Graduation season 2025 is here, and whether you’re attending one, five, or fifteen grad parties, the burning question remains: how much cash should you actually give?
We’re breaking it down with humor, etiquette, and real data—for high school grads, college grads, and everyone in between (even that cousin you forgot existed until you got their grad invite).
🎓 High School Graduation Gift Amounts
If they’re heading off to college, trade school, or maybe just planning a summer full of naps, here’s the breakdown:
- Parents: $100 – $300
- Grandparents: $50 – $200
- Aunts/Uncles: $50 – $100
- Family Friends: $25 – $50
- Acquaintances: $20 – $30
💡 Tip: If you’re close and can afford it, err on the generous side. If you’re a distant cousin’s ex-step-aunt, $25 and a nice card will do just fine.
🎓 College Graduation Gift Amounts
This is the “you survived finals, ramen, and parking tickets” level of graduation. More effort = more generous gifts.
- Parents: $300 – $1,000
- Grandparents: $100 – $500
- Other Family: $50 – $200
- Family Friends: $50 – $100
- Acquaintances: $25 – $50
🧳 Consider: Combining cash with something practical—like a suitcase, coffee maker, or a “Congrats, You’re Broke Now” survival kit.
📊 2024 Data: What Do Most People Give?
According to the National Retail Federation, the average graduation gift in 2024 was $117. And yes, most of that was cold, hard cash.
TL;DR: Most folks give between $50–$150 depending on how close they are to the grad.
💸 Fun Ways to Gift Money
If handing over an envelope feels boring, try one of these:
- Money Lei: Fold bills like origami flowers, string ‘em up Hawaiian-style.
- Cash in a Kleenex box: Let them “blow their nose” and pull out dollars instead.
- Mini cash cake: Roll up bills in tiers. Zero calories, 100% appreciated.
- Money pizza: Circle of dollar bills in a pizza box with a “You earned a slice of success!” note.
It’s fun, memorable, and makes even $20 feel like a party.
🎉 How Much Is Too Much?
If you’re asking “Is $500 too much?”, the answer is: it depends. If you’re their grandparent and want to help with college costs—go for it. If you just met them at a barbecue last week—maybe scale back.
The sweet spot: Give what feels meaningful but sustainable. No one should go into debt giving a graduation gift.
💬 Final Thoughts
Whether you gift $20 in a card or $200 wrapped in a puzzle box, the most important thing is your support and encouragement.
Grads remember the laughs, the love, and yes—the money. Just maybe not in that order.
🎒 PS: Know someone heading to college this fall? Check out our Essential Dorm Room Checklist to help them prep for dorm life!