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How much is appropriate for a parent’s graduation gift to a child?
April 20, 2010 | In: Graduation Gifts
My mom is giving my sister a graduation gift in the form of money or gift cards or something… and we’re debating on how much is appropriate. She wanted to give her $1,000 originally, which i thought was WAY too much, now she says $500… i still think it’s too high. Opinions?
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10 Responses to How much is appropriate for a parent’s graduation gift to a child?
June B
April 20th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
You do not get to vote. This is your Mom’s money and she gets to decide how to spend it.
Glinda W
April 20th, 2010 at 10:15 pm
High school graduation? only a grand? I gave my kids new cars valued at 15 grand. 3 of them. But mine all 3 went off to college.
Sharon F
April 20th, 2010 at 10:57 pm
Well, what is she graduating from? 8th grade? High school? College?
To be very honest with you, I don’t think it’s any of your business how much your mother gives your sister. That’s really up to your mom and how much your mom can afford, and how much she wants to give your sister based on her accomplishments. I know you may not want to hear this (and you’ll probably give me the thumbs down-that’s OK), but unless the money is coming out of your personal pocket, it shouldn’t matter what your mom gives as a gift.
If your sister is college bound, well then $500 pays for books and supplies. Perhaps she can use the extra money for a new wardrobe, or a new digital camera and computer equipment. It shouldn’t matter to you. Just be happy for your sister on her graduation.
Alisa S
April 20th, 2010 at 11:44 pm
I think it depends how you’re giving it to her. I mean, 500 dollars straight cash, to me says, ‘here’s some money because i didn’t know what to get you.’
If she’s going to college or university next year though, I say get her a laptop. If not, maybe something she’ll keep for the rest of her life like a gold necklace, rather than gift cards for clothes or something.
Also depends on how much she usually receives from her parents at birthdays/Christmas/other gift giving occasions, but I think it should be more than she gets from one person at those occasions just cause graduating, in my opinion anyway, a bigger achievement than having a birthday.
or something she’ll truly appreciate.
banks
April 21st, 2010 at 12:16 am
lol. I got a pat-on-the-back. Never heard of a graduation gift before.
The Snappy Miss Pippi Von Trapp
April 21st, 2010 at 12:24 am
Presuming this is a high school graduation, cash is usually an appropriate gift only if the graduate will be entering college in the fall — the idea being that the money is for miscellaneous expenses.
Otherwise, it’s far preferable to give the graduate something more like a physical gift, like a camera, car, vacation, etc.
Mercedes
April 21st, 2010 at 1:11 am
You’re right! A lot depends on what your sister’s plans are. Is she going to college? She could figure out how much sheets would cost, a little refrigerator, a bedspread/pillows (pretty ones)… things like that. She could give her money to buy what she wants to fix up her room. But to just hand a young person a large sum of money like that is not a good thing. Your sister achieved a goal, and it should be recognized, but I would do it with a party and open house. Money is not always the best gift.
Mr.bea
April 21st, 2010 at 1:48 am
Give what you feel is you can. Remember your giving to them will go on for years. Wean them as soon as possible.
lambo5797
April 21st, 2010 at 1:50 am
it depends what she’s graduating from
obviously its not exactly right for a sixth grader to get 1 grand
but also its not really your choice if your just the brother. Its your moms choice and its her money.
GiftCardBlogger™
April 21st, 2010 at 2:09 am
It’s hard to say whether $500 or $1000 is enough. It depends on what your mom wants the money to be used for. Or maybe a good way to look at it is ask your mom what she thinks your sister should use the money for. If the person is heading to college, then a $1000 or $500 gift card to IKEA or a visa gift card can be used to buy stuff for the college dorm.
If the person is done with college and is going to work somewhere, they may be moving into their own apartment. Here, a $1000 to crate and barrel or IKEA or Pier 1 may look like much but will get her a few pieces of furniture to start.
So think about what the money should be used for and give a card amount that will get the person started.
All the best.