Parents: What are you doing for your 2021 HS graduate? What’s the big gift?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Make sure you hold off on all laptop purchases until you get the requirements from the university!

Lots of universities are requiring purchases through them even if you have a brand new one you just bought. They want to make sure all specs are met and the same for everyone.

I have not seen this for either of my kids and the dozens of college tours we went on.

I have heard to check the requirements for each major at the university bookstore. Different majors have different tech requirements.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Make sure you hold off on all laptop purchases until you get the requirements from the university!

Lots of universities are requiring purchases through them even if you have a brand new one you just bought. They want to make sure all specs are met and the same for everyone.

I have not seen this for either of my kids and the dozens of college tours we went on.

Seriously? I'm surprised.

It may not be an issue for majors with no particular reliance on technology -- if all your kid will be need is something that can handle spreadsheets and word processing, you're set. But something STEM-y or creative is going to need particular capabilities. Check the college website.

[Anonymous]

DS is getting a new laptop and a weekend trip to the basketball/baseball Halls of Fame. No party. We have Congrats signs purchased from our PTA for the yard.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:College tuition?

Yep. This. I've worked a second job for years so he won't have to take out loans so that's his gift in advance.

[Anonymous]

no big gift

[Anonymous]

Dinner out at an expensive restaurants include grandparents.

Beach Week in the OBX

College tuition/4 yrs

So, a card.

[Anonymous]

OP, reading all of the responses makes me feel better!

DH and I have been working second jobs/side hustling the last three years to prepare for college expenses, so that’s definitely a gift. Just seems like a lot of her friends are getting exotic trips and having fancy upscale parties.

Her aunt is taking her up to NYC to tour the campus now that COVID restrictions are lifted, so there’s that as well.

Okay, I feel better, thanks DCUM!

[Anonymous]

A ring to match a necklace and a set of earrings we bought for her 18th Birthday.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, reading all of the responses makes me feel better! DH and I have been working second jobs/side hustling the last three years to prepare for college expenses, so that’s definitely a gift. Just seems like a lot of her friends are getting exotic trips and having fancy upscale parties.

Her aunt is taking her up to NYC to tour the campus now that COVID restrictions are lifted, so there’s that as well. Okay, I feel better, thanks DCUM!

Teach her now, that there will ALWAYS be people more well off than she is, and worse well off than she is. It's up to her what she focuses on.

[Anonymous]

Surviving the year seems good enough
But sure, buy them a little something for college. On top of tuition.

[NickScarfo]

I was lucky enough to have parents who cash flowed my Ivy League college education. At my 18th birthday, my dad presented a card with the words "college tuition" on it. Was pretty obnoxious considering that I already knew how my schooling was being funded, but my dad was making a point.

Obviously, ensure that she is prepared with all the tools (computer etc.) needed for success, but don't feed the black hole of materialism. I only wish the small things in life made me happy...

[Anonymous]

SFH in Chevy Chase.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:SFH in Chevy Chase.

DC or MD?

[Anonymous]

Dinner and his college tuition, room and board.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Make sure you hold off on all laptop purchases until you get the requirements from the university!

Lots of universities are requiring purchases through them even if you have a brand new one you just bought. They want to make sure all specs are met and the same for everyone.

I have not seen this for either of my kids and the dozens of college tours we went on.

You usually see this more in grad school.