Graduation announcement- what is appropriate response?

[Anonymous]

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..

[Anonymous]

Personally, I wouldn't send anything.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't send anything either. If you haven't spoken to this person in years, it seems fine to me to let it pass.

[Anonymous]

A card.

[Anonymous]

I might call and congratulate the mother, but for someone you haven't even seen in over a year, I don't think a gift is necessary or expected.

[Anonymous]

How sad for you that you were raised to be so suspicious of people's motives! A card would be the most appropriate response under the circumstances.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How sad for you that you were raised to be so suspicious of people's motives! A card would be the most appropriate response under the circumstances.

OP here- really PP, was that necessary? Whether or not you think it was "sad", my culture and wonderful and loving family would probably think you were gauche and tacky if you sent announcements. To each their own and my intent was not to offend (though apparently yours was-- bravo to you!). Nonetheless, I appareciate your, and other PPs advice regading the suggestion of a card. Sounds like the way to go in this situation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How sad for you that you were raised to be so suspicious of people's motives! A card would be the most appropriate response under the circumstances.

OP here- really PP, was that necessary? Whether or not you think it was "sad", my culture and wonderful and loving family would probably think you were gauche and tacky if you sent announcements. To each their own and my intent was not to offend (though apparently yours was-- bravo to you!). Nonetheless, I appareciate your, and other PPs advice regading the suggestion of a card. Sounds like the way to go in this situation.

OP, I apologize for PP. Clearly she doesn't see the irony of schooling someone in manners with an exceptionally rude post!

[Anonymous]

I got an announcement from the child of someone I haven't spoken to in years. Actually, the child of a friend of my ex-husband.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I got an announcement from the child of someone I haven't spoken to in years. Actually, the child of a friend of my ex-husband.

Are you responding in any way?

[Anonymous]

So how much $ do I give my nephew?? Graduating HS weekend--oldest grand kid, held him in hospital night he was born, ring bearer in my wedding, I'm his godmother??? Can't believe time went by that fast !!! So exciting. My oldest is only 6.5.

[Anonymous]

OP,

When I was graduating from HS, I got checks from my parents' friends in the amount of the year I graduated. So this year would send a check for $20.12. It was cute and not terribly expensive. For the PP with the nephew, is he going to college? Perhaps a bigger ticket item for college. A nice new backpack -- good ones can be $60+. A big starbucks gift card if he is a coffee hound. Is he changing climates? Going to a significantly colder climate -- you could get him a good winter jacket or parka.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So how much $ do I give my nephew?? Graduating HS weekend--oldest grand kid, held him in hospital night he was born, ring bearer in my wedding, I'm his godmother??? Can't believe time went by that fast !!! So exciting. My oldest is only 6.5.

How about $100?

[Anonymous]

In my family, it's tradition to give money for a high school graduation. Did not grow up with money- solid middle class. But a godparent would give $100. Again, each family is different.