What did you buy your dd for graduation?

[MinusMotivation]

Nothing seems to express just how proud off dd I am ( I have told her).

When she was a teen, she struggled massively with her mental health, and at times I wondered if she'd still be alive in her 20s, and definitely didn't see this in her future.

She has fought so so hard to earn this. She deserves the world, but unfortunately my budget is only £200.

Ideas so far have been jewellery or tickets to a show but neither seem right.

Any other ideas ?

Kindle is a great idea - gift that keeps on giving. Also practical in that it's lightweight compared to hoicking books around if she's renting rooms over the next few years.

A food processor 🤣 will last her forever.
Also nice meal out etc on graduation day.

DC1 asked for a handmade chef's knife.

They like cooking!

It’s lovely that you are proud of your DD @MinusMotivation. That is more important than any gift.

A new outfit
A cute piece of jewellery
A book related to her course

When I graduated (in the stone age) I don't think presents were a thing. I was the first in my family to go to uni, so that was an achievement in itself.

mine asked for afternoon tea somewhere nice.

We just bought ours a piece of art that she'd been looking at and a fountain pen.

Dinner.

The degree is the main "reward" for graduating.

I got nothing off anyone 🫤

Same! And at my masters graduation one of my parents thanked the lecturer for "letting me in" even after I got a distinction. I didn't expect anything though, after all it was my hard work that was already being celebrated and acknowledged by the universities

Oh no why not, that's the special bit.

DD graduated in 2021. We bought the official photos and paid for a nice family lunch. I wasn't aware graduation presents were a thing.

If she’s a reader, why not a book subscription? I got one for my 40th and it was really nice to get a new book someone else chose for me each month and kept the gift going. I filled out a questionaire for them before they started sending books then each month they asked what I’d thought of it. They made good choices for me.

Graduation photos, a hoodie, dinner with his siblings later, as there were only 2 tickets per student and they couldn’t attend.

I have no idea what I'll be buying DS or DD for graduation

I didn't realise I had to

Er - you don't "have to".

Generally I think many parents pay for the gown hire and generally for a nice meal somewhere. Many will buy the expensive photos too.

The degree is the reward for the achievement.

I ean, obviously anyone can buy anyone else a present at any time they want to, but there is no societal expectation for a 'graduation present'.

I graduated back in the 80s. Graduation presents were a 'thing' then, in my family at least. DD will be graduating in the autumn. Haven't decided on anything yet but looking at earrings.

I got my DD a print from Etsy of the city and university buildings where she studied. I also got her a build a bear with graduation cap and gown. I got the hood colours in ribbon and attached to the gown.

What about a first edition of a favourite author with something lovely inscribed inside ☺️

I think a first edition with something written on the inside page would be lovely too!

Also, huge congratulations to your daughter 🤍

Oh no why not, that's the special bit.

I've known several shy people not attend their graduation ceremonies.

I suppose to them just marking the occasion is the special bit.

I bought her a really nice engraved pen set from Pen Heaven, I also took her for a meal with close family and friends at her favourite Japanese restaurant. My sister got her a massive personalised cake which she loved.

She also chose not to attend her graduation ceremony.

A kindle is a good idea.

What about a book journal? You can write basically your opening post in it and then she can fill it with her thoughts.

https://lucysaysido.com/product-category/notebooks/book-journal/

You could get a nice pen to go with it.

Neither of my children went to uni (although they are both quite bright enough to have done so) so I haven't had your dilemma. My parents have me a silver filigree bracelet that I really appreciate but have never worn because it is scratchy and I'm afraid I will break it. I graduated as a mature student with two children so I think it was a 'congratulations for getting through it' gift rather than a graduation present! 😁

Apart from the university ring idea - which I like a lot but you have said isn't really suitable - I really don't much like any of the specifically graduation gifts - I think they are naff.

You are already going to have a photo done of her in her graduation cap and town - I think that is probably the best gift - but a nice celebratory meal would top it off I think.

Neither did I but I can see why op would want to get her DD something special.

🙄