College Graduation Card

[Anonymous]

My niece will be graduating next week from college, I will acknowlege that milestone with a card, however she comes from a family where money is no barrier, she has never worked, nor paid for anything, new cars, traveled the world etc. I have racked my brains for years for birthday gifts and gifts for other milestone events, and nothing I give isn't already a duplicate. Do you think just a card is ok? Or is there someone who has a suggestion? This is one graduate who does not need money.

[Anonymous]

What is she doing after graduation?

[Anonymous]

I am 37 and for my high school graduation someone gave me personalized stationery from Tiffany. I still use it on very special occasions. It's the only gift that really stood out to me.

[Anonymous]

OP
After graduation she is living in a $5K/mo condo and working an unpaid internship, she does not presently own a car because its more convenient to cab. She calls Pottery barn and has the furnishings delivered and installed. A sweet girl, but has no material needs that are not fufilled by her parents.

[Anonymous]

What about a book you loved as a young adult? Something personal from her to you.

[Anonymous]

Um, should have been "something personal from YOU to HER".

[Anonymous]

A collage of photos you have of her from childhood until present -- preferably including a few where the two of you were doing something together -- frame it for her.

[Anonymous]

You sound kind of resentful OP. If you are too angry to give her a gift, then don't. But, if you want to understand that she is a youngster and could learn something from you...then give from the heart...something for her apt or just a play for the 2 of you. There are a million other things you could do...go to a movie, baseball game, theme park, whatever. Make it a memorable experience. It doesn't have to cost a ton of $

[Anonymous]

It's been said several times: There are many very thoughtful gifts you can give that are meaningful and priceless.

I like the idea of a book (preferably one SHE liked) or anything personalized (like the stationary). I received an engraved silver cup with my college name on one side for graduation. A personalized pen set (with your graduation year)?

And YES, a card goes along those lines. A card with a thoughtful, personal note congratulating and telling her how proud of her you are, words of encouragement for her future, etc.