what to give for elementary "graduation"

[petey44]

My best friend's oldest daughter will be "graduating" from elementary school in 2 weeks.  A little back info- the daughter has MANY special needs- physical, emotional, and behavioral.  Mom (my friend) has worked unrelentingly as her daughter's advocate, guaranteeing her many opportunities that other parents might not have fought so hard for.  I say all this just in case anyone reading thinks there's no reason to give anything for an elementary graduation.  I know that this girl will go far in life so she will have high school and college graduations, but I also feel that the way this girl has developed, worked, struggled, and persevered deserves to be recognized.  It needs to be in check form because her graduation day coincides with my last day of work (I'm a teacher) and they live 2.5 hours away, so there's no way I can be there for the actual event.

I want to give an appropriate amount- not too much (like it would be weird for just elementary school) but not too little either.  I seriously have no ballpark figure even to work from.

So what do you think?

[pianojazzgirl]

Um... maybe $25-$50???  What a lovely thought.  I'm sure she'll appreciate it!  :)

[mumkimum]

$20-40 range would probably be sufficient - Would probably be enough for something special/needed for her or a family meal out to celebrate (or nice to save).   

[CarrieMF]

When my own dd "graduated" from Elementary we gave her $20.  Every year at the end of school we give them $ for their report cards too so this was in addition to that.

[Polliwog]

I would probably do a $15-$20 gift card.

[crunchy_mommy]

Given the circumstances (since I would normally give nothing!) I would do $25-50, depending what you can budget... I would also include a really nice hand-written note or card elaborating on what you wrote here, because I bet she & her family would be more touched by that than by any sum of money.

[Linda on the move]

Include a very heartfelt card. Let her know how wonderful she is, and how much you believe in her.

My sn DD just graduated from 8th grade, and these milestones ARE a big deal for kids who struggle to make them.

[petey44]

Thanks for the replies!!  I'm probably going to go around the $40 mark, and of course will include a note acknowledging the special challenges that she has dealt with and overcome.

Linda on the move, congratulations to your DD!