Graduation announcement- what is appropriate response?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:i don't think the announcer was trying to get something from the announcement just excited to share the news! I think nothing in return is just fine as I'd read it that way.

I agree with this. When I was growing up, we had many neighbors, etc. who were happy to hear the news, but I certainly didn't want them to feel obligated to send me anything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:i don't think the announcer was trying to get something from the announcement just excited to share the news! I think nothing in return is just fine as I'd read it that way.

I agree with this. When I was growing up, we had many neighbors, etc. who were happy to hear the news, but I certainly didn't want them to feel obligated to send me anything.

Same. It's just a joyful sharing of news.

[Anonymous]

A card to the graduate and/or a note to the parents saying how proud you are of them and what fond memories you have.

My parents worked hard to put me through college and I/we sent announcements to some of their friends because they were proud. I didn't expect or receive gifts (or cards) as a result and wouldn't feel obligated myself in that situation.

[Anonymous]

I was happy to get a high school graduation announcement for a friend's son, and it made me WANT to send a gift.

But I do have to say that graduating from high school isn't really anything to be all that proud of, for most folks. So a bit odd to be blasting it widely.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just received a high school graduation announcement for the son of a prior colleague/work friend who I have not seen or corresponded regularly with in years. We do exchange holiday cards but really no other correspondance. I realize she probably ordered a load of announcements and blasted them out to her mailing lists, but do I need to send a gift in response to the announcement? If so, what is appropriate for a kid I have never met- $25? $50? I keep thinking of proper etiquette and what I "should" do...

Just so everyone understands where I am coming from/what my struggle is-- growing up we weren't allowed to send announcements, as my family felt the were a gift grabs and tacky. I know to each their own (and I am not trying to offend others!) but that is the take in my family. I think this has perhaps made me biased and don't want to be rude and ignore an announcement..

I could have written this. We received an announcement from the son of a former colleague of my husband. They haven't seen each other, possibly haven't even talked, in more than 15 years, although we do get their yearly newsletter. I have also struggled with what to do. I do think there is the hope that monetary gifts will be sent, but we only saw this kid a couple of times as a baby and wouldn't know him from Adam on sight. I would welcome announcements from kids we're closer to, but I think it would be weird to send any kind of correspondence or gift to a kid who has no idea who we are.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just received a high school graduation announcement for the son of a prior colleague/work friend who I have not seen or corresponded regularly with in years. We do exchange holiday cards but really no other correspondance. I realize she probably ordered a load of announcements and blasted them out to her mailing lists, but do I need to send a gift in response to the announcement? If so, what is appropriate for a kid I have never met- $25? $50? I keep thinking of proper etiquette and what I "should" do...

Just so everyone understands where I am coming from/what my struggle is-- growing up we weren't allowed to send announcements, as my family felt the were a gift grabs and tacky. I know to each their own (and I am not trying to offend others!) but that is the take in my family. I think this has perhaps made me biased and don't want to be rude and ignore an announcement..

I could have written this. We received an announcement from the son of a former colleague of my husband. They haven't seen each other, possibly haven't even talked, in more than 15 years, although we do get their yearly newsletter. I have also struggled with what to do. I do think there is the hope that monetary gifts will be sent, but we only saw this kid a couple of times as a baby and wouldn't know him from Adam on sight. I would welcome announcements from kids we're closer to, but I think it would be weird to send any kind of correspondence or gift to a kid who has no idea who we are.

I agree. I don't know why so many people are criticizing the OP for saying it makes her feel like the graduate wants a gift. I think that these announcements are sent in hopes of some sort of gift/check being sent. I don't think it's that big of a deal to send these as a "gift grab," but sure, it is a little tacky to send them people you haven't spoken with in 15 years. OP, because you haven't had contact with the prior colleague for so long I would send no more than a card (if you even bother with that).

[Anonymous]

I sent a $20 Target gift card to a kid like this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:i don't think the announcer was trying to get something from the announcement just excited to share the news! I think nothing in return is just fine as I'd read it that way.

I agree with this. When I was growing up, we had many neighbors, etc. who were happy to hear the news, but I certainly didn't want them to feel obligated to send me anything.

Same. It's just a joyful sharing of news.

In some circles it is considered rude not to send an announcement. I recall a few people commenting on that when I graduated from HS ( granted in a different era). OP just send a card. A gift is not required.

[Anonymous]

Announcements do seem like gift grabs to me ... birth announcements, wedding announcements, graduation announcements - all of them. I usually get them from people I don't know well and who didn't invite me to the shower/wedding/graduation but who nevertheless think they might be able to score a gift of some sort (usually money).

[Anonymous]

I remember going round and round about this with my family when I graduated HS & college. We sent them to two categories of people - those who were close friends and family and who would expect to get one (and might give a gift, but none was expected), those who were more distant relatives or family friends, but who we thought would have their day brightened to think of "little me" all grown up (and from who we didn't really expect a reply). My dad thought it was a gift/money grab, my mom thought it was a nice way of reaching out. We actually eliminated some people who we thought might want to hear the news but who might also think the announcement was asking for something in return.

OP - I would say a card would be really nice, and probably unexpected.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Announcements do seem like gift grabs to me ... birth announcements, wedding announcements, graduation announcements - all of them. I usually get them from people I don't know well and who didn't invite me to the shower/wedding/graduation but who nevertheless think they might be able to score a gift of some sort (usually money).

... and I viewed them as a nice way of letting people know (and see) a significant event in my life after it had all happened, so they didn't think they were being asked to send a gift. I don't ever send a gift when I get a wedding or birth announcement.

[Anonymous]

OP send a card.
PP w close nephew 100 dollars and some small personal gift.

[Anonymous]

An acquaintance announced that her granddaughter is graduating from high school and said that she has an invitation for me! She has NEVER mentioned this grandchild before. I feel like this is an obvious money grab and don't feel comfortable sending anything. In fact I feel uncomfortable about this entire thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:i don't think the announcer was trying to get something from the announcement just excited to share the news! I think nothing in return is just fine as I'd read it that way.

I agree with this. When I was growing up, we had many neighbors, etc. who were happy to hear the news, but I certainly didn't want them to feel obligated to send me anything.

Same. It's just a joyful sharing of news.

Sharing of news + likely just sending to the Christmas card list for simplicity. (No judgement on that from me, btw!)

[Anonymous]

OP, I think it's ok to send nothing or a card; certainly no gift.

In general, when I've sent a token graduation present to someone, it's been a check in the amount of the graduation year. So this year, for example, I'd send a check for $20.18.