Graduation Gift

With a 14 and 13 year old, you'll have to do this again and again right around the corner, so you don't want to give the first born more than you'll be able to afford down the road for the others. Rather than a set cash amount (that she can blow on who knows what), make a deal to match her dollar for dollar on what she earns to spend toward a used car, and set a maximum limit. Take her to a used car lot (or look on line) to give her ideas of what she wants to get and so she can set a goal.

Just a thought, Maybe along with some cash on graduation day you can have a promise note for payments for a certain item Like 6months of car payments or cell phone)or if she has a job tell her you will match what she saves dollar for dollar for a certain amount of time.

Hello T.! First of all congrats on your daughters graduation! When my daughter graduated from High School, we got her a lap top computer. It is something that they will need in college and won't cost you an arm and a leg. Lots of luck to you and your family!

I am thinking some of the same things the other moms are suggesting. I do feel the gift cards, tailored to her needs, may be a way to help her not "go crazy" and use the funds unwisely.

What about a gift of a downpayment towards an inexpensive car from a dealership that could help her find one that she could afford to make payments on with a job? She should start applying for jobs now to show incentive, etc. It's tough when a teen looks at her paycheck and realizes how much is taken out of it and what she is left with. That will instill a grown up reality check with a quickness!! lol.

There are so many great ideas from the other mom's! It truely "takes a village".

Regards,

T. Anzures

My parents gave me $5000. I moved to Tampa and went USF. I used it to get an apartment and some furniture, and put some down for a used car. I had a roommate, got a parttime job to pay for my apartment and my car and my parents paid for my schooling. That is what they did for me. :) I am 32 now, so I don't know how far $5000 will go at this point, that was 15 years ago. :) I hope that helps out some.

why not take her to a used car lot and see about getting her a CHEAP car. does she work? if so, it will help her to get out and becoome independent. just a thought and congrats on getting one out. have a great day. B.

Being the oldest of 6 kids, let me say first and formost, I highly doubt she doesn't realize the scope of what you've done for her and her siblings.

Now...for a gift, I would recommend a gift card for $100 bucks or so to someplace like Target or Walmart. When she gets on her own she will need dishes, blankets, pillows, and such, and a gift card allows her to purchase those things from reasonably-priced venues without worry. If you wanted to go slightly more upscale, do $200 for Pier One or Ikea. I would not however recommend any sum over $250 dollars, simply because that si the point at which she may (or may not) feel like it's "safe" to blow some of the money on frivilous things that won't last.

My 2 cents, but I was lucky to have a roof over my head once I turned 18...I had to pay rent until I moved out! LOL

Helping her to move out and get on her feet is good and will be an ongoing thing for years, however I think it would be nice to give her something special to keep as a graduation gift, like a ring - or handing down to her something that she can keep 'forever'.

This may sound strange, but my parents got me a good set of luggage. It was their way of saying go out into the world and have a great adventure. I went to college and used it. Then used it years later on my honeymoon. Then used it on every little trip/adventure we've had. It's been all over the U.S. and to several different countries. I am now 38 and still use it. It's covered in stickers from all over the place. When I look at it, it tells a story. At the time I got it, it seemed sort of strange to me. Then I found out that my grandparents had done the same for my mother and she loved it more and more over the years. Her suitcases are covered with stickers/memories. When my kids graduate (many years from now) I will do the same with them. It sort of inspired an urge to explore, experience life and see different things. It turned out to be a great gift! Good luck!

how about some gift cards to her favorite shops that's always a winner with girls

HI T., i don't know if she plans to go to college but if not and she plans to go right into the workforce, I would tell her I would match the dollar amount she saves in a predetermined amount of time to use towards a car or household items etc. I would probably give her a headstart of about $500.00 or so on graduation day suggesting she should use that money as a "downpayment" on her savings deal with you. She needs to learn responsibility sooner rather than later ;-) If she's going to college I like the laptop idea. If she has a laptop I would help her out furnishing her dorm/apt with towels, dishes etc. I think maturity also plays a part in what you get her. You also don't want to set too high of expectations with other kids if you can't afford it or the kid is irresponsible etc. Congrats! One down four to go ;-)

I am not sure. I didn't get cash because I had 5 other siblings and came from a singe income family. If my mom gave me money, it would not have been enough. I would have needed at least 1,000 for it to make a difference. I did work the summer before college and during. I saved alot of money to go. I took out loans, etc.
Pam