My relative says i should give a gift of $$, tho gifts were specifically not asked for- what is right to do?

Question

Invited to friend's daughter's graduation dinner....invitation says "request nothing but your presence".

Answer 1

If the dinner is at your friend's house, I would take a small hostess gift - maybe a box of chocolates or a little potted plant.

For the girl who is graduating, I would give her a card. If you know this girl and her interests, maybe instead of giving her money, or a gift card, or a gift, you could make a donation in her name - maybe to a place where she's volunteered, or tied to one of her interests (e.g., if she's a pet lover, give a donation to the local animal shelter). Then in the card, you could say, "in honor of your graduation, a donation has been made in your name to [name the charity]).

This might be a nice compromise - and the money would also go to a good cause, and it might inspire your daughter's friend to volunteer there.

Answer 2

I would probably get her a congratulations card and put some money in it. That way if other people bring gifts or $$ you will not look bad for not bringing anything. But if people don't your card with $$ will not make others feel bad.

Answer 3

Don't take a gift.

I never could understand graduation gifts - why get something for an event that you're going to do anyway?

Answer 4

Then give a nice congrats card.