Graduation presents for people you barely know

[HornHawk]

So now I'm getting graduation announcements from the kids of people I haven't seen in 10 years. Some from people I know casually. What the SOP on these people? Do you give them gifts? Do you just say the hell with 'em and ignore the announcement? You know the kid sent them with the idea of getting something in return.

What do you in this case? If you do give, how much do you do, or do you give something like a book or some other non-cash gift?

 

[NBMisha]

A book is a good idea. Get them all the same book, so you aren't spending all that time shopping. The best book you can recommend. Chances are slim to none that they've read it.

Default is a $50 gift card, or check, if you want them to see something they've never seen before.

 

[NCAAFBALLROX]

A boot in the *** followed by "Welcome to the real world" (unless they are going to college in which case you just kick 'em because they still have a few years of 'non reality').

 

[mia1994]

"Oh the places you will go", it is the box of chocolates of the graduation scene. I must have gotten four copies when I graduated high school. A thoughtless perfunctory gift... but a gift none the less.

 

[El Sapo]

Give them all a case of Schlitz.

1) You won't go broke buying everyone a present
2) One trip to one store and you're done shopping
3) That book you might give them will sit on a shelf and collect dust. I guarantee you that a case of beer will not.
4) They'll remember you as 'that guy who gave me cheap beer for my graduation" - and everyone likes that guy.

 

[madscientist]

**** 'em. and by that i mean ignore the announcements and send them nothing. unless its a hot 18 yo chick, in which case a more literal use may be implied.

 

[40 ACRZ]

card

 

[BA93]

ignore and pretend you never received it.

 

[hamhorn]

If he/she is coming out of high school and intends to go to college, get him a copy of Rodale's Synonym Finder.