Parents I'm told usually buy laptops, but my parents are getting her one. I don't want to hand over plain cash. What are some ideas?

I got LUGGAGE from my grandparents lol

I don't remember anything else, was probably mostly cash and cards, my parents had a small party (we went from friends house to friends house)

I think it depends if you want something symbolic, or something useful.

If she is going away to school, you might want to consider a good digital camera if she doesn't already have one, or even a camcorder. These are great times to record!

If you are more interested in something sentimental, you can always give her a special piece of jewelry.

Instead of cash, I try to find out what businesses are available near the graduate's college of choice and give some gift cards. Pizza places, bookstores, etc. My son is a sophomore out of state, and loves to be able to grab some "extras" that might not be in his budget.

Congrats to your d/d!

OK .... this may sound snobish, but our kids went to Europe. One of the teacher's at school is a world travelor and I knew I could feel safe having them with her. It was for 17 days and not outrageous. She get them student deals because she travels so much and knows may tour individuals.

If you've never seen Dr Seuss' book, Oh the Places You'll Go, its a great graduation gift - especially if you write a special note in it.

I also got a great set of luggage that I still have today!

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riagraz1964@optonline.net

how about dishes & stuff like that for when she moves out I know I started stocking up on stuff like that & thought it was fun long before I moved out.

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mom of 3 greats girls

This is a nice topic. I have a son who will graduate next May. I have no idea what I will get him. I got a TV when I graduated. Seems to be the "thing" in my family, however my son just got one in March from my Dad and I'm jealous, it is a REALLY nice one. He has a desktop computer he just got for Christmas. He will be getting my car as soon as he starts driving and I can afford a new one for me. I was thinking of the Dr. Seuss book too. That is a great book. Maybe I'll get him an Ipod or a new PS3 or XBOX 360. It will depend on what he gets for Christmas this year. I'm going to plan a HUGE party for him too. Hard to believe only one more year until my baby graduates!!!!

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My dh got my son (his stepson) a truck for graduation. He also made dvds for all the grandparents and for the party to play of my son growing up in tune to music...BIG HIT at the party.
I gave my son his graduation party with ALL the family from all sides (mine, dh and son's dad's )of the family. I bought all the tickets for everyone to get into stone mountain and cooked for a week...I also made his graduation cake. He was our first graduating and we had a blast!

a piece of jewelry she can keep forever, a car if she doesnt have one, a graduation trip for her and a few friends, stuff for her apartment/dorm (tv/mini fridge/dvd/housewares) or gc's to these sorts of stores so she can pick her own)

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For my first son, 4 new tires for his car. He was going to live at home and drive to local college.
For 2nd son, cash. He went away to college. For his college graduation last May, he wanted a new gas grill so that's what he got.
Haven't decided on gift for son that graduates next month. He's been accepted into the Ironworkers Apprenticeship so probably the fancy welding helmet he's been wanting.
I already have it planned for my last child, my daughter that will graduate in two years. She will get the Coach purse of her choice. Something totally frivolous for the pampered princess.

My dd is graduating in June and we are getting her an expensive birthstone ring---her stone is emerald. The one I picked is very similar to the one my Dad gave me when I graduated from college (May) and I had given birth to dd 3 weeks before I graduated (also May!).

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We took our daughter on a cruise to the Caribbean and paid for her friend to come along. Of course we went too so it was a win/win. LOL! We also got her a laptop. Grandparents got her a digital camera and she uses it ALL the time in college.

How about a fancy computer case? My DD's aunt got her a cute one from Dooney that is so stylish.