19 Best Affordable Graduation Gifts You Can Snag for $50 or Less (2024)

FAQs

19 Best Affordable Graduation Gifts You Can Snag for $50 or Less? ›

For high school grads, the average gift is around $50 to $200. To decide an amount, consider if this is a close friend or family member.

For high school grads, the average gift is around $50 to $200. To decide an amount, consider if this is a close friend or family member.

Ideally, an appropriate monetary gift for graduates should range between $100 and $500,” he says. One reason money is so desirable is that the graduate may be facing daunting student loan debt. A bulk of cash can help ease the looming repayment pain.

Something in the range of $100-$200 is a good choice. Children: A typical graduation gift from parents can range from $100 to much more. If parents are helping with college costs or other expenses, they may give less.

We've compiled the following breakdown of recommend gift amounts based on your relationship: Co-worker: $20 - $30. Close friend or sibling: $25-$75. Niece, Nephew, Grandkid: : $50- $100.

Distant relatives or friends usually send around $15 - $20, while close friends and relatives more commonly send around the $20 - $50 mark. Some families and family friends may choose to spend closer to $100 - $500, depending on their finances and the needs of the graduate.

Flowers: Traditional gifts for the graduate include a beautiful bouquet of flowers, cash and gift cards. If you're concerned that a cash gift might seem too impersonal or thoughtless, you can get more creative than simply stuffing bills into an envelope.

It is an etiquette myth that if you receive a graduation announcement you must send a gift. Announcements do not equal invitations to a graduation. You are not obligated to give a gift, although you may choose to do so. Whether or not you send a present, a card or note of congratulations is always appreciated.

Best friend or family friend: $50 to $100.

Giving a gift in this range speaks volumes about the special bond you share with the no-longer senior. It's a way to celebrate their scholastic and extracurricular achievements, future ambitions, and just how much their friendship means to you.

What is a normal college graduation gift? ›

It's traditional to either splurge on something nice yet practical (think high-quality work wardrobe pieces or a tech device that'll help 'em out in the post-grad world) or give a sentimental gift (like a gorgeous ring, keepsake box, or photo album) to mark the end of a chapter.

When it comes to high school graduation gifts, it's best to keep things modest. A good range to consider is: $20 - $50: For acquaintances or distant relatives. $50 - $100: For close friends and immediate family members.

Cash paired with a smaller gift is always nice, or you can choose a gift card for a local restaurant, coffee shop or college bookstore. If you'd prefer a tangible gift, here are some amazing gift ideas for high school graduates.

“Graduation gifts are not to be expected, so any gift given is a generous display of love, support, and recognition of the graduate's accomplishments,” says etiquette trainer Courtney Opalko. “While welcomed, [they] should not be demanded or expected by the host or honoree.”

While some parents splurge on a car or computer, many choose less elaborate, but still meaningful, gifts to commemorate the day. Jewelry (often engraved with the date), books, cash or stock certificates, luggage, a camera, or graduation rings are all presents the graduate will appreciate in the years ahead.

Diploma frame — Your graduate may want to display his diploma on the wall of his new office or apartment. Vacation — Perhaps you'll choose to send your graduate on a vacation to celebrate the end of the college years. Car — If your student doesn't already have a car, this may be the time that it will become necessary.