog]

When I graduated I received a spiffy Smith Corona portable electric typewriter and a bottle of Avon mens cologne (awful stuff). Alas, kids today barely know what a typewriter is. Get him some tickets to Bonnaroo or maybe Rocklahoma.

[schwa86]

Maybe not quite the same, but my son is graduating from college this year. I'm buying him a pair of Limmer boots. I figure he's surrounded by enough tech in his daily life and my aspiration for him is that he is occasionally surrounded by mountains.

[Louis]

Has he traveled much overseas?

If not, I'd say a two-week trip to someplace completely different from what he's used to. Broaden his horizons a bit.

[buddybikes]

Yikes, just reading the thread about parent that can't afford to live in house, and now rolex's and trips.

Now to be realistic, an investment after he researches the "ideal' company or fund.

[Louis]

Originally Posted by steveandbarb1

Yikes, just reading the thread about parent that can't afford to live in house, and now rolex's and trips.

Now to be realistic, an investment after he researches the "ideal' company or fund.

The Roth IRA can wait a while (assuming jr's had earned income)

(edit: but not too long - you want to get him started on that ASAP. Small investments now can make a huge difference 35 years from now)

[chuckroast]

We took our twin sons on a cruise when they graduated in 2000. It was a fun trip for all and we all kind of acknowledged that it was our last real "family" vacation.

[R3awak3n]

spend the money on experiences, a trip or an activity. Or at least buy him something that he can use in college, a nice digital cam or a laptop.

[Louis]

I know, I know, how about a really cool tattoo!

Maybe something like the image below, that will truly impress both the gals and the guys he meets in college:

[CMiller]

He likely won't appreciate the watch as much as a great trip. My graduation gift was my parents paying for a trek to Machu Picchu, 4 days on the Inca Trail. I took care of plane and getting there, low income household and the thought of it was worth even more than the funds. It was a great experience and I'd recommend it x100, or find somewhere else that he would love as much. For some that's backpacking a few weeks in Europe, others its an African safari, others its a week in a Tokyo hotel. That $8000 watch money can go a LONG way for an 18 year old going on a trip of a lifetime.

[yashcha]

Congratulations to you and your son! I did not receive a graduation present, but it would have meant a lot if my parents had thought of and bought me a small present.

I have a friend who is going through the same situation and we looked at a bunch of options:

1) A really nice made in the US back pack from Mission workshop, Topodesigns, North street bags, or ILE prodcuts.
2) A nice pair of handmade waterproof leather boots.
3) Custom Zanconato for yourself. J/K.

[SlowPokePete]

My three all got MacBook laptops

SPP