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Deciding how much to spend on a graduation gift?
Your answer can vary based on your relationship to the graduate and the type of graduation – from kindergarten to college.
Graduation marks a significant transition in life, be it from kindergarten, middle school, high school, or college.
It’s a time of celebration, achievement, and transition.
Graduation is a significant milestone.
Greatest Gift offers a thoughtful way to contribute to a graduate's future, allowing you to send monetary gifts easily.
Whether it's a significant monetary gift, a piece of jewelry, or a tech gadget, the essence lies in the sentiment behind the gift.
The amount you decide to give can depend on various factors, including the level of graduation.
80% of people expect to give cash or gift cards as graduation gifts.
Here’s a breakdown of average gift amounts for different graduation stages:
For college graduates, the gift amount tends to be more generous, reflecting the significance of this milestone.
According to one survey, in 2023 the average high school and college graduation gift amount was $116.
Keep in mind this average has a wide range, typically explained by how close the gift giver is to the graduate.
In 2023 the average high school and college graduation gift amount was $116.
Parents and grandparents give the most, some giving as much as $1,000.
High school graduation is a major step towards adulthood.
Typically gifts for high school graduation are meant to help kids enter adulthood or go to college with a solid financial base.
Gifts often range from $50 to $200.
For close relatives, the higher end of this range or more is common.
Many parents choose Greatest Gift to give money gifts to parents for safekeeping.
Middle school graduation, while less formal, is still a significant event.
Much like the graduation itself, gifts for this event fall in the middle.
Gift amounts usually fall between $20 to $100, with closer family members tending towards the higher end.
While elementary school graduations are not as grand as high school or college, they still mark a meaningful milestone.
Elementary graduation gifts are often similar to middle school averages.
A common range is $20 to $100, suitable for marking this early academic achievement.
Close relatives that want to give more often split the gift into two - a small amount to the child and a larger amount to the parents for safe keeping
Gifts for kindergarten graduates are often more about the sentiment than the value.
A typical gift amount ranges from $10 to $30.
This amount could be considered a fortune for a kindergartner.
Close relatives that want to give more often split the gift into two.
They give a small amount, $10 or $20, to the child, and the larger amount to the parents for safe keep and investing.
Many parents choose Greatest Gift to give money gifts to parents for safekeeping.
Graduation gifts are more than just tokens of congratulations.
They symbolize recognition of a significant achievement.
Navigating the nuances of gifting can be tricky.
This guide will help you understand the general etiquette and guidelines to consider when choosing a graduation gift.
Each graduation stage from kindergarten to college has its own norms for gift-giving.
While college graduations might call for more substantial gifts reflecting the magnitude of the achievement, kindergarten and elementary graduations are usually more modest
Understanding these differences helps in making appropriate choices, and we'll delve deeper into specific amounts in a later section.
college graduations might call for larger gifts, while kindergarten and elementary graduations are usually more modest
The closer you are to the graduate, the more personal and potentially more substantial the gift might be.
For your child, grandchild, or a sibling, you may choose a gift that has a higher monetary value or sentimental significance.
For more distant relatives or acquaintances, a modest, thoughtful gift can suffice.
Remember, generosity often breeds generosity.
If you have children approaching graduation age in the coming years, consider that the generosity you show now may be reciprocated.
This doesn’t mean overstretching your budget, but rather being mindful of the precedent you set.
generosity often breeds generosity
A cash gift, while practical, can feel impersonal if not given thoughtfully.
To elevate a monetary gift, consider a heartfelt note expressing your pride and hopes for the graduate's future.
This is where Greatest Gift can add a special touch.
It allows you to send cash gifts that are not just transactions but meaningful contributions to the graduate's future goals, whether it’s for education, a start-up fund, or any dream they wish to pursue.
If you're celebrating multiple graduates this season, planning is key.
Make a list of all the graduates you'd like to give gifts to.
Figure out what your budget for gift giving is this season.
Factor in each graduate's closeness and graduation level to allocate your budget efficiently.
Don't overstretch yourself by committing to more than you can manage.
Figure out what your budget for gift giving is this season. Don't overstretch yourself.
It's about balancing your overall budget while being fair and thoughtful to each graduate.
Since you're reading this article, you won't be surprised that over 80% of people expect to give cash or gift cards as graduation gifts.
Cash is a versatile and practical gift, especially when given with a specific goal in mind.
Giving towards a goal for a college fund, a down payment for a house, or seed money for a business makes cash a thoughtful gift.
If you’re looking to offer something beyond cash, here are some unique and thoughtful ideas that can make your gift stand out.
Consider financial instruments like stocks for kids or savings bonds as gifts.
These are particularly meaningful for college or high school graduates, as they can serve as an introduction to financial literacy and long-term planning.
Financial gifts for kids can help kickstart their future.
Giving towards a goal for a college fund, a down payment for a house, or seed money for a business makes cash a thoughtful gift.
A piece of jewelry or a watch is not just a gift, it’s a memento that can last a lifetime.
Gifting a family heirloom in this category can add an extra layer of meaning.
These gifts are especially suitable for significant graduations like high school or college, symbolizing a transition into a new phase of life.
For something truly special, consider a gift with sentimental value.
A customized keepsake, a scrapbook, or a photo album can capture memories uniquely, making it a perfect choice for any graduation level.
For the tech enthusiasts or for graduates heading into a tech-driven field, gadgets like laptops, tablets, or smartwatches are both practical and exciting gifts.
These are particularly apt for high school and college graduates preparing for further studies or the professional world.
Gifting $1,000 can be seen as exceptionally generous.
It’s typically reserved for very close relationships and significant milestones like college graduation.
To make sure that such a substantial amount is not wasted, it’s important to guide young recipients in using the money wisely.
Always consider your personal budget and how comfortable you feel with such an amount.
To make sure that such a substantial amount is not wasted, it’s important to guide young recipients in using the money wisely.
Educating them about effective financial management and potential uses for the money is crucial.
Use Greatest Gift to encourage the money be directed towards significant goals like education funds or investment accounts for kids.
Receiving money as a graduation gift offers a fantastic opportunity for young adults and even younger graduates to start thinking about financial responsibility.
Part of this gift is also guiding them on how to use it effectively.
Greatest Gift facilitates the gifting process and encourages responsible financial management
Teaching them about financial planning and management can be a valuable part of the gift, setting them up for long-term success.
Greatest Gift facilitates the gifting process and encourages responsible financial management, guiding graduates and their parents on how to use their monetary gifts effectively
Let’s delve into how different graduates can use their monetary gifts effectively.
Graduates, especially college or high school graduates, can use their monetary gifts to start an emergency fund.
This fund serves as a financial safety net for unforeseen expenses, laying a foundation for responsible financial management.
For graduates who are interested in the financial markets, using their gift money to start investing can be a great option.
This is relevant for all levels of graduates.
High school and college graduates can take a hands on experience and learn how to invest on their own.
For younger children, parents can set up investment accounts, taking advantage of compound interest from a young age.
Teaching about financial planning and management can be a valuable part of the gift
For high school graduates heading to college, setting aside money for tuition or other educational expenses is a wise choice.
But you can start earlier than high school graduation.
Many parents set up college funds for their kids as early as 7 years old.
College graduates can use their gifts to make a dent in student loans, easing the financial burden as they start their careers.
Graduates, particularly those finishing college, might consider using their monetary gifts towards saving for a down payment on a house or exploring real estate investments.
This forward-thinking approach can set the stage for future financial stability and success.
For younger graduates, consider smaller, more symbolic gifts.
A range of $20-$50 is common, depending on your closeness to the child and family.
For high school graduates amounts between $100-$200 are common.
It depends on your relationship and financial capability.
If they are close family, children, or grandkids, many give on the higher end of the range and even more.
College graduations often warrant a higher gift amount due to the significance of the achievement.
Amounts can range from $100 to $1,000, with the higher end for very close relatives.
Graduation gifts are a way to celebrate achievements and transitions.
Whether it’s a significant monetary gift or something more symbolic, the value of your gift lies in the thought and care you put into it.
Remember, every graduate is unique, and so is every gift!
I love how easy it is to give a meaningful gift to the kids and tots in my life!
It means a lot to me that I can contribute to their future, and Greatest Gift makes the experience seamless and fun.
Alana S.
Our son just turned two. We created his gifting page with Greatest Gift and shared it on the birthday evite. The results were amazing! We received 12 gifts that will be going to his college fund and savings.
Love this platform.
Daniel A.
We have a 2-year-old and another baby on the way, and we love Greatest Gift’s discover section. I look forward to learning about the right financial tools to help build their future and set them up for success financially.
Hillan K.
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