High School Graduation Gift

[TLC1994]

How much $$$ do you typically give for a high school graduation gift? This is for a friend of the family - long time friends, but not super close. We know them through our church.

Thanks!

[Jenn98]

I like to be generous with gifts, but we usually give what our budget allows regardless. For a friend of the family I might give $40-$50.

[pampamz]

Does it have to be money?

If they are headed off to college/university then maybe a gift card to someplace they could buy *dorm room* stuff. Or, a calling card or gas card for coming home?

I would probably spend $30-$50 ($50 is probably stretching it if they are not close friends).

[Jenn98]

I rememebr being so excited when my mom gave me a $100 gift card to the local grocery store as a Christmas gift! I could buy *real* food!!!!! Oh, and roles of quarters were worth their weight in gold! (For the washer/dryer, campus bus, etc.) But quarters might be outdated now. Gas cards would be great, too. I guess it depends on how much mom and dad are paying for little extras like that. I was on my own for most things, so it was different for me than for my friends whose parents paid for everything. You could always do a fun gift basket with gift cards to the local/campus pizza place, sun shop, etc.

[TLC1994]

Actually I was thinking of a Target gift card - her sister said that would be perfect for her. The gas card idea came to mind this morning too, since she's going to be commuting to college about 45 minutes away.

I guess I'm just trying to narrow down the amount for the gift card.

Thanks for the quick responses!!

[pampamz]

Laundry -- good call!

Another good idea would be to buy a laundry hamper and fill it w/fabric sheets, laundry soap, stain-spray etc. with some quarters....