Graduation card with a handwritten message. No need for a gift. And really, no need for the card if they're that distant and you don't feel like sending it. Maybe they ordered way too many and decided to mail them out to everyone they knew because the kid was excited and felt important. Or maybe they're hoping for more gifts (no harm in trying). But whatever, doesn't sound you have any obligation to send a gift if you don't want to.

OP, I would send a graduation card and that's it. Heck no, I am not sending someone $50 for graduating when I never see this person. I don't even spend this much on my kids' birthday gifts...

Anonymous wrote:If you are struggling for bus fare then send a nice card or just a simple note. Really no big deal. My DC graduated a couple of years ago and she was excited to send out announcements. It wasn't about gifts at all. Some people sent gifts and some didn't.

+1