MysticalMom said:
My oldest daughter graduates from High School tonight.
We've paid for her graduation trip and new luggage, and got her a nice gift Visa for spending on her trip.
But...
I'm headed out in a bit to buy her something else. I want to give her some kind of jewelry piece to mark the occassion, just from mom, but I'm having trouble deciding what. Any suggestions for something nice for 200 bucks or less. Less would be better.
This is Wenchy's daughter, Rebecca. I'm graduating tomorrow night, Valedictorian. And honestly, graduation from high school is not a big deal. All you need is to pass English for four years (which shouldn't be hard at all, it IS the language we speak, right?), math for three (which doesn't have to be hard math), and science for three (again, not tough), and a bunch of specials and electives which aren't hard, again. I realize that it's harder for some kids than others, but it's not tough unless you take tough classes.
I don't really expect anything from anyone for my high school graduation and I didn't really feel like going, either. I'm only going because we have 109 seniors and it's considered blasphemy if you don't go to graduation in Delmar. Besides, I have teachers who really want to see me go, so I'm going for them (and I have to give my speech, since I accepted the honor of being Valedictorian, or as my friends say, ValeDICKtorian).
I got a Laptop and some money already. I didn't send out announcements (they cost money and I've been annoyed when distant relatives sent me theirs). I appreciate all I've gotten, but I don't feel like it was necessary.
It's wonderful that you're proud of your daughter (it's a special time) and want to give her gifts, but you've given her so much already. A spending visa!?! That's awesome, you shouldn't feel like you need to get her an expensive necklace...and you have a few more kids who are going to graduate, too. She should be giving YOU a gift for making her stay in school and doing well enough to graduate. If you didn't push her, she wouldn't be there.
Hold that necklace for when she gets her bachelor's or master's or P.h.D. Those are true, hard acomplishments. They aren't forced upon students like high school is. It takes true motivation to go to college, pay it, and not fail out from partying too much.
The biggest gift mom's giving me is letting me move in with my boyfriend (TWO DAYS). It's better than any necklace (which I either wouldn't wear or would be scared to lose), and mom's going to take me grocery shopping and buy me my own tweezers.
I don't mean to be rude in saying that your daughter hasn't accomplished anything from graduating from high school, it IS an accomplishment (there are always kids who drop out and get pregnant and go to jail). It shouldn't be rewarded as heavily, it should just be EXPECTED.
I'm sure you agree
You beat me to it.
But I can't help it. She struggled through highschool and the fact that's she's graduating, on time, with her class, feels like an accomplishment for me too. Pooh doesn't ask for anything...and expects nothing. It's why I like to give to her when I can. Lucky for her..right now I can. 
I'll just calculate the gas cost to transport her butt, and subtract that from the rent.