Gift for high school graduate of close family friends?

[Samsara]

Hey all. Been a minute since I've been to a high school graduation. The oldest child of a couple that my wife and I are close friends with is graduating high school next week. We have no idea what an appropriate gift is. My first thought is money, because everyone needs money, particularly 18-year-olds soon go be going across the country for university.

So, if you're close with the graduate's family (and we are, and have spent a lot of time with the graduate), what kind of monetary amount makes sense? Is $200 too much? Too little? Seriously just looking for input. We have no idea what is appropriate.

Thanks.

[pg1067]

That's more than I'd give, but I tend to think I'm "cheap" with these sorts of things.  I probably wouldn't do more than $50 for a non-family member.

One suggestion that might be cooler than money:  Check and see what restaurants (fast food or otherwise) are near campus and buy a few gift cards instead of giving cash.  My kid just finished her first year of college and loved getting random gift cards throughout the year and for her birthday over winter break.

[King Postwhore]

We normally give $100.00 for close friend's families kids. More for nieces & nephews.   

[Stadler]

I err on the side of probably being generous.  I would do $200, though not more.  I would generally stick with cash, unless, per PG's idea, there is something special or unique you can bring (a new restaurant, a unique restaurant).    I wouldn't give $200 (or whatever) in gift certificates to, say, Applebee's. 

[Adami]

I err on the side of probably being generous.  I would do $200

You know you missed my high school graduation, bachelors graduation, two masters graduation, and doctorate graduation.

[King Postwhore]

I err on the side of probably being generous.  I would do $200

You know you missed my high school graduation, bachelors graduation, two masters graduation, and doctorate graduation.

I fluttered my eyes at you in Pennsylvania. That should cover all the graduations. 

[Adami]

I err on the side of probably being generous.  I would do $200

You know you missed my high school graduation, bachelors graduation, two masters graduation, and doctorate graduation.

I fluttered my eyes at you in Pennsylvania. That should cover all the graduations.

Oh, you're more than good. But Stads owes me a thousand bucks plus interest.

[MinistroRaven]

You could also think about giving them a gift card to a store where they might need to pick up stuff for college - somewhere like a bookstore or a place they can get dorm essentials. Or, you could put the money towards a specific bigger-ticket item they'll need for college, like a laptop.

Remember, at the end of the day, it's all about showing them you care and supporting them in this new chapter. Hope this helps, mate!

[Lonk]

Hey all. Been a minute since I've been to a high school graduation. The oldest child of a couple that my wife and I are close friends with is graduating high school next week. We have no idea what an appropriate gift is. My first thought is money, because everyone needs money, particularly 18-year-olds soon go be going across the country for university.

So, if you're close with the graduate's family (and we are, and have spent a lot of time with the graduate), what kind of monetary amount makes sense? Is $200 too much? Too little? Seriously just looking for input. We have no idea what is appropriate.

Thanks.

I would say consult with the parents, they might have an idea of what the kid needs/will need. If you go the monetary route, $100 fine, $200 is generous and also fine, but should be the upper limit (IMO).

[TAC]

Sam, is this an only child? How many siblings will you have to buy gifts for and multiply the gift amount by.

Generally, we go with $100. If this is an only child and you guys know them well, and you can afford it, $200 is way more than generous, but I wouldn't do any more than that.

[Chino]

I think $100 is more than enough for graduating high school.

[hefdaddy42]

$200.00 sounds good to me.

[pg1067]

I err on the side of probably being generous.  I would do $200, though not more.  I would generally stick with cash, unless, per PG's idea, there is something special or unique you can bring (a new restaurant, a unique restaurant).    I wouldn't give $200 (or whatever) in gift certificates to, say, Applebee's.

BTW...my suggestion would work well for my kid because she goes to school in a tiny town with relatively few options.  If the graduate in question is going to a place in a big city, it probably would be less good.  And, Bill, what have you got against riblets?!   

[Samsara]

Thanks everyone!