Tuesday, June 09, 2009

what do you think?

Help!  
Graduation announcements are coming in and I'm at a loss. 

In the past it was easy since we always gave a standard amount.  Considering my husband's pay has decreased (He works for an entity whose has some funding from the State of California...so I'm glad he's got a job)...but I'm at a bit of a loss.  

Do you have to give graduates the same amount of money if they know each other?  What if you're close to one, but not the other...and what if you've given to their siblings in the past more than what you can give now?

Also...what's an acceptable amount to give to students these days? My husband and I have a bet on this...we want to know what folks give...dollar amounts?

Obviously it's different for the girl who babysits my boys versus the girl who we barely know.

So I'm asking...what do you think?

6 comments:

really.truly said...

I don't think that you have to give the same amount. Also, you don't have to give money. There are lots of suitable presents for the graduate...if you are a bargain shopper you may save and still give a great gift. HTH.

If you do give money..I never know what an appropriate amount is?

~Lisi P. said...

You can give what you feel is in your heart to give. Right now, we're all pretty tight w/ funds; I assume people would be understanding.

I've been invited to so many baby showers, etc. for people who I'm not close to. I don't attend or get a small gift. Alot of people will invite or send invitations, etc. because they think you are the giving type.

Remember, you have to live past these graduations :)

Bethany said...

I'm a hard-hearted lady; if I don't want to give to a person, I don't let myself feel obligated. That said, we gave that sitter from church a small monetary gift because we think she is an awesome girl. I don't "do" guilt-giving and I don't "do" drama, at least that is my (not-always-achieved) goal.

A Stone Gatherer said...

I struggled with this question too! We had 8 this year! To relatives we gave $20 and to kids from church we gave $10. $10 may not be much but it's really more then we could afford. I don't know what the standard is, but if it is a real issue, just give a card. Everyone needs to understand the economy is not good!

Lisa said...

I don't think it is appropriate for people to compare amounts of gifts. I know if my friend had a party and I had one and we invited the same friends I would not even think of asking how much she received and so on. I think you should give what you can and if you know someone a little more than they get a little more. I hope that helps. I can understand your feeling awkward, I would feel the same way.

nilliebillie said...

The girl who watches you boys, she needs about $500 bucks. LOL. The others give 'em $5.