How Much Money to Give For Graduation Gifts in 2025

Listful

20 May 2025 — 3 min read

Graduation season in 2025 is shaping up to be more meaningful—and more generous—than ever. With students wrapping up a tough school year, juggling finals, remote learning, and uncertain job markets, families and friends are eager to celebrate these hard-earned achievements. But one question always looms large:

How much money should you give as a graduation gift?

If you’re attending a graduation ceremony or celebrating from afar, figuring out the right monetary gift can feel tricky. Is $50 too little? Is $200 too much? Does it matter if it's high school or college graduation? The answer depends on several key factors, from your relationship with the graduate to your own financial situation.

Let’s break it down.

4 Key Factors to Consider When Giving Graduation Gifts

1. Your Relationship with the Graduate

Are you a family member, one of their close friends, or a distant acquaintance? Your level of closeness often determines how generous your graduation gift should be.

Parents and grandparents: $100 – $500+
Siblings or close relatives: $50 – $200
Close friends: $25 – $100
Others (acquaintances, classmates, coworkers): $10 – $50

A meaningful note and even a modest monetary gift can go a long way in celebrating a graduate’s accomplishments—especially when paired with a heartfelt card or a small personalized token.

2. The Type of Graduation

The level of graduation matters. A college graduation often represents a more significant milestone than high school, which may justify a larger gift.

Here’s a general guide:

High School Graduation

Family members: $50 – $200
Friends: $20 – $50
Teachers or neighbors: $10 – $30

Graduating from high school is a big step toward adulthood. Whether they’re heading off to college, a trade program, or the workforce, this is a great moment to support their next chapter.

College Graduation

Parents/grandparents: $100 – $500+
Other family members: $50 – $250
Friends: $25 – $75
Colleagues or acquaintances: $10 – $40

Many graduates face student loan payments, relocation costs, or first-job expenses—making graduation gifts all the more helpful during this transition.

3. Your Financial Situation

Generosity should never put you in a financial bind. Graduation gifts are a celebration, not a financial obligation. Set a budget that’s comfortable for you and stick to it—especially if you’re attending multiple graduation ceremonies this season.

Here’s a tip: make a simple list of everyone you’re giving to this school year and decide on amounts ahead of time. This ensures fairness and prevents overspending.

4. Local Customs and Cultural Traditions

Different cultures have unique gifting practices. In some Asian cultures, for example, money is given in red envelopes to symbolize good luck. In South Asian communities, graduation gift ideas might include cash in denominations ending in “1” (e.g., $101) for good fortune.

It can always a good idea to honor the graduate’s background when selecting your gift.

2025 Graduation Gift Amounts at a Glance

Relationship	High School Grad	College Grad
Parents	$100–$300	$200–$500+
Grandparents	$50–$200	$100–$300
Siblings	$30–$100	$50–$150
Close Friends	$25–$75	$25–$100
Acquaintances	$10–$30	$10–$50

Remember, the thought matters more than the total. A sincere card, a mention of their final exam hustle, or a personal memory from school can make a simple gift feel unforgettable.

Graduation Gift Ideas Beyond Cash

While money is often the go-to, you can also get creative with graduation gift ideas:

A prepaid grocery or gas card
A framed photo of a meaningful moment from school
A practical and personalized item that they'll use at their workplace or new living place
A care package with snacks, gift cards, and self-care items

It’s not always about the dollar amount—sometimes, it’s about how well the gift supports their future.

Plan Thoughtful Graduation Gifts With Listful

With multiple family members, close friends, and classmates graduating every year, it’s easy to lose track of ideas and plans. That’s where Listful comes in.

Listful helps you organize your graduation gift ideas, collaborate with other family members, and keep tabs on all the milestones happening in your life. Whether it’s planning a graduation ceremony gift, preparing for birthdays, or staying ahead on holiday shopping—Listful keeps everything in one place.

🎓 Got a graduation coming up? Or a birthday on the horizon? Plan ahead with Listful! Whether it's a milestone or any other special occasion, Listful makes it easy to collaborate and plan gift ideas with friends and family. Organize your gift lists and ensure everyone is on the same page for the perfect celebration.

Need more inspiration? Check out our other graduation season blogs:

Make every celebration count—with Listful.