Here's a general guideline:
* Close family (parents, grandparents, siblings): $100-$500+ is common, but larger gifts are perfectly acceptable, especially from parents. The amount reflects the significant investment made in the graduate's education and future.
* Close relatives (aunts, uncles, cousins): $50-$200 is a reasonable range.
* Friends and other family: $25-$100 is a typical range, but a smaller gift or a thoughtful experience is perfectly acceptable as well.
* Teachers or mentors: A smaller, thoughtful gift (a gift card to a coffee shop or restaurant, a nice pen, a book related to their field) is more common than a large sum of money.
Consider these factors:
* Your financial situation: Don't overextend yourself financially. A smaller, heartfelt gift is always better than a large gift that causes you financial strain.
* The graduate's needs and wishes: If the graduate has a specific goal (like contributing to a car down payment or starting a savings account), a gift that helps them towards that goal can be very meaningful, even if it's less than the average amount.
* Experiences over things: Consider a gift card for a fun experience, like a concert, a weekend getaway, or a cooking class.
Ultimately, the most important aspect of the gift is the thought behind it. A small, thoughtful gift from someone who truly cares will be more appreciated than a large, impersonal gift.