they have been dating for about a year,
Cash and a card.
I asked my niece once this same question - thinking they might want a gift card to a restaurant to celebrate a meal out - but no, they always want cash. It's easy and useful :)
welcome to mamapedia...
what can you afford? Is he active in your life? Do you see him a lot and interact with him?
Do you care for him??
What's your budget? Most time graduates get cash. If you like him, and can afford it? $100. If you can't afford much, do what you can. Don't bust the budget.
A nice congratulatory card.
If they are engaged, then $20 - save larger dollar amounts for the actual wedding.
Cash in a card. I would suggest at least $20 up to $100 or so, whatever is comfortable for your budget.
I think it depends on your finances, how many other graduates you have to buy gifts for, and how much you like this boy, how much time you have spent together over the past year, and whether you want to encourage the family connection and the relationship.
If you are well-off, you have more leeway. If you are a senior citizen on a fixed income, then anything you choose to give is fine. You could do cash (check) in any amount you like. Some of my friends give the graduation year (e.g., $20.16) just to be a little unique.
If you don't know him extremely well, a large gift may make him uncomfortable, no matter what your financial standing is. But something like $20 or $25 is very common and not too excessive. If you know for sure what his plans are (getting a job and an apartment, for example), you could give a gift card to a household products store (Home Goods, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, etc.) if that makes you feel it's more practical and that he will get something that reminds him of you.
If he's leaving college dorm/apartment and having to move somewhere else, I think it's a kindness not to give him something he has to pack and pay to move.
Much less than you spend on her. I'd say a gift you're comfortable giving a family friend.
They could break up tomorrow. You could find out he's a cheating scoundrel tomorrow and then how would you feel? So don't over-do it. Just something thoughtful that shows you care.
