How Much Money to Give Grads?
Graduation season is here—cue the caps flying, the diploma poses, and the endless invitations to grad parties! Whether you’re attending one party or ten, you may be wondering the age-old question: How much money should I give the graduate?
Giving Money in 2025
While the good news is that there is no one-size-fits-all rule, the downside is that navigating this question can seem overwhelming.
You definitely don’t have to break the bank and with the guidance that I have compiled here, you can rest easy with some consistency in your gift giving. The amount you give really depends on your relationship to the grad, your budget, and what feels right to you. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate gift-giving this season with confidence—and a smile.
Close Family (Child, Grandchild, Niece/Nephew)
If you're the proud parent, grandparent, or very close relative, this is your time to shine. These are the grads you've cheered on through every science fair, band concert, sporting event and late-night cram session.
Typical Range:
Parents: $50–$500+ (often paired with a meaningful gift, trip or experience)
Covering the cost of a celebration? It’s perfectly acceptable to give a smaller monetary gift—or even count the party itself as the gift. When looking for middle ground, it’s common for parents hosting a celebration to gift around $100 in addition to covering the cost of the celebration or providing a personalized keepsake, heartfelt letter, or small symbolic gift that’s just as meaningful.
Skipping the celebration? Some parents opt to give their grad the cash equivalent of the party costs instead, letting them choose between the two. The most common amount is $500 to forgo the party.
Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles: $50–$200
$50 is most common since it strikes a balance between generosity and practicality—especially if there are multiple graduates in the family.
Tip: Many families use graduation as a time to help with future expenses like college, travel, or setting up a new apartment. Whichever you choose, a heartfelt card or short note of advice is always a meaningful touch.
Family Friends & Godparents
If you’ve watched them grow up but aren’t directly related, your support still means the world. You’ve been part of the village that has guided and supported the grad over the years.
Typical Range:
$25–$100 depending on how close you are. $50 seems to be the sweet spot if you are particularly close or have known the grad for many years.
Etiquette Note: It’s perfectly acceptable to give a card with a thoughtful message and a smaller amount, especially if you’re attending multiple parties.
Neighbors & Community Friends
You’ve borrowed a cup of sugar, waved from across the yard, and maybe watched their dog a time or two. Maybe you are attending the parties of friends your child played sports or was in a club with.
Typical Range:
$20–$50 A favorite gift amount this year is $25 to go with the 2025 theme.
Budget-Friendly Idea: A small gift card to a coffee shop, bookstore, Spotify or Netflix is also appreciated and doesn’t require knowing the graduate’s size, color preference, or college major. A small home made gift like cookies, a key chain or ornament can be a thoughtful gesture or something the graduate can make use of like a journal, book or toolkit is also appreciated.
Fellow Classmates
If you're a graduate attending another graduate’s party, don’t stress! It’s more about showing up and celebrating than showering each other with cash. Otherwise, you’re just moving money around.
Typical Etiquette:
A small, fun gift ($10–$20 range) is thoughtful but not expected
A handwritten card, favorite candy, or framed photo together can be just as meaningful
Many teens exchange funny or sentimental cards as a way to say, "We made it!"
Real Talk: Most grads understand that their friends are all in the same broke-teen-just-graduated boat and don’t expect anything. They will just be happy to see you before going their separate ways.
Bonus Tip: When in Doubt, Write a Great Card
No matter the amount you give, a heartfelt card with genuine words of encouragement goes a long way. Graduating is a huge milestone—and your words might be something they keep tucked away in a memory box for years. And remember, not every graduate is going on to continue their education. Some may learn a trade, work a full-time job while others may travel or take a gap year. Wish them well on their next adventure, whatever that may be.
The Bottom Line
Give what feels right for you, not what you think is expected. A graduation gift is a celebration of someone’s hard work and new beginnings—not a competition. Whether it’s a card with candy or $200, it’s the thought and love behind it that matter most.
Happy Graduation Season!
