How much do you give for HS graduation?

**nodmicks** · 05-04-2010, 10:35 AM

I know how much we gave our nieces and nephews. However I'm a bit torn on how much to give someone you are not real close too. Might not recognize on the street.

A very old friend of mine who I do dearly care for but rarely see sent out graduation invites for her child. I have only seen the child once in the last 6 years. Part of it is living far apart. I regularly get pictures updates on the kids etc. I really don't know what is an appropriate gift amount so I'm asking what do you give?

**Contrary Housewife** · 05-04-2010, 10:40 AM

I would send a card only. If that. You don't know this kid and he probably doesn't know who you are either. Your social obligation is to your friend.

**lovestoread** · 05-04-2010, 11:55 AM

Here is what I did when my oldest daughter graduated 2 yrs ago and now my youngest daughter is graduating this year...for her really close friends, I gave $20 and to others it was either $5-10...family ..neices and nephews got a nice gift...and a few friends who she didn't spend time with got a card....

**Ali Lee** · 05-04-2010, 12:15 PM

stating..."I really care for" means to me she's special to you. I would send a McD's gift card for 5$ for the child & a congratulations card to your friend.

**Neeley** · 05-04-2010, 12:15 PM

For our kid's close friends, we do either $50 cash or a gift equivalent to that amount.

For their other friends, we do $25.

If it's not someone I don't see often, $20 if anything.

**beks37** · 05-04-2010, 12:24 PM

I would say $20 to $25 would be appropriate and a card.

**frugalfranny** · 05-04-2010, 12:55 PM

Thanks nomicks, for this post.

I have no advice but I have a similar situation and will be watching the answers.

would appreciate an update on what you decided to do.

**xtena** · 05-04-2010, 04:40 PM

Call me cheap, but I wouldn't give any money just a card in this particular instance.

**Lady_V** · 05-04-2010, 06:16 PM

Pecking order of graduation gifts around here

The 'uh, is this your side or mine' email announcement-- gets an e-card
The 'oh ya, I remember them, we played as kids' - card
The 'Mom said we're related' or the 'I know we're related but you only sent it because YOUR mom said to'- $20 gift card
The 'I know you, I like you, you've been there for me' - $50
The 'I know you, I love you, we've been there for each other' - $100

If I am going to the party, I will put together a 'post-graduation survival kit' instead of giving a gift card.

Now... for me... just give me CHOCOLATE!

**Mom23boys** · 05-04-2010, 06:47 PM

I usually give $100 for nieces and nephews and $25 for friends and other family members. I am just closer to my nieces than cousins.

**nodmicks** · 05-04-2010, 08:35 PM

Thanks everyone. What a nice wide range of answers.
Frugalfranny I think I'll do $20 in a card. I know even without an invite she would send a gift to my kids.

**frugalfranny** · 05-05-2010, 01:16 AM

Thanks nodmicks...........this thread gave me some ideas.

Not sure what I will do yet.

**sunshine** · 05-05-2010, 05:56 AM

I like to do checks for graduation . . in the amount of the year. . . so this year's grad's will get a check for $20.10 - not a huge difference in cost to me, but kinda cute for the receiver.

For my kid's classmates - I made candy bar wrappers on the computer, with "Congrats! Northwestern Class of 2010!" I also went to Oriental trading and ordered some graduation trinkets (bubble gum, bouncy balls, etc. I put them in baggies and handed them out in the receiving line after graduation.

**Michelle** · 05-05-2010, 07:46 AM

Originally Posted by sunshine

I like to do checks for graduation . . in the amount of the year. . . so this year's grad's will get a check for $20.10 - not a huge difference in cost to me, but kinda cute for the receiver.

That's a very cute idea!