Graduation Gift
I have planned and given two graduation parties so far, for two of my ten children and am beginning to plan another graduation party for my twin girls this summer. Being I have older children we have gone to quite a few graduation parties as well. The amounts of money my children have received has differed, though it has generally been $20 - $25 per family that has given to them. Once and awhile they might receive $10 or $15 from someone they did not know nearly as well, or $35 from someone they know closely. Grandparents are the ones that tend to give more, if they can afford it, being $100 or more. A special aunt or uncle, again if they can afford it, may give $50.
While most do give monetary gifts, my children have received books, gift certificates, calculators and other gifts they could use for college. One of our children received a very long hand written note from a man in our church, encouraging my son in his future and inserted what he could afford, $5. This was a very treasured gift because my son knew it was given from the heart, especially with his handwritten note, and this probably was more than the widowed father could afford to give. This stands out more in my son's mind than other amounts of money, and while the money is all spent, that letter remains in his dresser to treasure. Keep in mind when giving, that even if you cannot afford to give what you might think is enough, a thoughtful card with a handwritten note of caring and thoughtfulness will much more for many years to come.
You might be able to find a great deal on a laptop case, calculator, or a special pen set that also will be well used and cost you less than $25, if you too, feel $25. How about a gift card to a hair salon, restaurant such as McDonald's (which college kids seem to live off of) or a small splurge at Starbucks? If the high school graduate is going to college and will be living in a dorm, he or she may also need items such as a blanket, comforter, new pillows or a backpack. Girls would be delighted in more personalized items such as jewelry, perfume or special stationary. Another item I have personally given for gifts for high school graduates is either personally making graduation thank you notes they can give out, or purchasing them, along with a book or two of stamps. You can still slip in some money if you so desire.
So as you decide the amount of money, first of all you can afford, and then your relationship with the child, remember money is not everything. Your relationship and lifetime encouragement you possibly can give will stand out more. Will the child you are giving to remember one year or five years from now, how much you gave him or her, or will the encouragement or emotion investment you gave stand out more? $25-$35 for a graduation gift may be the normal amount to consider, but consider doing more that might last a lifetime.
