How Much To Give Neighbor For High School Graduation (2023)

Last Updated on July 26, 2023 by Kimberlee Johnson

Graduating from high school is a huge accomplishment, and your neighbor deserves to be recognized for their hard work. But figuring out how much to give can be tricky- you don’t want to seem like you’re trying too hard or come across as cheap.

In this blog post, we will discuss how much to give your neighbor for high school graduation as the best way to congratulate them.

Table of Contents

How Much Should You Give Your Next-Door Neighbor As A Graduation Gift?

If you got invited to your next-door neighbor’s high school graduation party and you’re wondering how much cash to give, we recommend $20 for a friend, $50 for a close friend, and $100 or more for family.

Of course, this is just a guide, and you should ultimately give what you feel comfortable with.

Factors To Consider

Relationship With The Graduate

If you have a close relationship with the graduate, such as being family or close friends, you may want to give a more significant gift.

You can give around $100 or more if you are comfortable with it and have the means to do so.

If you don’t have a close relationship, giving a smaller gift is perfectly acceptable.

Your Budget

Of course, your budget will play a role in how much you give for high school graduation. If you can’t afford to give a lot, don’t worry – any amount is appreciated. A nice card with a handwritten congratulatory message is always welcome.

You could also consider giving a gift that has meaning but isn’t too expensive, such as an inspirational book or graduation-themed mug or frame.

Relationship With The Parents

Graduating from high school is a significant accomplishment and one that should be celebrated with family and friends. If you are close to the parents of the graduate, you may be wondering how much cash to give as a graduation gift.

A good rule of thumb is to give an amount equivalent to what you would spend on a birthday or holiday present.

So, if you typically spend $50 on a birthday gift, you would give $50 as a graduation gift.

You can also consider giving a larger amount if the graduate is particularly close to you or if you feel that their achievement warrants it.

Whatever you decide, make sure to give a thoughtful and personal high school graduation card to wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Some Cash Gift Etiquette & Tips

Don’t Give Too Much

Give an amount that won’t make the graduate or their family uncomfortable. A good rule of thumb is not to give more than $50 per person, unless you’re extremely close to the graduate or their family. But is it alright to give $1000 as a graduation gift?

Don’t Give Too Little

On the other hand, you don’t want to insult the graduate by giving too little. A good starting point is $20-$25, but this depends on your relationship with the graduate and their family. If you’re unsure, err on the side of giving a bit more.

Consult The Parents

If you’re unsure how much to give, consult the graduate’s parents. They’ll be able to tell you what their expectations are and how much other people are giving.

Don’t Talk About Your Gift In Public

It’s considered rude to talk about how much money you gave (or are giving) in public. If someone asks, say that it was “enough.”

You might also like to read about how to thank your neighbor for a gift here.

Don’t Feel Pressured To Give A Gift

If you can’t afford to give a gift, don’t feel pressured to do so. Your presence at the graduation ceremony is present enough. The graduate will appreciate your support regardless of whether or not you can give a monetary gift.

You might also want to read on how to celebrate a high school graduation without throwing a party here.

Split The Cash Gift

If you have other family members who also want to give a cash gift, consider splitting the cost between all of you. This way, you can give a more substantial amount without breaking the bank.

Read: How Much To Give For College Graduation

FAQs

Is it alright to give money as a high school graduation gift?

Yes, giving money as a high school graduation gift is perfectly fine. In fact, many people prefer cash gifts because they can use the money to help pay for expenses related to college or their first apartment.

Check out these appropriate graduation gift ideas for college students here.

What should I do if I can’t afford to give a high school graduation gift?

If you can’t afford to give a high school graduation gift, don’t feel pressured to do so. Your presence at the ceremony is present enough.

The graduate will appreciate your support regardless of whether or not you can give a monetary gift. split the cost between all of you. This way, you can give a more substantial amount without breaking the bank.

You may also be interested in what is an appropriate thank-you gift for a neighbor here.

Final Thoughts

Giving a cash gift for high school graduation [1] is a perfectly acceptable way to show your support for the graduate. Just be sure to consult the parents, don’t give too much or too little, and don’t talk about your gift in public.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to give a thoughtful and appropriate cash gift that the graduate will appreciate.

Reference:

https://health.gov/healthypeople/priority-areas/social-determinants-health/literature-summaries/high-school-graduation

Author
Recent Posts

Follow me

Kimberlee Johnson

Kimberlee Johnson is a preschool teacher and a mom of 3. She puts a lot of thought into gift-buying and gift-giving as she believes that each gift should tell a story. She enjoys scrapbooking and watching the History Channel. Learn more about us here or you can email us [email protected].