A gift for 8th grade graduation?

[Deleted]

Does seriously everything require some sort of gift these days? I was invited to attend a friends DD's 8th grade graduation and it never would have occurred to me to get them a gift or a card with money until friend's sister said she had to stop to get a card and asked if she looked cheap if she did $x amount.

Would you give a gift? Or is showing up to support them enough?

[Deleted]

I always give a gift if I attend the party, but I don't always attend the party.

[jennistarr1]

unfortunately I think it's a gift giving occassion...i suppose 10 bucks in a card is cheap but that is all I'm inclined to give...are they going to play sports in highschool or something you can give related to that? I might be inclined to email the parents for ideas....they may say "no gift' or they may say some outrageous gift request which would cause to me to back out and send a card

[Deleted]

When did these even become popular? First I heard about kindergarten graduation, then it was 8th grade graduation and now another friend said her kid is graduating from pre-school and they are having a party (just parents/grandparents are invited). I wish it would stop. Its not graduating until you're all done in my opinion. Its cute, yes, but totally silly.

[Velvetshady]

graduation = the award or acceptance of an academic degree or diploma

What degree of diploma does one receive for completing eighth grade? As far as I'm concerned it's just like parents expecting you to give their kid a present because they learned to walk or figured out how to say "papa". Fucking ridiculous.

[heyrebekah]

We are going to give $20. But then again 8th grade graduations have always been a big thing around here. I think because there are so many high schools to choose from. I don't really get how it works, but watching my nephew & cousin a few years ago it looked almost as stressful as choosing a college. The kids go to all kinds of open houses, fill out applications, take tests & get recommendations, and maybe go to a completely different school than lots of their friends.

[kittycat196]

I have no problem with giving a card and small gift for a family members 8th grade graduation. It's a big deal in a childs life to finish 8th grade and go into HS.
For a friend's kid I might just give a card and $5-10. It's the though that counts.

[cjeanette]

I got flowers and a dinner out for my 8th grade grad. No one but my parent's and grandparents were invited?

[Deleted]

A friend recently had an 8th grade graduation party for her son. I had never heard of this. She kind of went all out. It was overboard in my opinion. We went and gave a card w/ $20. I figured that it was enough considering it really wasn't for anything. I figure high school graduation you give money so they can buy stuff they need for college or what not. College graduation is a big deal b/c you are done w/ school/starting your life whatever. What happens after 8th grade. Um, you still live at home w/ your mom and dad who pay for everything. My kids will not be having 8th grade graduation parties.

[daisies05]

I think this is a regional thing...Where I grew up, it wasn't a big deal at all. I think we went to dinner with my immediate family and my grandparents. Where I live now, there are parties and (monetary) gifts are expected.

I think it's a little ridiculous, but that's probably because of where I grew up and because my kids haven't graduated anything yet...

[Velvetshady]

Sorry, but no matter how important people think completing 8th grade is, it is--by definition--not a "graduation". The definition of "graduation" is not a regional thing. Unless there is a region of the United States that confers a recognized degree or diploma after 8th grade? (Please provide details on *who* actually recognizes it as well. I can assure you that the Fed Govt doesn't in hiring, nor does any large Fortune 100 company I've dealt with in my career.)

It is the height of stupidity to celebrate an educational milestone by calling it something that it is--by definition--not. Ignorance. Pure and simple. I'd give a major side-eye to any educational institution that referred to completing 8th grade as a "graduation". If *they* don't understand the basic meaning of simple words, then WTF are they teaching the kids?





Hey, everyone, I'm inviting you all to my Bar Mitzvah on Sat. People traditionally give gifts at those right? It doesn't matter that I'm not Jewish. Or a male. Or anywhere close to coming of age anymore. I'm special and deserve gifts. :drink:

[mayflowers22]

I'd get her a gift card.