How much money do you give for graduation?

[Pam]

My niece is graduating from high school. I am trying to find out what the norm is in the amount of money given. I was thinking between $200.00 and $500.00....is this too much? How much do you give?

For casual friends or neighborhood kids, etc. we give $25.00-$30.00.

My DD graduated 3 years ago, my son is graduating next week woohoo: ) some Aunts and Uncles gave them $20.00, another $50.00, another $200.00... it's all over the place.

With close friends, we give $50.00, very close friends - $100.00.

I was planning on 50 for college graduations, and 20 for high school. Guess I am an el cheapo! THese are the children of friend's that we see once in a while, basically we know the parents more than the kids. For my nephew when he graduates in 6 years? Probably 100 or more at that point. No laptop from this auntie...

You're not being an el cheapo at all - that's in line with what we do!

I just finished writing out graduation cards. For friends of mine that we don't really know their kids, it was $25. For my best friend's son, he got $100.

Another !!

 

[VAN]

I am from a large family and have close to 50 nieces/nephews. I am also one of those who make more money than some of the other siblings. We are comfortable but by no means rich.

Anyway - we give $25 for HS graduation. I think we have been giving $25 for weddings, but I think I might up that to $50.

I must say, though, I only give gifts when I receive an announcement and/or open house invitation. I had one niece who was home schooled, was left to send out her own party invitations and didn't follow through. I didn't get an invite (not on purpose), so didn't gift. The next year her sister graduates and so the mom (my sister) makes sure invitations are sent. Gift given, but no thank you note!!! We gave my sister a hard time about this for several months (oh yeh, she needs to do that yet) - but no thank you note. I just don't understand how hard it can be to sign a note - they certainly were able to sign the check!!! .... okay, done with rant.

Everyone is different, give what you can afford based on your own circumstances ... just make sure that you are able to do the same for other ones going forward (e.g. give same to all nieces/nephews) ... you don't want to create hard feelings because you gave one more than another.

As someone else said, it's all over the board.

 

[AuntieM03]

My goodness you are a generous lot. When I graduated high school I was happy when I got $10 from my aunt/uncles. I am giving my niece $50. She is going to a community college this fall and then hoping to transfer. I told her when she gets into a dorm I will buy whatever she needs to furnish it.

 

[simba928]

I'm graduating next year! Yall wanna come? I would be glad to have you all at my party! LOL.

Anywho...It depends on how close you are. I think $100 is fine, but if you really want to give more, give more. I also think the gift cards are a good idea, especially the gas one if she pays for her own gas. Since its getting so expensive, I'm sure it will be much appreciated. My aunt (my uncle's wife) wanted to get me and my cousin (who is 6 months younger than me and graduating the year after me) something really nice that we will have forever. She first met us when I was like a year old, and everytime she sees us, she says "You girls are growing up so fast! I remember when I first met you, you were this big!" I can just see her crying hysterically at my graduation. LOL. She decided that she was going to get me and my cousin the original Tiffany charm bracelets. I am really excited and think that is a great idea! I can wear it all the time and it will never go out of style.

 

[tiff13]

So I'll be the graduates point of view: If someone gives me $100, I'd be more than thankful. Honestly, I would feel guilty and want to give some back. But thats just me. And I think the gift cards are a great idea. Even pencils, staplers, a printer,... it all adds up quickly. Also if they are going out of state, maybe airline points/miles?

 

[HOGFAN]

$50 should be plenty.

 

[crz4mm2]

My niece is graduating from high school. I am trying to find out what the norm is in the amount of money given. I was thinking between $200.00 and $500.00....is this too much? How much do you give?

Can I be your niece? LOL.

 

[sunee]

Depends on how much I like the kid and whether or not they are a Godchild.

A kid who is a Godchild that I like, $500.

A friend's kid that I don't like much, $50 - $100.

$100 is pretty typical around here.

 

[tinatark]

I think a nice set of luggage is also a great graduation gift.

 

[Ciao Mickey]

My niece is graduating from high school. I am trying to find out what the norm is in the amount of money given. I was thinking between $200.00 and $500.00....is this too much? How much do you give?[/QUOTE

Wow. I bet she'll be thrilled to receive $500. How much are you going to give her when she gets married? You're a very generous auntie.

 

[CJBaby]

I really think that what I give can't help you decide what you should give. People are from all different socio-economic backgrounds (and stances on gift-giving,) and what might seem like a ridiculously large amount to some isn't to others and vis-versa. I would go with your original instinct.

 

[Goofyzgurl]

Great question, we have two cousins who are graduating this saturday. I was thinking $50, so I was right on track.

 

[antmaril]

My niece is graduating from high school. I am trying to find out what the norm is in the amount of money given. I was thinking between $200.00 and $500.00....is this too much? How much do you give?

My niece is graduating in a few days. I plan to give her $250. This is the amount my son got from both my sister and my husband's brother when he graduated two years ago. We thought these were very generous gifts and my son was thrilled to receive them. I will give the same to my niece.