High School Grad

We don't have very much money so we always just give $15 to non family grads. It's just our rule. If we don't know them too well (i.e. a neighbor) we'll do $10. Since it's a rule, I don't feel to guilty about not giving more. You don't want to overgive, think after Christmas credit card bills. :) Just spend what you can. If ten people give them $15 that's $150 they didn't have. Besides, every little bit counts to a new grad! If it's a close family member we will do $50 but these come more spread out.

First and foremost, you shouldn't be comparing yourself and/or what you are capable of giving to ANYONE else. I have a nephew that graduated this year and I know my parents gave him $100 and have given that same amount to all their grandkids. My sister gave him $50. I HATE giving $$ because it's so impersonable. Some people would rather have it and get what they want or use for schoold, etc. It depends on your personality and theirs.

I got my nephew a set of towels for college. He HAS to have them. Picked something that wasn't a light color (he's NOT good w/ laundry, etc) and something I KNOW he'll be using daily (we hope). I found them on sale at 50% off at Kohl's but it was still $49 at half price - I did get an second big bath towel.

Give what you can but DON'T compare with anyone else. YOU have to be comfortable with it. Take that into consideration in addition to your personality, the graduate's personality and your relationship. That might help, too.

The easiest and best gift is a Target gift card for $20. That's what my twin nephews are getting. I am a believer in the higher the education the greater the reward. My nephew is getting his Ph.D. next week, so his reward will be more significant. But a $20 gift card will get anything from a set of towels for college to a video game.

I think it may depend on the family. I think a fair amount is $25. Also, the kids going off to college appreciate the food coupons you get at Taco Bell, McDonalds, Applebees that sort of thing. Also, anything that would work for a dorm room is great. You could also go in on a gift with some others and get something a bit more expensive.

I got a lot of checks for the amount of the year I graduated. So your check could be $20.08