Graduation Gift Amount?

[HundredK]

What do you think is an appropriate amount of money to give to a friend's child for a high school graduation gift? I haven't given gifts to anyone in a very long time since we've been on a very tight budget, but this is a special kid to me. I have a crisp $100 bill sitting right here, but I am wondering if that's too much or too little. Thoughts?

[Jluke]

that $100 bill seems reasonable here. that's what I would do.

If the child is very special to you, then consider also getting a physical gift in addition to the cash.
.

[Fishindude77]

We usually do $100. Might do more for a niece or nephew.

[disneysteve]

This sort of question comes up from time to time. The answer is give what you are comfortable giving. It doesn't matter what is "normal" or "typical" or how much others are giving. If you are close to the person and have the money to give $100, I think that's great. If you're close and don't have that kind of money, then $50 or $25 is also great. I'm quite sure we've never given anyone $100 for graduation, though I can't even think of anyone that we ever gave a high school graduation gift to.

[97guns]

Special kid?, flip him the Hundi, a hundred bucks now a days ain't what it used to be

[AJ444]

Always give $100, I guess at some point with inflation it should be increased.

[disneysteve]

Always give $100

Seriously? Who decided that?

[AJ444]

Seriously? Who decided that?

I meant I personally always give $100.

[disneysteve]

I meant I personally always give $100.

Oh. That want how I read that. Sorry. It sounded more like a command.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

$50 seems like a lot

[~bs]

50 - 100 and pray they'll put the money to good use to begin his/her life as an adult

[Jody Lynn]

$100 is a reasonable amount. I usually give money as well because it does not require any time compared to getting a gift. It is just less personal though.

[HundredK]

Thanks all - I think I'll stick with the hundred. True that cash is less personal, but this kid is going to a very expensive school and she's asked that any gifts be cash. As for her squandering it, well, she is ridiculously driven and motivated, so even if she did squander it, that would make me happy... everyone deserves a little fun at those milestones in life. But she won't squander it... I'm sure it will go toward a textbook or something, knowing her.

[Fishindude77]

Thanks all - I think I'll stick with the hundred. True that cash is less personal, but this kid is going to a very expensive school and she's asked that any gifts be cash. As for her squandering it, well, she is ridiculously driven and motivated, so even if she did squander it, that would make me happy... everyone deserves a little fun at those milestones in life. But she won't squander it... I'm sure it will go toward a textbook or something, knowing her.

This bolded statement would kind of rub me wrong. I might buy her a toaster just on principle. A gift is a gift, and she ought to be grateful if she gets anything at all.

[Like2Plan]

I think 100 sounds like the right amount for a special kid. It is a very generous gift.

I will be attending several graduations for my nieces this spring. On the west coast graduation money leis are very popular. I am going to make some of these in appropriate school colors (but with one dollar bills) in addition to the cash gift we give.