Graduation gift/money to neighbors children you dont know and barely know the neighbor?

Question

We had invitations to come to our neighbors childrens high school graduation party in the neighbor hood. But my children do not play with their older children but have in the past played with both siblings of the graduating children. I just dont feel obligated since we dont even get together or talk more than a greeting we give when we see each other in the neighborhood. Also would $5 be cheap for people you dont know?

Answer 1

I'm sure they were just being "neighborly" when they offered an invitation to their party. Its just an invitation, and of course there is no obligation to either attend or bring a gift (is there ever?). A card would be a nice gesture (as was their invitation to you) but again, you are not "obligated" to do anything at all except thank them for their thoughtfulness and decline should you choose.

Answer 2

If you really feel strongly about not going, don't. Send your regrets. You might send a card, you might put some money in it, or not, as you see fit.
I think the party giving thing is way out of hand. People should invite relatives, and close friends and close neighbors.It could not be fun for the graduate, with a bunch of virtual strangers at his party. If you don't know the kid that well, you shouldn't have been invited. If you had been close, if the kid was in your house so frequently, you could almost claim to have helped raise him, that's a different story.
so, if you are close to the parents, go and put money in the card. If the younger kids are close, go a put some money in the card. If neither, skip it, and send a card.
Five dollars is what people gave me when I graduated from HS so many years ago, and it was insulting then. $15 for a I don't know him gift, $25 if you do.

Answer 3

I would never trust ANY dog 100% with neighbor's children. They should always be supervised. From Chihuahuas to Mastiffs. Especially a breed like the Dobie. I love the breed. I've owned a Dobie in the past & she was a wonderfully tempered dog, but people fear them. If ANYTHING bad happens the dog will be blamed and there is a chance the dog could be put to sleep over an incident. They are also capable of doing damage, so it pays to be careful & err on the side of caution. I would put up a real fence. It would be for the dogs protection from others wandering in to play with the cute doggie. As for the neighbors, I don't know what you can do about the one that fears all dogs. There are people like that and I can understand it. I keep my dog on a short lead around them. As for the others they will see what wonderful dogs Dobies really are. They may come to enjoy them as well. Good luck.

Answer 4

As you said you are not obligated, not close. Your relationship is a "hi" and that is it.

I wouldn't go nor give a gift/card. Sometimes these things get way out of hand. I doubt they will even ask why you didn't come.

I reserve gifts for close friends/family.

Answer 5

I don't know my neighbors that well either, but I'd slip a $10 in the card, no other gift. But any cash is better than nothing, especially if they're going to college.

Answer 6

You are not obliged to provide a gift. However, $5 would been viewed as an attempted insult. Better to give nothing.

Answer 7

Just tell them you won't be attending and forget about gifts. These are people you won't be seeing much and who don't mean much to you nor you to them. If you want to attend then just be there but don't bring any gifts except maybe a card.

Answer 8

Just a card is fine. You are not obligated to give money and $5.00 is insulting.

Answer 9

I would give the kid a card and that is about it. you don't owe them anything else since you are not close with the parents or kids just a card should be fine.

Answer 10

I think a congratulations card (without any money) is perfectly acceptable for people you don't know.