How much money should you give as a graduation gift?

The answer varies based on your relationship, budget, and cultural expectations.

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Gifts for grads: 5 factors to consider

Struggling to figure out how much you should give as a graduation gift? Let’s take a look at some key factors and review suggested amounts for some different scenarios.

Your relationship

The closer you are to the graduate, the greater the expectation. Close family members, such as parents and grandparents, may give more than distant relatives or family friends.

Financial situation

Consider your own financial situation and avoid overextending yourself. If money is tight, consider an alternative such as a handmade/DIY gift or an experience instead of money.

Cultural norms

Different cultures put different levels of emphasis on graduation gifts. In some cultures, something symbolic might be common, while in others, a specific amount might be expected.

Level of education

Completing different levels of education (e.g., high school, college, etc.) might influence the size of your gift. Factors such as being the first in the family to graduate college should be taken into consideration when determining the gift amount.

Accompanying gifts

If you’re giving a monetary gift along with a physical or thoughtful gift, you might adjust the amount accordingly.

Suggested amounts for graduation gifts

For most people who are outside the immediate family, $50 is considered a solid amount to give as a graduation gift. $100 is perfectly generous, while higher amounts might be appropriate depending on your financial means and closeness to the graduate.

Relationship	Graduating High School	Graduating College
Parent	$100 - $500	$500 - $1000
Grandparent	$50 - $200	$100 - $500
Aunt or Uncle	$50 - $100	$50 - $200
Family Friend	$25 - $50	$25 - $100

More importantly than the specific amount, be sure to personalize your gift and include a heartfelt note to tell them how proud you are of their accomplishment.