Reader Question: How Much Cash Do YOU Gift?

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Graduation

Check out this email from reader, Micki:

I have a high school Senior and all the graduation parties are just around the corner. I know there are some cute ideas for giving gift cards or cash as gifts, but I’m a bit overwhelmed trying to figure out what the appropriate amount would be to give my sons’ friends. Wondering if you or other readers have suggestions?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!


Graduation

Want graduation gift ideas? Check out these posts!

* Laundry Kit with Free Printable Gift Tag
* Graduation Hat Jar
* End of School Year Tradition (Oh, The Places You’ll Go!)

Join The Discussion

Comments 188

  1. Jessica

    My mom typically gives $25 in either cash or a gift card.

  2. vmm

    I’d give a gift rather than cash so you can be cheap without anyone realizing you’re a bargain-hunter!
    plus, as a mother of a kiddo that age, you know what they’d like or need. maybe a few towels and a shower kit for dorm life or food or that sort of fun and functional gift.

  3. Sann

    We do $25 in a graduation card for our kids friends.

  4. meg

    For my daughters and sons friends I gave gift cards. The ones who were commuting back and forth to college I gave a gas card. Others to fast food restaurants. Usually the amount was $30.

    • Destiny

      I love the fast food gift card idea!!! Find out which ones are close to their university and load ’em up! 😊

  5. Destiny

    That’s a great question! I have a young cousin graduating this year and I’m in LOVE with the grad hat jar!!! I was planning to give her $216 in all different bills tied in ribbon. Is that too much? If it was just a friend of family I’d give $50-$75

    • maranda

      A gift is something from the heart. Value has nothing to do with it. So if that is what you want to do, absolutely go for it!!

    • Sann

      We do $100 for cousins, neices, nefews, ect.

      • Destiny

        Thats a great amount when I think of it! Tons of family and friends are planning to attend so she’ll have a great send off 😊

    • lynne atl

      I use padding compound and make pads of dollar bills. I do $200 for nieces high school grad. they say they think of me everytime they use a bill for laundry or snack machine. it is fun

      • dblD-amber

        Great idea

      • Destiny

        I remember those! I recieved one of those before and I loved it!

      • Dee

        Please share how you do this! I’ve never heard of it but it sounds like a great idea! πŸ™‚

  6. Dee

    I think it’s a very personal decision how much cash to gift. Anywhere from $25 – $100 seems appropriate for a graduation. Take into account how close you are and what your budget allows. If it’s someone close but the budget is tight, maybe a thoughtful homemade gift along with a smaller amount. (I LOVE the laundry idea that Collin posted! That one can be done very inexpensively if you use a roll of quarters along with a laundry bag and either a small bottle of detergent or even the free detergent samples we come across.)

    • Heather C.

      I agree… The laundry idea was a FANTASTIC idea for a budget friendly graduation gift. Especially if you have a lot of parties to attend!

  7. Casey

    It can go either way. For your son’s friends, I would do $20 or $25. For your son’s best best friends that are at your house every day, maybe $40 or $50.

  8. Laura

    It kind of depends on my relationship with the graduate. We just gave my niece $50, and I gave $25 to a child of a family friend.

  9. Anthony

    I think it’s weird giving kids cash. I’d rather give them gift cards to target or something at the mall or some fast food restaurant. It’s better than giving them cash… Who knows what they could use it for… Lol

    • Amanda

      My daughter used her cash that she received to help offset the cost of her first year tuition, which was a substantial savings. So, I don’t think it is weird to give money for graduation. That being said, for her best friends and close cousins we have given $50, and all others between $15-$25, depended on how well we knew them.

      • :)

        Haha! The point is they are not suppose to be kids anymore!! πŸ˜‰

      • Susan S.

        That’s what I always thought the gift of cash at graduation was for… to help with college or life expenses. And when you give a gift, it really is up to the recipient on how they use the gift lol. I think most graduates understand what a cash gift intended purpose is for…
        I wouldn’t consider 17-18 yr old graduates “kids” in the sense that they are going to blow their cash gift on candy bars, Barbie dolls or hot wheel cars πŸ˜‰
        Fast food gift cards doesn’t help with the substantial college expenses… Just a thought.

      • Kim

        My tuition this year is over $12,000 (a far cry from the cost it took me to get my AS around $3,000 for the degree which is almost equal to the amount my books and supplies cost lol) cash makes a great gift if they are going to university or even community college. If you obviously know the kid has a problem with partying or has never had a job and has no future plans except sit at moms house plying video games for ever gift cards would be a great choice but kids who have to work to pay for college would appreciate any amount of cash and use it wisely!! But gifts of household supplies are great gifts because it’s one less thing to buy and usually better quality then they can afford. (Ex: $1 store trash bags are affordable but rip but could be all they can afford)

    • Becky

      When I graduated from high school (16 years ago) I appreciated the cash because I used it towards a computer.

      • Amy

        Wow. I just realized that it’s been 16 years since I graduated too. 😳 Makes me feel old! Lol. I used cash I got for school books and applied it to my college cafeteria account since I went away to college. I had scholarships and financial aid too but it gets expensive to pay for all the little things most college kids don’t even think about.

        • riss

          You think that’s old? Try 32😨😨😨. We had our 30th HS reunion 2 years ago. I feel like a dinosaur compare to the spring chickens here, lol.

          • Robin

            Ha! Riss i must be the dinosaurs mom 42 years since high school for me.

    • Just Me

      I’m completely opposite. Unless I find a deal I know they will like I prefer to just give cash. I don’t want my money wasted so I’d rather give cash and left them choose where to spend it ( instead of a specific store Giftcard)

      • Tracy

        When I graduated high school, I used the cash to buy a (nice to me) camera. I appreciated the money. I also appreciated the overnight bag that my aunt and uncle gave me.

  10. Ashley

    When I graduated recently I received a laundry basket full of trash bags, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent etc. things I really didn’t want to go out and buy myself. I appreciated that more than I would have $25 or any gift card. A thoughtful (and cheap) gift I think is better than money!

    • Lynne

      I also got a similar gift when I graduated. Full of stuff one doesn’t really think of needing, garbage bags, laundry detergent, a roll of quarters (for your laundry!), paper plates and plastic silverware (what college kid likes to wash dishes!), glad containers, etc.

  11. Melanie

    $20-50 depending on our relationship.

  12. Ang

    I’d give cash, around $20 I think would be acceptable.

  13. Debbie

    I put money in picture frame with the message in case of emergency break glass. Gave this to our niece and it was a big hit! No pun intended! Haha

    • Elvira

      That’s awesome idea!

    • BEustace

      Great gift idea!

    • riss

      I am so copying that idea! Very clever!

  14. Laura

    This is slightly off topic…my son is in kindergarten. Am I expected to buy his teacher an end of the year gift? I know some mom’s are. What and how much?

    • Elvira

      I gave my daughters teacher a present for teacher appreciation week so I won’t be doing anything at the end of year except maybe some flowers.

    • Kadi

      You can. You can always do something simple like a $5 gift card to sonic or Starbucks

    • Hilary

      We do teacher gifts for Christmas, Teacher Appreciation week and a $25 gift card at the end of the year.

    • A

      I don’t think it’s expected. I’m not getting my kindergartener’s teacher anything and didn’t for my older kids either. However we live in a small town/rural area and I don’t think many of the other moms give gifts.

    • Stephanie

      You are never expected to buy anyone a gift! With that said, I am giving my sons teacher a gc to a local teacher supply store–she got small things for teacher appreciation week and Christmas as well. You can even do a card expressing your gratitude and have your son write in it. Its the small things that often mean way more to anyone!

      • Laura

        I had him make her a homemade craft for Christmas but I’m not sure she liked it (according to my son). The parents at our school seem very competitive it seems. I want her to know we appreciate her but don’t want to just give a gc. I know a few of the other moms are doing $25 but my husband says no

        • Stormy

          I’m a “giver” for sure, so we give gifts to the teachers at/on – their birthdays, Christmas, teachers appreciation week, and at the end of the year (plus other random times during the year…like ordering and bringing them lunch, grabbing Starbucks or Sonic drinks, etc). This year, for our youngest in a two-day MDO program, I bought thirty-one bags and filled them with WalMart and Dollar Tree summer items. For my oldest in grade school, she’s giving a pizza stone from Pamperd Chef, along with a Kroger gift card and some other pizza making (family night) items. Like is said, giving is a chunk in our monthly budget!! (And while I don’t sell from those companies, I support my friends and acquaintances that sell items from home – Thirty-One, Mary Kay, Pamperd Chef, etc.)
          For Graduation, we are giving $100 cash to our nephew this year.
          Hope this helps someone…

    • c

      Why would you give the teacher money? I don’t get it. Is it like bribery to make sure the teacher watches out for your kid at school or something? I always wonder why some teachers cater to some students but not the others. I guess this is the reason. Should be illegal.

      • Bhoomi

        I agree, I was thinking the same until all of the parents were giving something to teacher except for few of us. Some parents used to ask me whether I am giving anything or not. My daughter is still in day care and I experienced different attitude towards us in teacher’s eye or greetings everyday when we were in few of the parents who did not give anything except Thank you card. We try to give something around Christmas no matter what though. I was not sure of giving something on Teachers appreciation day before.

      • Stephanie

        Giving a teacher a birthday gift seems a little too personal to me. But why give the teacher money? Because a lot of times if a teacher needs some supplies for a project, they might end up paying for them out of their own pocket. Many schools are underfunded and teachers spend money out of pocket on their students. Last school year, US teachers spent an average of $513 of their own money on β€œclassroom supplies, instructional materials, books for their classrooms, and professional development.”
        A gift card to a school supply store would be an excellent gift because you would know where it goes, and if you give it for Christmas, your child would likely directly benefit. Everybody wins!

        • Marie

          My students threw me a whole party last year. The room mom coordinated it. And they had presents and cake and it really made me cry. These kids become my family every year so why would we not treat each other as such?

        • Mindy

          In our children school, the parents contribute money for 1 gift card…all voluntary. Every kids name will be on the card regardless whether they contribute to the gift card or not. We just want to say Thank You to the teachers. I rather have the teacher be tough on our kids and they actually learn something while earning their grades than to give them A’s on report card when they don’t actually earn it and will hurt them in the future.

      • Stormy

        Oh I don’t give the teacher money. We added a $10 Kroger card to the gift, so she could finish the whole “pizza night theme” thing going on. I don’t know anyone who’s ever given cash but we almost always do a gift card tree from many/most of the parents for the teachers birthday. Sorry if that was confusing. I certainly doubt it’s “illegal” but we’d never give cash.

        • Bhoomi

          Thanks for having this discussion, I could have never imagined that giving cash looks bad or bribe. I always thought that if you give giftcard then the teacher is stuck with that particular company but cash can be used to buy whatever. Sometimes when I have giftcard for say toysr us and things on my list are always cheaper elsewhere like kohls, amazon. and I feel like I spend 30$ for 5$ worth items just because I had to use gift card. anyway, I am thinking never to give cash again specially in Teacher matters. πŸ™‚ thank you people.

        • Marie

          This is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. You’re quite ignorant to think that just Bc a child brings me a Target gift card that they just jumped my favorites list. Not a chance.

        • faith

          I don’t agree! It’s not bribery it’s showing thanks and appreciation!!

      • Teachermom

        Teachers on average spend around $500 yearly out of pocket for items for their classroom. Each week I spend $7.00 of my family’s grocery money purchasing ziplock bags and cereal for my class, and I have for YEARS. I spent about $700 this year on food, books, shoes for students, and supplies for my class. A gift card or cash is a blessing to any teacher!

        • c

          I find it extremely eye opening that people are blatantly dismissing/not acknowledging the fact that teachers are treating the children differently because of the “brides” that the parents are giving them. The gifts are not the point, the unethical behavior is. Makes you wonder why someone would choose a profession that involves caring for others, but they participate in exclusivity and favoritism.

          • c

            I meant “bribes.”

            • Teachermom

              I’m sorry that you seem to have had a bad experience with a teacher at some point. I do not see favoritism to be the case with my peers. In fact, the kids that I spend the most money on (food, coats, shoes) have parents that give me nothing but a hard time.

          • Victoria

            Maybe because they’ve never experienced this behavior? I give teachers gifts because I appreciate them, not because I’m attempting to bribe anyone. I’ve taught before and it was the students who tried hard who won my heart, not the ones who’s parents sent gifts. Seeing a child struggle and persevere is far more gratifying than a $10 Starbucks gift card. And the successful students who want to help their peers, the kids who find an area they want to study because I’ve in some way inspired them, etc, those are the kids that make teaching worthwhile. A $10 bill isn’t affecting how I run my classroom.

          • hajj

            You’re really out of your mind if you think most people think like you.

      • Rachael

        I have had good luck with teachers so far and don’t think any gift to a teacher at any time during the year would result in favoritism. But we’re talking about end of the year gifts–I can’t imagine worrying about the teacher playing favorites against my child on the last day of school, usually a half day in my school district, if I don’t give a nice enough gift or even one at all. And I am pretty sure the teachers won’t be gossiping over the summer to let next year’s teachers know what to expect from student xyz at the end of the year.

    • Melissa Rice

      My son is in kindergarten too and I love to gift his teachers. I gave gifts for Christmas, teacher appreciation week and will also do end of the year gift. The reason I gift is because I am very happy with the teachers. My son had gone a long way and now he can read, write do math all because of their hard work and endless effort. I am sure it’s not necessary and it’s completely upto you.

    • Cristine

      We give an end of year gift to say thanks. Last year we got beach towels from Kohls when Colin posted them (so paid $2 and change for the really nice ones that are about 10-12 now) and we will add a little something to go with them- maybe sunscreen or something with a tag that says “have a great summer”. Just a token of our thanks for a great year, and doesn’t cost me a ton!

    • Molly

      I think a thoughtful thank you note and maybe let your kiddo pick out a treat, candy, flowers or even a cheapy dollar store gift would be much appreciated! I love when kiddos pick the gift, it is truly from their heart and teaches them to think of others!

  15. Emily

    I just had this conversation with my son, whose graduation this Friday. I asked him what he was going to do with his graduation gifts. He said he would put all the cash into his account to pay for college tuition, books, etc. and enjoy spending the gift cards right away. Every kid is different, though. If the student seems really responsible and not into trouble, I’d recommend cash for books.

  16. Weez

    What if they are triplets (2 boys and a girl) and daughter is really only friends with the girl? Do you give her more or give them all the same? This time of year is crazy with all the parties when you have a grad as well.

    • K

      What I would do is give them each the same amount of cash and then let your daughter choose a personal gift for the girl she’s friends with.

    • art

      As a multiple family, just give the friend a gift. Equal stuff through elementary school, then after that just the friend (unless you want to give the others gifts obviously). You wouldn’t give her older/younger sibling something, why give the twin/triplets/etc

  17. Holly

    Granted this was a few years ago, but I received mostly anywhere from $20-$50 for my high school graduation. However my favorite gifts were luggage (which I still use all the time) and pajamas.

  18. Mark

    I think it depends on your relationship to the graduate, and what they are graduating, high school or college. One lesson I’ve learned as I got older, give nicely, as one never knows if one will still be around for their next graduation or wedding or birth of their child. Give what your heart tells you not what strangers on a computer tells you. You don’t want to have any regrets later on, after the happy occasion.

  19. Sandy

    My daughter graduated high school 2 years ago and appreciated the cash. She used it for supplies when she was moving into her dorm, food and used a portion to pay her sorority dues when she joined a sorority.

  20. Julie

    $20 for a high school graduation friend and $50 for a high school graduation relative. $50 when a friend graduates from college and $100 for a relative that graduates from college.

  21. Julie

    Oh, and for weddings $100 for friend and $200 for relatives.

  22. Jaci

    I take into account graduating from what 8th, high school, college.

  23. Hilary

    I would do no less than $50 for a graduation for a friend’s child, $100 for a relative. It’s a once in a lifetime celebration, whether it’s high school or college.

    • Maria

      Exactly! Ours are almost a hundred. It’s not much nowadays..

      • Destiny

        I know! You can blow a hundred dollars on a fun night out and a good meal! You have to try and teach the youngsters about budgeting, learn the difference between wants and needs! Especially in college!πŸ‘

      • Mary

        You folks are extremely fortunate if $100 is “not very much”. I would love to be that generous, but I have to worry about paying bills first.

  24. Julie

    Preschool thru 11th grade graduates…$0.

  25. Elizabeth

    Take into consideration where/if they are moving or going to school. I got many gifts for graduation but was going to school 1500+ miles away. I felt bad that friends put forth the effort and time to by physical gifts that I had to leave as I took a plane to school and could only bring essentials. If they are moving within a reasonable drive, laundry/new home items are great! I often try to find where the person will be living, honeymooning, so on and purchase a gift card to a restaurant within walking distance from that. (People did that for our honeymoon and we loved it!)

    • Destiny

      That’s so true! All of those personal gifts are great but can’t fly to school with you. You could send them through the mail but that can be pricey! I love the idea of finding what’s local and personalizing it that way- it shows a little extra effort! 😊

  26. Colleen

    This could not have come at a better time! My brother-in-law is graduating pharmacy school this weekend and his party is on Sunday. I wanted to give him $300 but my husband says it’s too high. I feel badly because he just went through a divorce and it has been a rough few years. When my husband and I graduated from graduate school a few years ago we got nothing from him, but I wanted to be nice. Is $300 too much? Would $200 be appropriate? It’s not like we have hundreds of dollars to just throw around, but this is obviously a special occasion.

    • Oshea

      I’d give $50 & a giftcard to one of his favorite restaurants or movies. If your not comfortable with $50, make it a $100.

    • Monika

      It’s not an everyday occasion. I honestly think the amounts being given are kinda low. High school and college graduation usually is met with nicer gifts, but maybe it’s my circle. 300 dollars for a grad degree is great. I understand your husband’s point but maybe yall can come to a happy medium … maybe 150.

    • Maria

      I would say 300 is great, it’s not like he’s going to graduate with that same degree again. And it’s really hard to get that degree lol I gave my brother $500 at his wedding, and threw a party for his bachelors.

    • Brittany

      I must be in the minority… I immediately think of how much he’ll be making as a pharmacist and think just a congratulations and a nice gift you think he’d like is plenty! Lol, but that’s coming from a family full of pharmacists with me being the one that makes much less and has a tighter budget πŸ˜‰

      • Just Me

        Lol I thought the same!

    • riss

      You know how much pharmacists make, right? $$$$ even for new grad. Just get him a nice gift, or a kitchen/household item if he’s starting over.

  27. Monika

    800 dollars … great grades for 4 years of high school. The only thing is its cd that can’t be used for 3 years, but it’s not like she is paying for college out of pocket. So when she graduates she will have something to start with. I’ll probably add money on her birthday and christmas.

  28. Vkramis

    I like giving scratcher tickets. Usually get $50-$100 worth. So they have winning whatever amount. I think once a kid won $200. It’s fun

  29. Kari

    This is for the Kindergarten ? πŸ™‚ I always give my kids elementary teachers a gift. Some of the favorites have been a gift certificate for a summer pedicure that I stick in a summer tote bag or sand pail with a water bottle and sunscreen or a BBW lotion in a fruity scent. One of my daughters had a male teacher for Kindergarten, he was a big reader so Barnes and Noble gift card. One teacher loved gardening so a gift card to home depot. Another teacher we did a cute polka dot umbrella from TJMaxx she walked the kids to there cars rain or snow everyday in first grade. It’s fun to personalize it to the teacher. I have 2 SIL’s that teach one has taught 3rd grade for 20 years. She said one of the best gifts she received was a gas gift card. (Teachers especially elementary put so much of their own money into the classroom and supplies.)
    I don’t think it’s a must but I do think it’s thoughtful. I also always have my kids make a card and thank the teacher.
    I think even if your strapped for cash a handmade card and the teachers favorite soda pop is a great way to show appreciation. “I’m “soda” lighted I was in your class this year.

    • Lee

      Most of these were referring to graduation from high school or college.

  30. Kate

    For a friend’s graduation: a check for $20.16 this year.

    • Maria

      Unless it’s a kindergarten graduation, or you don’t know them too well, I would say it’s pretty low. Not trying to sound mean, just my opinion.

      • Hilary

        Glad you said it. Wow.

      • meg

        Seriously? How about teaching your kids at a young age to appreciate what they are given no matter what it is? Smh

  31. Sara

    I think it really depends on the relationship, and my mom normally gives $20-$25 in cash for close friends and family. My cousins have had several college graduations, it’s a bit ridiculous for the 3rd time around. Also depends on your own income level and how much you have available, any gift is very generous.

  32. Lee

    I like to give Amazon cards. That way it can be used for whatever is needed. Some of our friends even used the card to help buy books for college. Cash is also a great gift because they can use it for a variety of expenses.

  33. Elizabeth M

    Do what you feels is right and can afford. But if i had to recommend an amount, $25

  34. Marianna

    If they have a party and our family is invited we give $50 for each person we bring. For instance, $200 if I go with my husband and two kids. We do the same for weddings but with weddings we give $200 for each person that attends.

    • Haseena

      Wow…you are very generous

  35. Kareena

    If I can’t give 100 $ at least , I would go to a bargain store and buy something cute that’s worth half price anyone can guess. Sadly lots of people judge and criticize small gift , ignoring the fact that it is a voluntary nice touch from someone that wants to be kind , instead of appreciating , I’ve been in situation like these listening to someone receiving a gift they thought it wasn’t enough for themπŸ™„.πŸ‘ŽπŸ»πŸ‘ŽπŸ»πŸ‘ŽπŸ»

    • K

      The entitlement these days is mind blowing! No one should feel bullied into giving a gift of a certain amount or made to feel bad. What happened to being appreciative??!! SMH!

      • Katie

        Unbelieveable to me the “no boxed gifts” graduation invitations I’ve received this season

        • Erin

          Meaning they are asking for cash? Wow. Guess I’d decline both attending the graduation and buying a gift!

        • m

          thats rude, you cant tell people what to give. i would make a donation in their name and state on the card since they were soooo generous of not wanting boxed gift you made a donation in their name to charity.

          • mom

            haha I love that idea!…… good one!

        • K

          I guess these parties are just grabs for money in disguise.

        • Tktravels

          We attended a family member’s “no boxed gift” wedding last summer.

          Given that the couple had been living together for years and each earn a six-figure salary, we opted to make a very generous (considering our income) donation in their names to an orphanage that our family supports.

          The bride had the gall to ask us to send two checks, one to the orphanage and one to them.

          • Brittany

            😳

          • Brittany

            We just got a “no boxed gifts” invite to a wedding and wondered does that mean they just want money or is it more for practical reasons because the wedding is out of their home state (so they can have it closer to family). I always feel so awkward determining how much to give and much prefer being able to do a physical gift so I can do something really nice but stay within my budget by shopping for deals

    • justme

      I agree with the entitlement these days. This is off subject of graduation but we went to a birthday party and gave the birthday girls who was 11 an Aeropostale shirt that my girls would have Loved to have had for themselves and a nice journal. B-day girl held both of them up rolling her eyes and then thru them off to the side. The Mom did nothing to correct her rude and ungrateful behavior. I feel give what you want to give and if they are ungrateful that’s their problem. Also it’s not worth it to bust your budget for people who flat out say “no boxed gifts” To me I would translate that as “no gift” then. If they don’t want a boxed gift then a nice congratultions card should suffice.

      • K

        There is something very wrong with a lot of parents these days and what they teach their kids.

    • m

      when i graduated i got lots of bath soaps and stuffed animals coffee cups with chocolates. all though they were nice thoughts i would had rather had 5$ gas card than something i felt guilty getting rid of when i moved out. or even a kind card or picture of loved ones. something that i could cherish or use are better than someone giving a gift as an obligation

    • meg

      It is disgusting when people act like they are owed a certain amount. We taught are kids at a very young age to appreciate whatever they get and to be thankful that someone thought of them. It blows my mind with some commenting that this amount or that amount isn’t enough! Smh

  36. Brittany

    I received a really nice brand new adult looking book bag from my dad’s best friend who has known me since I was a child. I am 33 now and still have and use the book bag! It was a great gift that I never in a million years would have thought of!

    • Sarah H

      Awwwww. That reminds me of what my husband got from his coworkers when he got his masters — a nice briefcase! He cherishes it!

  37. Michelle

    For what it’s worth, my grandma is very religious, but she’s also on a low, fixed income. She bought all the grandkids a book of devotionals, and put 5 $5 bills throughout it, with the thought that you would read your way to the next one. My cousin found his money immediately. I, however, stuck the book on a shelf until a rough day at college. It was nice to realize I had surprise money and could go out for dinner with my friends!

  38. Manners

    My biggest thing in all of this is the lack of appreciation for gifts these days. No thank you to people except slapping a general thank you on FB and calling it good! Please teach your kids to say thank you!

    • Rebecca

      THIS!!! My kids are just 7 & 3 right now, obviously the 7 year old understands it more but I still refresh his memory all the time, especially around birthdays, holidays, etc…. everything costs something! Every gift he gets, someone put hard earned money & time into because they love him & want him to enjoy it. Always be thankful whether it’s $1 or $10, a big toy or small. Even if it was a freebie, chances are someone put their time into getting that, and that’s very important too. I hope my kids will continue to remember this as they grow up.

    • m

      im in my 30’s and i swear i never receive a thank you card, i do my best to teach my daughter to have proper manners and to be kind and gracious. its sad that people expect tons of gifts but forgot how to be thankful

    • Sandy

      I agree! I have been to 6 showers within the last year and received 1 thank you card. Needless to say I was disappointed that young people seem to be loosing the gift of gratitude πŸ˜•

  39. Janna

    Any gift in any amount should be appreciated. Graduation is a time of celebration of an accomplishment. Being with family should be valued with no dollar amount attached. When I graduated high school (16 years ago) & college last year I was happy to have my family with me. Money is always helpful but not required.

  40. Sarah

    As a high school teacher married to a youth pastor DIY gifts are the way to go. I try to coupon throughout the year and then do either a cleaning or toiletry theme. We have over 20 parties each season and $300 at $15 each isn’t exactly doable.

  41. natalie

    Dorm room supplies were my best gift!!. Someone gave me laundry basket full soap, towels, air freshener, ramen noodles, etc. It was greatly appreciated and amazing how everything came in handy. If I would have gotten cash I probably would have spent it on things I didn’t need. (i was 18) 😏. I can’t even remember what gift cards were a spent on

  42. Jessica

    I bought my niece a Pandora Bracelet and will be gifting her the “oh the places you’ll go” but my kids wanted to give their older cousin a gift so we will be doing the jar idea with $20.16…. the 20 $1.00 bills for laundry at college and a penny for every time she thinks of her little cousins and family (there is 16 of us)

  43. Towana

    I have three friends who kids are graduating from high school and going to college in the fall. I’m going to give each one of them a $50 gift card to a store that they can get stuff for their dorm (e.g. walmart, target, bed, bath & beyond).

  44. Jenn

    $50. If they are close then $100

  45. cindy

    I struggle with this, too. $100 or more is just too much for us. I dont fly with that type of group on a regular basis and I wouldn’t expect it from anyone else. $50 seems doable for a special grad. Others $15-$25. Just my two cents worth.

  46. Erika

    Help!!!! I’m a teacher and am getting high school grad invites from former students. What do I give my students? I taught them in 4th grade….

    • m

      do you have a picture of that class? i would get frame a class picture of them when they were in your class and sweet memory you had of them. its kindof greedy for them to expect to get gifts from former teachers.

      • Erika

        Great idea!!! Thank you!!!

  47. Allie

    What amount for a 10 year old birthday?

  48. Erin

    How about whatever you can? The thought alone….receivers need to be thankful for anything. It could be nothing at all.

  49. Alex

    If they’re just friends, you can write a check for $20.16

  50. Cindy

    I just made the graduation hat jar for my niece who graduated with her masters and it really turned out so cute. When my daughter graduated her 4th grade teacher gave her a check for $20.14 – the year she graduated. I thought that was the most clever $20 gift.

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