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Original poster

Graduation present?

82 replies

Nougat555 · 10/05/2022 09:19

Posting here for traffic.

What graduation present did you get from your parents? Or have you bought for your children? Please share the item and it’s approximate cost in today’s money.

I received nothing, nor did my DH (we were both first in our families to go to uni so I don’t think our parents knew it was a thing). Our DS is graduating soon and we have no idea at all about what people usually get and what they spend.

OP posts:
JudgeRindersMinder · 10/05/2022 09:21

I had a good bracelet when I graduated in 1991, I think it cost about £120 then, so maybe about £500 for similar now?

JudgeRindersMinder · 10/05/2022 09:21

Gold bracelet, although it is good!

prettybird · 10/05/2022 09:23

I got a beautiful opal ring from my parents.

We're currently debating what to get ds: currently thinking along the lines of a nice watch (he wears a Fitbit usually) or "casual" sporran for the kilt outfit he got for his 21st, but we're struggling for ideas. I think we're going to have to ask him.

Discovereads · 10/05/2022 09:28

I got nothing as did my DH. Didn’t know this was a thing. I don’t think that it is linked to being first in family to go to Uni though. My family has gone to Uni since the 1500s, perhaps longer will see as I extend the family tree. I think it’s more a new fad fuelled by corporate advertisers to encourage luxury good consumption much like Mothering Sunday.

Notagardener · 10/05/2022 09:31

Nothing
Nothing

prettybird · 10/05/2022 09:56

My parents were graduates themselves, so it wasn't that i was the "first"Smile

It was c40 years ago so nothing to do with today's commercialism Confused

In today's money, they probably spent about £150, if that.

Discovereads · 10/05/2022 10:13

It was c40 years ago so nothing to do with today's commercialism

Modern commercialism has been around since Georgian times (1700s) when newspapers were up to 75% advertisement. Mothering Sunday copies Mothers Day invented in 1908 in the US. Commercialism has simply been on an upward trend the past 300yrs because more and more special occasions are invented to encourage the purchasing of goods.

ZenKaleidoscope · 10/05/2022 10:14

Nothing. I didn't know it was a thing. That was about 10 years ago

MrsDThomas · 10/05/2022 10:17

I didn’t go to uni, nor DH but DD1 is there a d DD2 will be in September.

never heard of a graduation gift.

i don’t think i will buy, apart from a meal out on the day.

ILikeCrapTelly · 10/05/2022 10:28

I got a handbag I'd pointed out that I liked in passing. Only from a high street store, was about £50 Smile hadn't crossed my mind that my parents would get me anything, so it was a lovely surprise on the morning.

GNfan · 10/05/2022 10:34

Haha. I didn't know that was a thing! My daughter's graduating in two weeks' time. I wonder if she is expecting something?! I shall follow this thread with interest...

BigSandyBalls2015 · 10/05/2022 10:40

I’m not sure as it’s all expensive anyway isn’t it, supporting them through uni, we will need to stay in her uni city overnight, nice meal/drinks, hiring of the gown and hat. Prob new outfit for me. She’s also got a ball to go to which will involve a new dress/shoes … it all adds up.

i might just get her a graduation build a bear that I’ve seen advertised 🤣

TreatTrimTame · 10/05/2022 11:32

My DPs had graduated years before me so I wasnt the first in our family but I was the first of my siblings. I was 21 when I graduated so, joint birthday and graduation gift, I got a car. Quick google for a modern equivalent would be £15k.

Parents could have afforded to but chose not support me through uni or pay for my driving lessons, I worked and left with student debt, whereas some of my friends were given £50 a week food money and then no large gift at the end. So it all kind of works out.

I've only had one son graduate (so far) and we bought him a nice watch which was around £1k. We also supported through uni.

prettybird · 10/05/2022 12:59

This is the watch we I was thinking of: Scottish company and not extortionate for a special watch. But I'll need to ask ds as if he wouldn't wear it, it would be a waste.

https://www.paulinwatches.com/collections/commuter-watch/products/commuter-a-watch?variant=41949794638

RubiesandRose · 10/05/2022 13:04

My son graduated last week, after a 2 year Covid delay. We went out for a nice meal and I got him a card, didn't even occur to me that there was such a thing as a graduation present.

I hope he doesn't feel short changed! Confused

luckylavender · 10/05/2022 13:10

It isn't a thing. I've never heard of it before. Graduated myself as did DS & know lots of different graduates.

Chaoslatte · 10/05/2022 13:11

I graduated in the last decade and got nothing although we went out for afternoon tea straight after the ceremony. On the other hand two of my friends got cars. I really think a congratulations card and a dinner out will suffice.

mummabubs · 10/05/2022 13:11

10 years ago, I got nothing. Same with GCSEs. My parents wanted to teach me that attaining the grade was the reward (although we did get a takeaway on results day to mark the occasion). I'll be similar with our two children. I remember some of my peers literally being bribed to study and told for every A* they got they'd be given £50 and £20 for every A 😅 Lunacy in my opinion!

prettybird · 10/05/2022 13:14

I don't think ds is expecting anything (he's actually very non-materialistic) but as a family (at least on my side Wink) we've always enjoyed celebrating "occasions": as well as for birthdays and Christmas, for anniversaries, good exam results, passing a driving test (not that ds has yet - but thinking back to mine), getting a job/promotion etc. It might just be a bunch of flowers Flowers My parents (and now dh and me) were fortunate enough to have the disposable income and savings to do so - and to enjoy doing soSmile

Alsonification · 10/05/2022 13:17

My daughter was the first to graduate in our family. So a meal out with grandparents & I got her a beautiful necklace with a small compass on it. To signify a new direction in her life now.

bananaboats · 10/05/2022 13:25

Haven't heard of graduation gifts either. Just went for a meal with my parents after.

beachcitygirl · 10/05/2022 13:28

My daughter was first in our whole family to go. She studies classics. So I got her a beautiful vintage Versace pendant with Medusa on it & also a framed copy of dr Seuss " oh the places you'll go"

Tulips21 · 10/05/2022 13:28

I had nothing- Only child of my parents to go to uni.
I dont think I would get my DC anything either- I didnt know it was a thing?

Starlitexpress · 10/05/2022 13:30

Got nothing in the 80s, didn't know it was a thing.

Friends children graduated a few years ago and she is unbelievably rich and I don't remember her getting them anything, mind you, she had already bought them flats and cars so who knows!

boonducks · 10/05/2022 13:30

I think I bought both DC a watch and we all went out for a meal.
It was only meant as a token to remember the occasion not a major financial gift.