What a tough one this week's 'Yo Laura' was for me! Lynn sent me this:

"Love the show!  What is the correct etiquette when one receives an announcement (no party invitation) for high school or college graduation, or baby’s birth etc.  Required to send a gift or no?  Would love to know what majority of listeners think.  Thanks."

It was such a good question that the many people I asked around the office couldn't even come to an agreement.  And it's a timely one too because UCF students JUST GRADUATED last week!

Since there were a few differing opinions, I had to gather the 'majority' because it's not a universal answer.  To me, it was obvious.

Here's what I think is a solid answer based on reading several websites and etiquette blogs:

Miss Conduct's blog summed it up like this,

"A gift is not required; a card (addressed to the family if you don't know the child), phone call, or e-mail to the parents is sufficient."

So, an announcement is just that, an announcement of a life event. (Birth, Marriage, Graduation etc)
 
An invitation, however, is different.  I think a gift IS proper and obligatory after receiving an invitation to something, even if you can't attend. 
 
***Side note:  I can see where it gets sticky when you know the student who is graduating, or their parent on a more personal level.  In that case, you have to use your judgment on whether it's appropriate to send a gift after receiving only an announcement.
 
For example, if you were great friends with someone in college, but have completely lost touch since and it's been years...FORGET IT!  They're probably just fishing for gifts and that's tacky.
 
But, if you regularly exchange holiday cards or birthday cards with this person, they're probably in the 'gift circle' when you get an announcement. 
 
Hope that helps Lynn! 
 
If you have a question/concern/comment email me lauradiaz@xl1067.com and put Yo Laura in the subject line.
 
Besos! xoxo