How Much Money for a Graduation Gift?

Graduation is a milestone worth celebrating, and many people wonder, "How much money should I give as a graduation gift?" Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, relative, or friend, this guide from Personal House will help you determine the appropriate amount for a graduation gift. Plus, if you’re looking for alternatives to cash, we’ll also suggest personalized graduation gift ideas that make meaningful keepsakes.

How Much Money Is Appropriate for a Graduation Gift?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to how much money for a graduation gift is "right." The appropriate amount depends on several factors. Let's break it down further:

Average Cash Gift for High School Graduation

When deciding how much to give for a high school graduation, consider your connection to the graduate. Parents and close family members often give more, while friends and acquaintances give smaller amounts.

• Parents/Grandparents: $100 - $300 (or more, depending on your financial situation). Some parents choose to give a larger gift, like a car or a contribution to a college fund, but this is certainly not expected.
• Aunts, Uncles, Close Friends: $50 - $150. This range shows you care without being overly extravagant.
• Casual Friends, Neighbors: $20 - $50. A thoughtful card with a smaller amount is perfectly acceptable. When trying to find how much to give for high school graduation, it's helpful to know what this money might go towards. For high school graduates, a monetary gift can be incredibly helpful for:
• College Expenses: Textbooks, tuition, fees – it all adds up!
• Dorm Essentials: Furnishing a dorm room can be surprisingly expensive.
• Savings: Starting a savings account or contributing to an existing one is a smart move for any young adult. This also helps answer the question how much money to give for high school graduation.

Graduation gift from family

How Much Money Should You Give for a College Graduation Gift?

College graduation represents years of hard work and dedication, often incurring significant student loan debt. As such, the college graduation gift amount for a niece, nephew, friend, or child is typically higher than for high school. Here's a suggested range:

• Parents: $300 - $1,000+ (or a significant non-monetary gift, like helping with student loan payments or a down payment on a car/apartment).
• Grandparents/Aunts/Uncles: $100 - $500. This shows your pride and support for their accomplishment.
• Friends/Coworkers: $50 - $200. A gift card to a relevant store (like a bookstore or a professional clothing store) is also a great option.

You can also consider some creative ways to gift money:

• Check: A classic and straightforward option.
• Gift Card: Choose a store that aligns with their interests or needs (Amazon, Target, a local restaurant, etc.).
• Savings Bonds: A gift that will grow over time (though less common these days).
• Digital payment apps Venmo, PayPal

Creative way to give money as a graduation gift

Is $1,000 a Good Graduation Gift?

Is $1000 a good graduation gift? In many cases, yes, it's a very generous gift! However, it's not the standard for everyone. Giving $1,000 makes sense in specific situations:

• Very Close Relationship: You're the graduate's parent, grandparent, or a very close sibling.
• College Graduation: This is a more substantial milestone than high school graduation.
• Financial Future: You want to give them a significant head start on their financial goals, like paying off student loans, saving for a down payment, or investing.

Other Graduation Gift Alternatives Besides Cash

If you prefer to give something more personal than money, consider customized gifts that reflect the graduate’s personality and journey.

• Personalized T-Shirt

A comfy tee with their name, graduation year, school motto, or a funny inside joke. Perfect for lounging around or showing off their school pride.

Personalized I'm Done Finally T-Shirt

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• Personalized Pillow

A cozy pillow with their name, a photo collage, or an inspirational quote. Great for dorm rooms or their first apartment.

Personalized I Graduated Can I Go To Bed Now Pillow

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• Personalized Tumbler

Keep them hydrated in style with a custom tumbler featuring their name, graduation year, or a fun design.

Personalized Before You All Your Dreams Tumbler

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• Personalized Canvas Print

A motivational piece of art for their new space, customized with their name, graduation date, or a favorite quote. It is a great gift amount for graduation too.

Personalized Congrats Graduates Canvas

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And don't forget the card! Knowing what to say in a graduation card is just as important as the gift itself. A heartfelt message expressing your pride and well wishes will mean the world to the graduate.

Conclusion

Choosing the right graduation gift amount can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be! Consider your relationship with the graduate, your budget, and the level of education they've achieved. Whether you give cash, a personalized gift from Personal House, or a combination of both, the most important thing is to show your support and celebrate their accomplishment.