Best Grad Gift Ever - $$$$$$

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It shouldn’t – and probably doesn’t – come as a surprise to anyone that cash is the most popular gift among new graduates. There’s even been a song or two written about it. Remember ABBA’s “Money, money, money…it’s a rich man’s world?” Yes? Well then, you get the picture. Virtually every adult who has ever struggled to make ends meet understands how important a healthy bankroll is to one’s piece of mind. And if they haven’t already, most kids will figure it out as soon as they’re faced with the harsh reality of having to pay their own way (gasp). Student loans, new cars, monthly rent – none of it is getting easier. In fact, if we’re being honest, it’s probably more of an uphill climb for the current crop of grads than for any other generation in recent history. That’s where you come in. If you’ve got a new grad in your life, recognize his hard work and help him transition to independence with a gift of the green stuff. And if you want to leave him with something to remember you by once the money is gone, slip those crisp new bills into a sterling silver money clip or handsome calfskin wallet. It’ll be a gift he truly appreciates and one he’ll treasure for a long time to come. Okay, treasure might be too strong a word, but he’ll certainly get a lot of use out of it!

Wondering how much cash to give? The short answer is, it depends. Online etiquette sites suggest considering several factors, such as the graduate’s relationship to you, his level of accomplishment, and his immediate needs. The closer you are to the grad or his family, the more generous you should be. The folks at www.MakeCollegeCount.com recommend the following guidelines:  siblings should give $15 to $30; grandparents, aunts and uncles $20 to $50; and distant relatives or acquaintances $15 to $50. The dollar amount also should coincide with the degree. College graduations typically warrant more sizeable gifts than do middle- or high-school graduations. For a college grad who is a big part of your life, plan on doling out anywhere from $100 to $500. On the other hand, etiquette experts also note that although it is customary to bring a gift to a graduation ceremony or party, it’s not necessary to respond to every announcement you receive with your checkbook in hand. Often graduation announcements are simply a way for your acquaintances to keep you informed of the happy events happening in their lives. In these cases, congratulatory notes are all that are needed and/or expected.

In the end, the most important consideration has more to do with you than with the person you are gifting. How much can you afford to give? If you are well off and have a propensity for collecting (and showing off) the finer things in life, then choose a gift or dollar amount that reflects your enviable standing. If, on the contrary, you (like most of us) are not a member of the ultra-wealthy, then give what you comfortably can and rest assured your gift will be in good company resting atop the “it’s-the-thought-that-matters” pile.

And while you’re in the giving mood, don’t forget to include a card with a heartfelt sentiment, personal memory, or inspirational quote. But whichever you choose, avoid the temptation to throw in one of those worn-out “when-are-you-going-to-get-a-job” jokes. Instead, take the high road and spare your new grad the verbal grief you had to suffer. After all, he’s just scaled a very tall summit to earn that degree, and he deserves a moment to relish his hard-earned glory before beginning the next uphill climb. He’ll appreciate your restraint and maybe even remember it twenty years from now when it’s his turn to offer up congratulations.

Then again, maybe he won’t. On second-thought, better get your licks in while you can. You never know when another opportunity to vent your own work-related frustrations will come around. In fact, if you’re looking for a perfect joke for a new grad, try this one from Lauren at www.laughfactory.com. It certainly made us smile.

            Reaching the end of a job interview, the Human Resources Officer asks a young engineer fresh out of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, "And what starting salary are you looking for?" The engineer replies, "In the region of $125,000 a year, depending on the benefits package." The interviewer inquires, "Well, what would you say to a package of five weeks vacation, 14 paid holidays, full medical and dental, company matching retirement fund to 50% of salary, and a company car leased every two years, say, a red Corvette?" The engineer sits up straight and says, "Wow! Are you kidding?" The interviewer replies, "Yeah, but you started it."