Should I send out graduation announcements?

I asked that same question when I graduated. I was hand making each announcement because I was proud I was graduating. I wanted to share that excitement with everyone, friends and relatives near and far. The whole process was a learning experience for me because it was the first time I had taken that type of project all on myself. It was my high school graduation, so I figured it was my responsibility. I did not ask my parents for money for it or help other than providing me a mailing list of people they wanted on the list of recipients. After I had mailed a few out, someone made the comment to me in a conversation that sending announcements was another way of asking for a gift. I never finished them. I stopped sending them out and only the first few received them. My graduation to me was about my accomplishments and I didn’t want people feeling obligated to send me a gift just because I sent an announcement to those who were important to me, who I wanted to share my excitement and joy with. Looking back I would have done it differently. I would have sent them all and written no gifts please on the announcement. I got enough flack from everyone who did not receive an announcement for quite a while afterwards. My intention was not to slight or hurt anyone but it was taken that way by some people. It took a great deal of explaining to undo that mistake. Should you send out graduation announcements? It is something wonderful to share with people you care about. It makes them happy and feel included too. Mama Nono