What to Gift the Grad...

It's that time of year again. Graduation; from college, high school, middle school, and these days we even celebrate the shift from kindergarten to first grade. A common dilemma during this season becomes "what to get the grad?"

When I graduated from high school my friends were having lavish graduation parties. Not me. My parents bought me a set of luggage (no kidding) and sent me packing for college. I wasn't that disappointed. I remember thinking "What's so huge about graduating from high school? I just did what I was supposed to; go to school for 13 years and get the diploma...no great cause for reward." I didn't feel any different about undergrad college...just doing what I was supposed to. In fact, both times my parents even had to talk me into attending the ceremonies. 

On the other hand, graduate school was a completely different story. I earned my master's degree while working full-time, being a wife, parenting two children (one an infant), and selling and buying a home. Those were four very long years. I was tired most of the time, set aside recreation and, seemingly, my sanity. Graduating, with honors, was probably the greatest hurdle I'd jumped in life. A pole vaulting high jump! So significant, that fourteen years later I can still remember the celebratory gifts I received, and the people who gave them. Other than the green vinyl luggage, I couldn't tell you how I "celebrated" graduating from high school or undergrad college.

Are you gifting from what matters to you, or them? It's all relative. My parents were gifting from what mattered to them.

To help someone celebrate in a way that's meaningful to them, you have to know what they value, and be willing to honor it. It's that simple.
 
If you're not sure, ask. Ask them, or their friends or family. If you don't want to ask, give a card with a heartfelt message and let it go at that. Sincerity is the name of the game. Always.