How much to give for graduation gift?

[Minnie824]

We have to go to a graduation party in a few weeks...its the daughter of DH's childhood friend graduating from high school. This is our first graduation party in a long long time and not sure of how much to give as a gift? Any suggestions? Whats a normal amount to give? Thanks!

 

[tomthebarncat]

My standard, wedding, graduation gift is 50.00. I only give money to students graduating who are going to college, if you are just hanging out on moms couch, you don't need my money to do that.

 

[Rora]

OP- I think you're going to find a lot of broad numbers suggested. My advice: give what you can afford and what you think is appropriate. Of course, if you've known the person longer, give a bit more. If you don't know them well, give less.

If I were in your shoes, I'd give $30 based upon my current financial situation.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

If we are close to the family we gave $100. If they are just social friends we give $50.

Judging on my kids graduation gifts this is the norm in our area.

 

[Christine]

Depending on the amount of contact you have with DH's friend, I give anywhere between $25 and $50 for a high school grad gift. If you are close enough to actually attend the party, I'd give $50 probably.

 

[Darcy03231]

We give between $25-$50 depending on how close we are with the friends and between $50-$100 for family, again depending on how close we are with them.

 

[Disney Doll]

If we are close to the family we gave $100. If they are just social friends we give $50.

Judging on my kids graduation gifts this is the norm in our area.

This.

 

[Tricia1972]

We give between $25-$50 depending on how close we are with the friends and between $50-$100 for family, again depending on how close we are with them.

This is typical in our area as well.

 

[golfgal]

We give between $25-$50 depending on how close we are with the friends and between $50-$100 for family, again depending on how close we are with them.

This is typical in our area too. DS17 got mostly $20-25 gifts, a few $100 gifts from close family though.

 

[MarilIncredible]

We give between $25-$50 depending on how close we are with the friends and between $50-$100 for family, again depending on how close we are with them.

This sounds about right for my area, too.

 

[TinklednPants]

My standard, wedding, graduation gift is 50.00. I only give money to students graduating who are going to college, if you are just hanging out on moms couch, you don't need my money to do that.

Usually $100.

And why the stipulations? The gift is for graduating High School.

 

[OceanAnnie]

We give between $25-$50 depending on how close we are with the friends and between $50-$100 for family, again depending on how close we are with them.

Same here. It also depends on how many graduates there are in one year. We have a lot this year! It adds up quick.

 

[savannahcat]

Same here. It also depends on how many graduates there are in one year. We have a lot this year! It adds up quick.

I agree. We have a lot this year too! We are giving $25 for friends and $50 for family.

 

[Mrs.Toad]

I agree. We have a lot this year too! We are giving $25 for friends and $50 for family.

We only had one this year, but these are the standard amounts we've given for high school graduation.

 

[tomthebarncat]

Usually $100.

And why the stipulations? The gift is for graduating High School.

It has always been my understanding that the money is to be used for future college expenses, such as dorm items, books, beer money, etc. I have only recieved one announcement in 10 years and that was from my nephew who is headed to Harvard in the fall. No one in my spouses side of the family has gone to college, so we have not sent them any money. When I graduated my dad took me out to dinner and gave me a dozen roses, not monetary gifts from anyone were recieved nor expected. The amount of monetary gift giving occasions has really increased over the years. I am still old school about alot of things...

 

[luvmy3]

It has always been my understanding that the money is to be used for future college expenses, such as dorm items, books, beer money, etc. I have only recieved one announcement in 10 years and that was from my nephew who is headed to Harvard in the fall. No one in my spouses side of the family has gone to college, so we have not sent them any money. When I graduated my dad took me out to dinner and gave me a dozen roses, not monetary gifts from anyone were recieved nor expected. The amount of monetary gift giving occasions has really increased over the years. I am still old school about alot of things...

When I give a monetary gift for Graduation I do it with the thought that they can use it for whatever they want, whether it be contributig to their college expenses, a new car, bills or to blow it in Vegas. I see it as a gift for graduation, not financial aide for any future education.

OP, I agree with the others, give what you can afford, and depending on how close you are. For family I give $100, for close friends of family it would be $50.

 

[PatsGirl]

I attended a party yesterday and gave the graduate $40. I really wasn't sure how much either but although I am very good friends with her parents she has not attended any of the social events or beach outings with them for many years and I don't feel as though we are "close" by any means. I keep second-guessing myself that I should have given $50 but it's done now

I think if the graduate babysat for me or worked in another capacity for my family or even was around for cookouts, etc. I might have been inclined to give more. And, not sure that it matters, but it's just myself and DD13 who attended the party.

 

[ksjayhawks]

I give $10 to $20. That seems to be fairly normal around here.

 

[kimblebee]

I have never heard of anyone giving or recieving money for graduating high school. Isn't that something you are supposed to do anyways? That would be like trying to get my mom to give me $50 for managing to make my bed for 13 years. Not gonna happen

 

[MI mom of 3]

Learned this one when my daughter graduated a few years ago.

If this is a child who you are not very close to write the check for the graduation year....i.e. this year the check is written for $20.10

If you want to give a little more my husband folded a $20 and a $10 and taped them together so the numbers read 2010.

Of course if we are close, or they are family the amount goes up to $50 or $100