Graduation Gift Stress? Here’s Exactly What To Give (And How Much)

It’s getting close to the end of the school year, which means it's graduation time. And kids of all ages are putting on their finest clothes, squeezing on their caps, and getting ready to walk across that stage.

Whether it's a preschool , elementary school, middle school, high school, or college graduation, each milestone is exciting and worth celebrating. But when it's graduation season, it seems like the soirees are never-ending and the expectation around gift giving can become quite cumbersome.

So, if your schedule for the next few weeks is packed with graduation parties and you're wondering how to give gifts that are appropriate, crowd-pleasing, and won't set you back financially, we turned to experts for help.

To Give Cash or to Not Give Cash?

Cash will always be a popular and easy graduation gift . Besides who doesn’t appreciate receiving money as a gift for any occasion?

Young graduates are especially won over by a cash gift, explains Hugh Lagrotteria, who co-founded Outdone, a gift recommendation engine. “It’s flexible, feels grown-up, and lets them celebrate in their own way,” he tells Parents .

Despite the flexibility giving money allows, some parents are apprehensive since they feel it's not a personal enough present or it can be used inappropriately.

But according to Genevieve Dreizen, a modern day etiquette and boundaries expert and COO and co-founder of Fresh Starts Registry , money shouldn't get a bad rap. “Money is a one-size-fits-all gift,” she says.

How Much Money Should You Give?

If you decide to gift cash, how much depends on your relationship with the graduate and their age, according to experts. For close family and friends, between $50 and $100 is customary. For an acquaintance, between $20 and $30 is fine. “Ultimately, the sentiment matters more than the sum,” Lagrotteria advises. Dreizen adds that even $15 is a nice gesture. “That is enough to buy someone [about three] lattes, or a nice quick lunch out in most places,” she says. 

Just don’t forget to include a personalized card with your cash gift of any amount!

When Cash Isn’t an Option

If your budget prohibits you from giving a cash gift to the grads in your life, don’t worry! You can still show you care through so many other heartfelt ways.

“A handwritten note with a personal story, words of encouragement, or even a printed photo or memory can mean just as much,” says Lagrotteria. “The best gifts say, ‘I see you, and I’m proud of you.’”

Dan Ulin, founder and CEO of Elite Student Coach in Los Angeles, agrees. “If you really want to create a lasting memory for [a kid], consider giving them something that not only stands out as unique, but also empowers them to succeed and get ahead of the pack in one form or another.”

Non-Cash Gifts That Will Win Big With Grads

Most little kids will enjoy a non-cash gift, such as a small toy, camera, or journal. Older kids might appreciate a refurbished electronic or a gift card to their favorite store. Other gift ideas for grads that involve little or no money include:

• A book.Ulin suggests gifting a book that made a big impression on you when you were their age.

• Homemade cookies, brownies, or bread.“A card with a tasty treat never fails,” Dreizen says.

• Lending your talents or time.Offering to help with moving into the dorm , or teaching a grad how to cook favorite recipes are money-free ways to show you care according to Lindsey Forge, founder of Little Luxe Cards .

• Mentorship.If your career background will help guide and inform a high school grad following a similar path, offering mentorship and sharing advice and wisdom is invaluable, according to Forge.

• Experiences.Whether you give movie or sporting event ticket, or an invitation to an outdoor picnic, there are plenty of experiences within any budget.

• Frame an inspirational quote.For an affordable option, Lagrotteria suggests framing a quote that inspires you.

• Self-care items.From a candle to a bath bomb, per Forge, nothing says “I care” like a gift that invites someone to take a moment to themselves during an emotionally-charged and hectic graduation season.

• Sentimental gifts.A photo album or keepsake from an experience you shared together is a sweet way to mark the milestone.

• Subscription service.Ulin recommends signing the grad in your life up for a useful subscription service, such as MasterClass or Headspace.

• Dorm or school supplies.The grad’s next big adventure is right around the corner, so practical gear like a planner, laundry bag, or reusable water bottle will be welcomed!

Ultimately, Forge shares this advice: “Graduation is about celebrating new beginnings and growth. When choosing a gift, focus on showing your support, pride, and encouragement for what’s ahead—it’s the thoughtfulness that makes a gift memorable, not the price tag.”

Read the original article on Parents