How much $$ for graduation gift??

[SusanMac]

My step-nephew (I guess that's the appropriate term) is graduating from high school this month. He's the first in our family (DS' other kids are quite little). It's been ages since we've given gifts for graduation. We know that he definitely wants money. For birthday & Christmas, we typically give various gift certificates worth about $20-25. Should we give the same amount for graduation? More? Does it matter?

What is the common/appropriate amount these days for high school graduation gifts??

Thanks!

[KimE]

What I have done for about 6 years now was give the amount of the graduation year. My DD graduated in 1999 and had received a couple of checks for 19.99, they were from friends, not close family. I thought it was really cute so I kind of took the idea. This year we have a couple of neighbors graduating so the checks will be for 20.05.:p

Kim

PS It is really cute how they remember and note that in the Thank You notes I have received

[zackaboo]

My thought has always been that a one-time momentous occasion such as graduation warrants more than an annual gift would. However, I would also keep in mind how many of these gifts you will have to give over the next several years because you certainly don't want to go broke giving money for graduation :) so I think you have to be careful what kind of precedence you set with this one.

[tippy7]

When I graduated from high school(in 2000) my monetary gifts from relatives were between $50 and $100, with the exception of my grandparents, who gave much more. I would give more than you do for birthdays and holidays since it is a special occasion.

I know my mom and one of my aunts set an amount before the graduations started, since my cousins and siblings are all around the same age, which alleviates the potential for any awkwardness.

[donleyk]

I think it depends on your relationship with the kid. If it isn't very close, $20-25 is plenty. Just think about how many of those they're likely to get! I think KimE's idea is great.

You're really should not be expected to finance college. Do what is comfortable.

[starlight]

I just gave $25 to a boy at our church. His mom is in my Sunday School class and I've know her for years. If the student is real close, I might give a little more. I gave $50 to college graduates, but not to everyone that just sent an invitation, only ones I've know well throughout the college years.

I got a college grad. invitation to someone my son knew well in High School back in 1998. He just graduated and I haven't seen him since HS. Guess who's NOT getting money! He doesn't even keep in touch with my son!!!

[SusanMac]

Thanks for the input, guys! After thinking it through, I think we'll probably give $40, as we want it to be a bit more special than birthdays. Plus, now that he's out of school & moving away from home, we probably won't be giving annual birthday gifts anymore.

The $20.05 idea is pretty cute! (but since it's less than we usually give, I figured that wouldn't be right)