How much money should I gift someone for high school graduation? (2024)

If Vitamin C’s earworm “Graduation (Friends Forever)” song suddenly seems relevant again, you’re not alone!

High school graduation season is here and if you have a summer grad party on the calendar or will be attending someone’s ‘moving up’ ceremony, even sooner, then you’re probably wondering what kind of gift is most appropriate.

It can be difficult to figure out exactly how much money to give, especially with the various paths a high school graduate might take.

Read More: How much money should I gift someone for college graduation?

Here are some clues to help you navigate what you put inside that money-holder card:

Where you stand on the ‘closeness’ spectrum: The biggest influence on your gift amount should be the relationship you share with the graduate. Are they a close friend or family member? Are they a classmate whose grad party you were invited to, as of gesture of Class of 2024 solidarity, but who you haven’t spent much time with beyond the school setting? Or maybe the graduate is a close friend of one of your own children, and you’ve celebrated countless milestones with the family of honor over the years? Your degree of closeness will likely affect the amount you decide to give.

Your personal financial situation: While it’s important to give a meaningful gift, it’s equally important not to overextend yourself financially — particularly so if you, yourself, are a recent grad! There are plenty of thoughtful ideas you can make your own without putting pressure on your purse strings or wallet. Put an “off to college” care package together for them and fill it with small, but significant items that they can use or enjoy in their next chapter of life. Self-care items, stationery, their favorite snacks, a good book or even a small plant for their dorm room are sure to make them smile.

What post-graduation path the graduate will be taking: Will they be attending college? Entering the workforce or interning somewhere they’ve been dreaming about? Lifeguarding or joining the leadership ranks at the summer camp they grew up going to? Traveling the world? Each of these paths may require a different kind of financial gift. For instance, for a college-bound graduate, money for textbooks or dorm essentials might be appreciated. On the other hand, a graduate entering the workforce may need funds for a work wardrobe or, perhaps, even a professional development course.

High school graduation gift: If you’d like some numbers as a jumping-off point

When determining the amount for a high school graduation gift, keep in mind that it’s a pretty subjective decision. Base the amount off your relationship with the graduate, their future plans and your own circ*mstances, but remember that the perfect gift amount is as unique as the graduate themselves — so, if you feel comfortable with the cash, check or gift card total, then you’re probably right on track!

Classmate, club colleague, or teammate: $25 to $50. Giving a gift in this range shows that you appreciate the journey you’ve shared and want to cheer them on as they head into their next stage of life.

Best friend or family friend: $50 to $100. Giving a gift in this range speaks volumes about the special bond you share with the no-longer senior. It’s a way to celebrate their scholastic and extracurricular achievements, future ambitions, and just how much their friendship means to you.

Family member: $100 to $300. Giving a gift in this range represents your pride (as parents, grandparents, godparents, aunts, uncles, etc.), encouragement and support for them as they move forward into young adulthood, and lets them know that you’ve been keeping tabs on all of their accomplishments and can’t wait to see where life takes them. Here’s where the money you give can be put toward: a new laptop, tablet, or smartphone is not only practical and useful, but heartfelt, too, because it doesn’t just make their life easier, it also reminds them of your thoughtfulness every time they use it.

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Danielle Halibey can be reached at dhalibey@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.