Ditch the Money Envelope — These Grad Gifts for Kids Encourage an Ongoing Love of Learning (2024)

FAQs

How much money is appropriate for a graduation gift? ›

Graduate school graduation marks a major professional achievement. The gift-giving guidelines are as follows: $100 - $200: For distant relatives and acquaintances. $200 - $500: For close friends and immediate family.

According to this piece, financial planners say the gift should be equal to approximately one month's rent or mortgage payment, somewhere around $1,000. The article said parents should give their children between $1,000 and $5,000 when they graduate from college.

High School Graduation

For high school grads, the average gift is around $50 to $200. To decide an amount, consider if this is a close friend or family member.

Ree Drummond is one graduation goer who has successfully cracked the gift code after years of being in charge of gifts for her kids' many birthdays, graduations, and other major milestones. "High school grads seem to appreciate things they can use right away—like gift cards, electronics, or cold hard cash," Ree says.

The amount varies based on age bracket, but parents are typically the highest spenders. The average high school graduation money gift is between $30 and $200 dollars.

Some families and family friends may choose to spend closer to $100 - $500, depending on their finances and the needs of the graduate. It is important to take into account what the graduate is planning to do after graduation and whether they truly need money.

Co-worker: $20 - $30. Close friend or sibling: $25-$75. Niece, Nephew, Grandkid: : $50- $100.

If the graduate is: A child of parents: $100-500. A child of close relatives (for instance, grandparents): $50-300. A distant relative: $50-100.

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. If it's a college graduate it's around $50, Symington said.

Go for a Polished Look

Typically, there isn't a dress code to follow when deciding what to wear to graduation as a guest. However, to show respect for the graduating class, I always try to wear something polished. I also ensure that it isn't too tight, too revealing, or too short.

Is cash a good high school graduation gift? ›

Cash is king, and for any high school graduate, cash is a one-size-fits-all gift that is oh-so-useful for gas money, textbooks, dorm decorations, late-night snacks or anything else.

Close friends, adults, and relatives should always bring a gift, while acquaintances can opt for a nice card with a personalized message. If you have accepted invitations to many graduation parties, you should prioritize buying gifts for your close friends and family.

While some parents splurge on a car or computer, many choose less elaborate, but still meaningful, gifts to commemorate the day. Jewelry (often engraved with the date), books, cash or stock certificates, luggage, a camera, or graduation rings are all presents the graduate will appreciate in the years ahead.

As an announcement receiver, you can always send something to the celebrant. A gift or a friendly card to surprise the graduate and their family is appropriate. If you attend the commencement ceremony, you should send a gift.

Whatever is in your budget is appropriate. If you want to give a check for $50 or $100, great. You can always go for a non-cash gift that will be helpful for the grad — something like a book about finances for young adults, or a frame for her or his diploma.

A gift or a friendly card to surprise the graduate and their family is appropriate. If you attend the commencement ceremony, you should send a gift.

If your graduate is headed to college, give him the college gear he'll wear on game days, like a sweatshirt, tee, or baseball cap. We recommend browsing Fanatics — it's full of clothing, hats, bags, balls, games, and drinkware for NCAA schools.

They suggest the following breakdown: coworkers or distant relatives should spend 50 to 75 dollars. Friends or relatives, 75 to 100 dollars. For close friends, family members, or if you're in the wedding party, you should spend 100 to 150 dollars—or more.