How much for High School graduation gift

[Vijoge]

DGD (not the one who lives with me) is graduating next week from high school. She is planning to start Community College in June so I bought her a laptop. She doesn't have one and I figured it will be something she will need. I contemplated giving her cash, but as DH reminded me, her mother would just spend it. I won't be giving her the receipt because there's always the chance her mom will try to return it for cash. When she was little I used to buy her clothes and that's what her mother did. Sad, i know.

Her sister's BF is graduating also. I will probably give him $50. We aren't close and I haven't been invited to his graduation party so I think that's adequate.

 

[mom2t]

I gave my nephews $50 for high school and $100 for college since they are starting out in a new job and would have expenses the first month before getting paid.

 

[GOOFY4DONALD]

We have been giving the nieces (have had one a year for the past 4 years) who graduate $100. I have one graduating from high school this month and am toying with only giving her $50. The family lives in a house I own and pay mortgage on but they don't pay me rent and have pretty much trashed the house to the point I'm not sure I'll be able to sell it for much more than I owe when they move out. My brother doesn't work and my SIL works a few days a week at their church and then cleans a few houses for cash. They live mostly off unemployment, child support from the girl's father and food stamps. I feel like I've been providing a roof over their heads for the past 5 years, that should be enough.

How sad...if I was in your situation and the niece is going to college I would still give 100.00 if she was not planning on going I would go with 50.00 and honestly you don't owe any explanation.

 

[Rhie]

My personal philosophy on gifts is this: Give something that someone else will appreciate (and most people appreciate money!) and don't hurt myself too much doing it. If you can spare $100 and feel good giving that, then go for it. If you feel its too much, then send $50 or a $25 gift card or whatever. I also make it about the person I am giving the gift to. I don't take into consideration what other people around them do (unless it would directly impact the gift) or what I've done for others in similar situations. People can act ungrateful but that's their problem.

That said, I would say though that be sure you aren't punishing the kids for what you think of their parents. Make it about your niece. Do you think she could handle $100 responsibly? Can you afford to give it? Would her parents try to pressure her into giving them that money? IS there some way you can help her without it going to her parents, like putting it a college book and supply fund?

Taking her parents out of the equation, do you want to give it to her? I suspect yes or this wouldn't be a question. So, I'd say do what your conscience says to do.

 

[kathy884]

I agree with Rhie. Do what's comfortable for you. There is no need to be overly generous if it's not comfortable for you financially or is more than you want to give. For my niece, I gave her $100 for graduating from college and some Mickey graduation ears (She is a huge Disney fan and I have been at Disney with her numerous times). When she was married I was more generous and gave her $1000. // Do note that I have a very small family and won't be needing to be even or anything like that and can just do whatever I want. // I would have no problem just giving $25, a little gift, a card, etc. either if that's all I wanted to give.

I just reread the post too and see that it says high school graduation. I have never given any relatives a high school graduation card or check. But they all live far away and I never flew into town for a party. For my niece above FYI -- I attended her college graduation, a college graduation party for her, and her wedding. I could drive to her graduation, but to fly to her wedding, get the hotel, rent a car, put the dog in a kennel, etc. that probably cost me another $3500 for my family of three.

 

[verleniahall]

Our standard graduation gift is a laundry basket with Tide Free and Clear with non scented dryer sheets, a roll of quarters, hangers, a stain remover (zout or shout) and if it is a girl, an intimates bag to toss in the wash

 

[cel_disney]

Our standard graduation gift is a laundry basket with Tide Free and Clear with non scented dryer sheets, a roll of quarters, hangers, a stain remover (zout or shout) and if it is a girl, an intimates bag to toss in the wash

That's a great gift! Do laundry machines still use quarters at most colleges? Or are they using credit or funny school account money these days? I might borrow this idea in the future!

 

[verleniahall]

That's a great gift! Do laundry machines still use quarters at most colleges? Or are they using credit or funny school account money these days? I might borrow this idea in the future!

I think it depends - I know the college here in town takes quarters but where I went, it was inlcuded for freshmen - you just had to scan your student ID, but after that it cost to do a load (or you could load money onto your ID card)

I figure its better to be safe than sorry and if they don't need it for laundry, it might get them a coffee later on

 

[Rhie]

Our standard graduation gift is a laundry basket with Tide Free and Clear with non scented dryer sheets, a roll of quarters, hangers, a stain remover (zout or shout) and if it is a girl, an intimates bag to toss in the wash

Haha that's a great gift! I have a house off-campus with friends, and it has a washer/dryer. But quarters can buy loads of Ramen and mac & cheese!

 

[Hikergirl]

We give our nieces and nephews $100 for Graduation. This year I have a niece and a nephew graduating, plus my own dd. It's going to be an expensive June.

 

[Justin91]

Thanks everyone. We gave each $100 and also purchased a nice frame for each to mount their diploma and graduation picture. We also purchased an additional fame for our nephew's girlfriend who also graduated. We did not give her any cash. We had a great time at the graduation ceremony and also at the celebration afterward. Thank you all for the recommendations!