How Much for Cash HS Graduation Gift?

[scfr]

How much is an appropriate amount to give to a HS grad as a cash gift? The girl in question is the daughter of one of my best friends, someone I have been friends with for 40 almost years. Since we live in different states, the girl & I are not close, but I have kept track of her life happenings and her mom is very dear to me, so I want the amount to be more than I would give to a casual acquaintance's child but certainly less than I would give to a niece or nephew.

This is the first time this situation has come up for me, as this friend is the first one to have a child graduate HS among my close friends.

How much would you give?

Parents of teen or college age children, how much would you feel was an appropriate amount for your friend to give in this situation?

Feel free to throw out any reasonable amount; it will fit in our budget seamlessly.

[gamecock43]

It depends on your cost of living. Or her cost of living. I would think $50 is enough to be 'special' because I would normally do $25. But in NY my extended family thinks nothing giving $100 as a standard gift. But I am young, naturally frugal and my friends don't expect a lot of money out of me. I'm not paying for friendship.

[disneysteve]

I was going to say $50. Keep in mind that this is only HS. In 4 years, there will be a college graduation. Maybe a few years later, a bridal shower and wedding gift. If you set the bar too high now, you will have a problem later.

[asmom]

I just sent a young man $35 yesterday. I worked with his father for several years and we have maintaine a friendly relationship although we are probably not "close". For comparison, I gave my niece $100 which was apparently not enough because the brat didn't even bother to call and say "thanks".

[tripods68]

We gave my nephew 100 bucks last week.

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

I think I'd make it just a tad bit more than I might give the same young man or woman for a birthday. And BTW after HS, I do not give birthday money any more. Sad but true.

[scfr]

I had started out thinking $50, but started worrying that might be too stingy. (As I said, this is the first time this situation has come up.) They live in a lower COL state. Sounds like $50 should be OK.

[Ima saver]

I usually give $50 also. But i normally never receive a thank you note either.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

$50 but depending on where you live $25 might be enough.

[kork13]

$50 but depending on where you live $25 might be enough.

I agree... For high school, $25 is a perfectly acceptable gift, especially if it's for the daughter of a friend. $50 would (IMO) be generous, but not outrageous either.

Now, for family, I would say go higher... probably $50 (perhaps more) for a child, or in my case in a couple years, a younger brother.

[davrobins]

Id say go with the $100, give the kid an award for finally getting out

[spicy14lingo]

If you are not close $50 is adequate but for family or close friends $100 is good when affordable. (however, it's nice to know if college is planned... cuz that money should be spent on education not parties)

[mdcrim]

I have a similar situation-one of our closest friends son is graduating this year. He is a great kid and has come a long way (and traveled an interesting road) since we've known him. I think I'm going to give him $100. His parents have already told him that the money he gets has to go toward college so I think I'm going to give him $50 for that and $50 for him to keep for himself (with his parents blessing of course-they are our best friends).

[DebbieL]

This must be an American thing. I'm Canadian, and don't know of anybody that gives graduation presents (except maybe to your own child - and even then not that many do). I can't even imagine giving HS grad money to some kid I barely know. I didn't get anything for graduating HS (and I was an honour student). None of my friends did either though, so it isn't as if my parents were cheap or anything - it just isn't that commonly done here.

[Aleta]

I think $25. is fine for high school. You can also check with the mother to see if there is a special item that she likes. Even giving them gift cards from itunes is good. We have so many family members with kids graduating that we would soon go broke if we had to give large cash gifts.