How much should you give as a graduation gift? (2024)

FAQs

How much should you give a high school graduation? ›

Your Budget Range

If you are on a tight budget, you can give a cash gift between $10 – $50, but if you prefer to give a little more, you can give as high as $200. However, keep in mind that you should spend what you can afford and consider your relationship with the high school grads.

According to savingadvice.com, good etiquette when it comes to grad gifts is $20 to 50 for high school grads you are not close with. They say $50 to $100 is a good amount for closer friends and family members. The article also says that for college graduation, people spend between $100 and $500 on graduation gifts.

You are not obligated to give a gift, although you may choose to do so. Whether or not you send a present, a card or note of congratulations is always appreciated.

A college graduation is a major milestone, so you may want to mark this occasion with a piece of real jewelry for your child. Gift ideas for parents like a subtle gold necklace, handsome ID bracelet, fashionable wristwatch, or a set of pearl earrings are all elegant gift ideas that can be worn on job interviews.

What is this? For siblings, distant relatives, and friends, spending between $15 to $25 is totally appropriate. If you're celebrating college and higher-education graduates, you may want to spend a little bit more since their achievement is much harder. But again, don't feel obligated to go outside of your budget.

Cash is always appreciated or a gift card. You can also give a gift if you know what they are going to be doing after graduation. If it's someone who is graduating from high school, the minimum is $20-$25.

According to Love to Know, cash gifts for high school graduates are typically at least $100 if the gift is coming from a parent. If it's a grandparent, then a cash gift ranges from $50–$100+, while gifts from siblings or friends are in the range of $20–$75.

While it's not required to bring a gift to a graduation party, etiquette recommends that all attendees bring a card and small gift. When deciding whether to bring a present, you should factor in how close you are to the graduate, how large the party will be, and how many parties you will be attending.

Are gift cards appropriate for graduation? ›

Whether they're graduating from high school, college, grad school or beyond this spring, the grads in your life deserve praise -- and gifts -- for their accomplishments. If you're not too sure what to get them, a gift card is always a good bet -- and Amazon has tons of options.

Marking your achievement with a memento of your studies such as a gift, or memorabilia, helps provide for a marker for the learning you have acquired, thus ensuring it is retained.

There aren't any hard and fast rules for what to wear to graduation, but when in doubt, wear a dress. You could choose a skirt/slacks and top or a dressy jumpsuit, but this is a celebration of your hard work, so it's always better to be overdressed than underdressed.

It's safe to say most college graduates or students want money. This gift card, which comes in a cute graduation cap box, makes it perfect for the occasion. Glowing Review: "Great graduation gift for those not sure what the new graduate wants. Better than gifting money since you know where they'll be spending it."

For close family members, such as parents or grandparents, $500-$1000 is not an unreasonable gift amount. If you are an aunt, uncle, or family friend, $50-$100 is more in line with what is typical. And, of course, if you are on a tight budget, a heartfelt card with well wishes is always appreciated.

Ideally, new graduates should work to create an emergency savings account with at least three to six months' worth of living expenses, but even an extra $200 or so can be a good place to start. The last 30% of your budget can go toward spending on nonessential expenses like travel, eating out and shopping.

For those who are close to you and graduating from high school, a cash gift in the range of $50 – $100 is most often appropriate. If the person is part of your immediate family, the gift should be appropriate to what your family does in gift-giving situations.

How much should I give my nephew for Christmas? ›

$5 to $15 is a good range for family members you don't see very often. Between $25 to $40 is good for closer relatives like nephews and cousins.

The following cash amounts are generally acceptable: $20 to $25 for a co-worker or acquaintance, $50 for a close friend and upwards of $100 for a family member.

The average wedding gift amount hovers right around $100, which is a great place to start, and you can increase or decrease that based on how close you are. If you're very close or related to the couple (and have the wiggle room in your budget), you may choose to spend more—about $150 per guest (or $200 from a couple).

THE ETIQUETTE

She offers these guidelines to wedding-goers wherever they might be: A distant relative or co-worker should give $75-$100; a friend or relative, $100-$125; a closer relative, up to $150.

It's a ceremonial event and formal dress is normally customary. Jeans, t-shirts, trainers and other casual clothes are not considered appropriate and some universities might not let you into your graduation ceremony wearing them.

Consider the range of $10-$300.

These guidelines may be helpful: Acquaintances and friends: $10-20. Children of family friends: $20-50. Relatives (sibling, niece): $50-100.

There is no official Commencement dress code, but for those who are still scrambling for picture-perfect attire, here are some practical tips to help dress and prep for the big day. Fall 2022 Commencement is a rain or shine event. Graduates and guests are advised to monitor the weather forecast and dress as needed.

Gifts for grads

Whether the student is college-bound, taking a gap year or jumping into a career, mark this important time in every grad's life with a high school graduation gift that shows family and friends care – something that's especially important during these unprecedented times.

$50-125 Gift Range. In this price range you start getting into some really nice high school graduation gifts grandparents can give.

Do you bring flowers to graduation? ›

Absolutely! Graduation flowers are the perfect gift to celebrate the academic achievements of your loved one. We've put together this short guide on graduation gift etiquette and how to choose the best bouquet.

"High school grads seem to appreciate things they can use right away—like gift cards, electronics or cold hard cash," she admits.

The traditional white gown for graduation has been a tradition since around the 19th century at schools across the country.

For a woman, proper attire would be a cotton dress, a skirt and blouse, or a nice pantsuit. If the ceremony occurs at night, parents may wear darker or more formal clothing, and jackets would be suitable for either mothers or fathers.

For college graduation and university ceremonies, a black or royal blue is usually an appropriate suit. If you're attending a master's degree ceremony, then you can wear a lighter color such as khaki or beige. The location also matters when it comes to choosing colors.

If the invitation doesn't specifically state the dress code, go with a nice dress or skirt/slacks with a blouse combination. It's a safe bet and you'll always feel more comfortable dressed up than dressed down. Don't wear jeans!

Guests generally don't wear T-shirts, jeans, casual shorts, casual sandals or revealing garments, like strapless tops.

Money and gift cards are appropriate and welcome.

Always include a card and a handwritten note with the gift card, check or cash.

How much - This depends on how familiar you are with the graduate. Shutterfly suggests a gift of $15 to $30 for a sibling. Grandparents, aunts, and uncles should consider giving between $20 and $50. More distant relatives and family friends $15 on up is appropriate.

How much should I give my nephew for college graduation? ›

Acquaintances and friends: $10-20. Children of family friends: $20-50. Relatives (sibling, niece): $50-100. Children from (grand)parents: $100-300.

THE ETIQUETTE

She offers these guidelines to wedding-goers wherever they might be: A distant relative or co-worker should give $75-$100; a friend or relative, $100-$125; a closer relative, up to $150.

How Much Should Grandparents Spend on a High School Graduation Gift? I've seen multiple websites claim that $20 to $50 is the appropriate amount grandparents should spend on a high school graduation.

If he would appreciate it, $1,000 would be great. Any number of $100 bills that you chose to give would be fine, or an equivalent check.

Here is a some examples:

$5 to $15 is a good range for family members you don't see very often. Between $25 to $40 is good for closer relatives like nephews and cousins.

Get them a little something to show how proud you are. Whether the tween in your life is excited about entering high school, graduating is a big milestone to celebrate. One way you can congratulate the young graduate this year is with an 8th grade graduation gift.