Is a graduation party for 8th graders gift-giving event?

Dear Polite One,

My son is graduating from 8th grade and is invited to multiple graduation parties for which I have been told that I am expected to give a gift to each kid. I can't afford gifts for all! And I know this really isn't a gift-giving event. But I'm assuming the parents don't know or don't care. I feel like they are milking this trend to bulk up their bank account.

Exhausted

Dear Exhausted,

Craziness! A graduation party for eighth-graders is far from a gift-giving event. Even if this were a graduation party for completion of high school, your son is not gift obliged, as he would also be a graduate. A card is the gift if he is attending any party.

Sincerely,

The Polite One

More by The Polite One

How-to plan a welcome home/graduation combo party?

How to plan graduation party for a kindergartner and announce a money tree?

Do we give gifts for all graduation parties?

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