25 Best DIY Graduation Gifts (2024)

FAQs

Is $20 okay for a graduation gift? ›

Distant relatives or friends usually send around $15 - $20, while close friends and relatives more commonly send around the $20 - $50 mark. Some families and family friends may choose to spend closer to $100 - $500, depending on their finances and the needs of the graduate.

If you decide to gift cash, here are suggested amounts: Acquaintances $10 – $25. Friends $25 – $50. Close friends and family $75 – $100.

There is a wide range for college graduation gifts, but the typical amount given to college graduates is between $100 and $500.

High School Graduation

A good range to consider is: $20 - $50: For acquaintances or distant relatives. $50 - $100: For close friends and immediate family members.

The best gifts are often those that are personalized, like an engraved necklace, photobook, a family cookbook or custom wall art. Consider fun memories you've made with the graduate, as well as their hobbies, passions and even future career field.

Money — with a purpose

For instance, taking care of a licensing fee or helping them with housing is extremely thoughtful and practical. Here are a few more examples of how your child could spend their graduation money: Exams or certifications. First and last month's rent for their new apartment.

You can give between $20 to $100 to a high school graduate and $50 to $200 to a college graduate, and you can give $50 to $100 or more for high school graduation. But it all depends on your relationship with the graduate. A graduating sibling will be receiving a smaller amount than your grandchild graduating.

We've compiled the following breakdown of recommend gift amounts based on your relationship: Co-worker: $20 - $30. Close friend or sibling: $25-$75. Niece, Nephew, Grandkid: : $50- $100.

Is it OK to give cash as graduation gift? ›

With that type of financial commitment staring them in the face, cash for graduation will be a welcome gift. Come to think of it, cash is probably a good idea for birthday and holiday gifts while they're completing their graduate studies.

It's so needed after college while trying to find a place, get established in a job, etc... For my own children, we gave them $1,000. That sounds like so much, but with all the expenses, it still was hard to stretch. It was easier than trying to figure out what they needed/wanted, etc...

Giving only $20 is fine if that is all you can afford or if your connection to the graduate is tenuous. And in an exceptional case I might go even higher than $100 if all of the stars aligned. But I think that for 99% of my gifts they fall between $25 and $100 :-) 1.

The baskets usually contain items such as a blanket, T-shirt, hat, and other goodies. In addition, many schools also give their seniors a commemorative plaque or plaque award to honor their accomplishments.

And as much as graduates appreciate traditional gifts, what they really appreciate is money. Extra cash helps graduates face new financial challenges with less stress, whether they're planning to earn another degree, pay back student loans, or move to a new city.

While some parents splurge on a car or computer, many choose less elaborate, but still meaningful, gifts to commemorate the day. Jewelry (often engraved with the date), books, cash or stock certificates, luggage, a camera, or graduation rings are all presents the graduate will appreciate in the years ahead.