Tulsa World: Hats off for grad gifts

Home > News > Article

Newspaper View Print this story

Comment

RSS

Bookmark

Hats off for grad gifts
Advice is to stay within your means

Know a high school or college graduate? Chances are, they want cash or gift cards. TOM GILBERT / Tulsa World file

By SARA PLUMMER World Staff Writer
Published: 5/10/2009 2:29 AM
Last Modified: 5/10/2009 4:42 AM

Pomp and Circumstance, caps and gowns, gift cards and cash.

Graduation gifts can be vexing. How much should you spend? Are cash or gift cards appropriate? Are you on a tight budget?

Jana Christian, president and founder of the Etiquette School of Oklahoma, said graduation gifts guidelines should follow birthday or wedding presents: Stay within your means.

"Don't try to out-give," Christian said. "Take into consideration you budget, as well as your relationship with the person."

Money and gift cards are definitely appropriate — especially for places such as grocery stores, gas stations or book stores, Christian said.

And teens always appreciate money.

Cassie Hardzog, a senior at Sapulpa High School, said she would like to choose where she spends the gift.

East Central High School senior Liz Cerbanees agreed that gift cards or money are great gifts for someone heading to school.

"Anything that is going to get me through college," she said.

If you do buy a gift, be sure to include a gift receipt in case the gift is duplicated or doesn't quite match the graduate's style, Christian said.

For people on a tight budget, more personal gifts can be the answer, Christian said. She suggested making a scrapbook, throw or blanket.

For a student heading to college, put together a cookbook of family recipes.

"Gifts that retain their value or sentimental value are often overlooked," she said.

Elidia Murillo, another East Central senior, said something more personal would be a great gift.

"I think that would be a good idea and something we would remember," Murillo said.

Those receiving the gifts have etiquette to follow, as well, Christian said.

"Don't forget to send a hand-written thank you card, especially to people who gave you money or gift cards so the giver knows you got the gift," she said.

Sara Plummer 581-8465
sara.plummer@tulsaworld.com By SARA PLUMMER World Staff Writer

Newspaper View Print this story

Comment

RSS

Bookmark

Reader Comments

Show: Most Recent Comment First

Add your comment

1 comments have been made on this story so far. Tell us what you think below!

Reporting Comments

If you see a comment that violates our terms and conditions, please help us by clicking the "Report this Comment" link next to a comment. That will alert the web staff to review the comment. Thank you. -- Web Editor Jason Collington

Report Comment

okie ridgerunner, Small Country Town State Line (5/10/2009 12:13:38 PM)

Sara, it would be nice if some of our young people would read this.

Add Your Comment
In order to post a comment on this article, you must sign in to Tulsaworld.com. If you do not have a site account, you can create an account for free.