Is it customary in the UK to give gaduation gifts? My niece and nephew both graduate this year, they are also my Godchildren. I don't want to appear ignorant or be embarrassed if this is the norm and I don't give anything. Does one give money etc? Ideas please.

Thanks

I don't think there's any hard and fast rule, Jenny, but as the two graduands are your god-children as well, I think I'd go for it. When each of my two daughters graduated, their great uncle asked them to choose a present - which they gratefully did - but he was the only one. I'd make the gift something sober rather than frivolous: it's a grand occasion after all!

Thank you Colin. Like I said, I don't want to be the only one NOT giving anything if this was the norm.

I agree with Colin, Jenny. These children are special to you, and it would be nice to give them something that marks the occassion.

On a side note, graduations are such a big deal over here, where almost every stage of school has some sort of ceremony.
When my daughter graduated from Grade 8, and went to high school, some parents were giving their children pretty expensive gifts. They'd already spent hundreds of dollars on graduation dresses, hair and makeup, limos, corsages etc..all for 13 and 14 year olds. It was crazy.

I went a bit more low key with the gift, and chose some little gold earrings for my daughter and a card just telling her how much she is loved and how proud she makes me feel.

They are not that special to me DG, I never see them and we are not close. They never even thank me for their birthday presents etc. I have not had any connection with graduations before and didn't know what the general rules were. As you say, you lot over their go really overboard on things like this. I will test the water by asking other family members and if they are buying then I will give something like a book token. Thanks again.