Marriage and Family: Graduation Open House Season!

As we all know, this is the time of year where high school seniors take the almighty commencement walk to receive their diplomas. You may know a young man or young lady who will be experiencing this great milestone in their lives. Because of this you and your family will be invited to open houses and with this requires some sort of gift or money gift. What do you choose and what can you afford?

This time of year has the potential to be a financial burden, but this is only if you know or are related to someone who will be graduating this year. It does not have to be a burden there are many creative ways to make the graduate still feel special about their accomplishments.

If you really want to give them money but really can't afford to give the appropriate amount here is a cute and creative idea. Since the senior this year is the graduating class of 2008, give them $20.08. This is to recognize their graduating year. In the card say something witty like. "As you are a graduate of 2008, $2,000.08 would be great." This wouldn't make sense since I do not have it so how about $20. 08 towards it as credit."

Giving the graduate a new pen with box of chocolates is a nice and inexpensive idea from your family. Have the younger children make a nice card and tape coins all over the inside of the card. Any amount of money is appreciated and adds up quickly.

Give the graduate some graduation balloons with a card and a graduation bear or type of stuffed animal. Anything along these lines still recognizes that the graduate accomplished their goal.

Photo albums are also an inexpensive alternative, especially if the graduate will be going away for college. They can put family pics inside in case they feel homesick. You can also make the graduate a care package to take along with them to college. Anything to help get them off on the right foot their freshman year of college will greatly help them through the challenging transition.

As you can see there are many ways to help out a graduate or two without causing a financial burden or strain on yourself. They will still feel appreciated in whatever you are able to give them.