DEAR MISS MANNERS: A young cousin of mine graduated from high school this spring and will be going to college in the fall.

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I asked his mother what celebrations they were planning; she responded that he didn’t seem to be interested in having a party.

I wanted to acknowledge his accomplishments, so the next time I saw him (at another cousin’s wedding reception), I presented him with a graduation card with a small monetary gift inside. His parents may not be aware of this.

Since then, I have received an invitation to a party in his honor. I don’t want to show up empty-handed, but my budget limits my generosity. What would be the best way to proceed?

GENTLE READER: The present you gave him acknowledged his graduation. What would be the purpose of a second one? To demonstr

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