Typical college graduation gift? (2024)

Sbkangas5

Senior Member
  • Sep 3, 2023
  • #1

DD should be graduating after this year. I have zero idea of what a typical (for normal people, not millionaires) college graduation gift is. I know it varies, but what is typical in your family or area?

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Beach Glass

Senior Member
  • Sep 3, 2023
  • #2

When DD1 graduated from college, we were really practical. She was going to continue to work at the university from which she graduated, but in a role involving more responsibilities. So insurance and health benefits were taken care of.

She was moving into her own apartment- no more roommates! We took care of her security deposit and pet deposit. (She had always wanted a cat, and this place allowed one.) We continued to keep her on our phone plan ( cheaper than being on her own plan).

Like I said… practical.

Ima Teacher

Senior Member
  • Sep 3, 2023
  • #3

I’m pretty sure we gave DSS money. We also helped him move to his apartment, bought him a new MacBook, and authorized him to purchase stuff on our phone plan.

My friends are practical people, so there is a lot of monetary help with getting started with adulting since most were getting apartments. Apartment deposits. Professional clothes. Furniture. Renters insurance. Grocery shopping trip.

It has been a long time since I graduated from college, but my parents were also practical. They gave me an odd combination of a sewing machine and a .38 Special revolver. Typical college graduation gift? (4) Oh, and the money they had saved for my college education because I had scholarships and didn‘t use it.

SusanTeach

Senior Member
  • Sep 4, 2023
  • #4

We just give money. It's so needed after college while trying to find a place, get established in a job, etc...

For my own children, we gave them $1,000. That sounds like so much, but with all the expenses, it still was hard to stretch. It was easier than trying to figure out what they needed/wanted, etc...

happykids

Senior Member
  • Sep 4, 2023
  • #5

Is this for your own child? We also went practical. However, except for some cash from her uncles, I am not sure DD even got any other gifts from friends or relatives.
I know I graduated 100 years ago, but I don't remember getting anything either.
HS graduation was much bigger!

Munchkins

Senior Member
  • Sep 4, 2023
  • #6

SusanTeach said:

We just give money. It's so needed after college while trying to find a place, get established in a job, etc...

For my own children, we gave them $1,000. That sounds like so much, but with all the expenses, it still was hard to stretch. It was easier than trying to figure out what they needed/wanted, etc...

We did the same, so they could get what they needed.

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T

Tapdancesub

Senior Member
  • Sep 4, 2023
  • #7

We gave both money and transferred the titles to the cars they were driving to their names. They’re still on the phone plan cause it’s cheaper, they pay us back.

  • Sep 4, 2023
  • #8

Both my daughters stayed at home through college. (Well, technically one went away for a year but came home.). When they finally graduated, we gave them an expensive pair of earrings.

When other family members of close friends graduated, we usually send cash - $100 if they are close and I like them a lot (Typical college graduation gift? (9)) or $50 if I don’t see them much.

sonoma

Senior Member
  • Sep 4, 2023
  • #9

Got together with parents of her close friends and paid for a last girls trip before they had to enter the real world.

SassyTeach

Senior Member
  • Sep 4, 2023
  • #10

I always give money, because I remember alllllll those years ago and how broke I was. New graduates can always use more money.

Zia

Senior Member
  • Sep 4, 2023
  • #11

Another vote for cash! Unless she was living at home/dorm...when my kids moved out, I set them up to keep a household on their own. Pots/pans, oven mitts, trivets, dishes, flatware, mop, shower curtains, blah blah. I secretly began collecting all that stuff for them when they were mid-teens, like a super practical hope chest. Doing a bit at a time made it easier financially.

Congrats to your daughter!

amiga13

Senior Member
  • Sep 4, 2023
  • #12

I can’t believe she’s graduating already! It seems like yesterday she started at that school we both love. Huge congratulations! I vote for money.

jks

Senior Member
  • Sep 4, 2023
  • #13

We paid their tuition and living expenses for 4 years of college and gave them the car title.

Sbkangas5

Senior Member
  • Sep 4, 2023
  • #14

Thanks, all!

amiga13 said:

I can’t believe she’s graduating already! It seems like yesterday she started at that school we both love. Huge congratulations! I vote for money.

I know - it has gone crazy fast. She's worked (and played) really hard and I'm very proud of her!

Summerwillcom

Senior Member
  • Sep 5, 2023
  • #15

I don't remember getting $ or gifts at graduation. I got cards and flowers from family and friends. The thing my mom did or arranged both times were dinners at really nice restaurants with groups of my friends.
Those are both 2 really special memories.
I never thought of giving gifts to my own either for graduation, but definitely celebrations.
If it is a friend's kid and they send an invite, I usually just send cash with a card.

Cassyree

Senior Member
  • Sep 5, 2023
  • #16

Once upon a time long ago, my parents gave me $1000. It paid for deposit and first month's rent, a mattress and box spring, and a down payment on my very first car. 1973. It was a generous gift that got me started on my own.

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Typical college graduation gift? (2024)

FAQs

How much do you give for a college graduation gift? ›

There is a wide range for college graduation gifts, but the typical amount given to college graduates is between $100 and $500. Since these grads will be starting new careers, possibly moving, and paying off student loans, giving more is acceptable.

What is etiquette for college graduation gift? ›

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.

What is an appropriate gift for college graduation? ›

They'll appreciate useful gifts from parents that will help them with their professional endeavors. Whether it's tech-savvy work gear, an impressive degree frame for their office, or a professional-looking wardrobe, you're sure to find the best graduation gifts for your graduate.

Is $25 a good graduation gift? ›

Co-worker: $20 - $30. Close friend or sibling: $25-$75. Niece, Nephew, Grandkid: : $50- $100. Son or Daughter: $100- $500.

Is $1000 a good graduation gift? ›

According to this piece, financial planners say the gift should be equal to approximately one month's rent or mortgage payment, somewhere around $1,000. The article said parents should give their children between $1,000 and $5,000 when they graduate from college.

Do college graduates get gifts? ›

Give a gift that's special, but also practical for the new grad. For many people, graduation marks the official beginning of the many responsibilities that come with adulthood. So, it's only appropriate to help ease the transition with a gift that will last the graduate for a long time.

What is a good college graduation gift from parents? ›

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.

Do you give flowers at college graduation? ›

Acknowledge their achievement with a gift that screams “Congratulations!” Graduation is a joyous event of hope and celebration. It is marked by caps and gowns, colorful tassels, and an armful of fresh flowers for graduation that symbolize achievement and optimism.

What flower symbolizes graduation? ›

Choose flowers that symbolize graduation, such as roses or lilies. Arrange them in a stylish vase or in a bouquet wrapped with elegant ribbons. Your graduate will cherish this thoughtful, blooming gift.

What is a female college graduate called? ›

For an individual graduate, an alumnus is a single male, an alumna is a single female, and an alum is the gender neutral term.

Do you send gifts for college graduation? ›

If you attend the commencement ceremony, you should send a gift. According to the Emily Post Institute, if you can't attend the graduation in person, but wish to send a gift, give it near the graduation date or have it delivered in advance with instructions to wait until the day to open.

Is cash a good gift for graduation? ›

Many college students graduate with debt, whether in the form of government loans or a credit card balance. If you give the gift of cash, they can use that money to pay down their debt and limit the amount of interest that accrues against them. Also, being in debt can be stressful.

What is an appropriate college graduation gift from parents? ›

You could gift them money for a specific need they'll have in their newfound adulthood. For instance, taking care of a licensing fee or helping them with housing is extremely thoughtful and practical. Here are a few more examples of how your child could spend their graduation money: Exams or certifications.

Is it okay to write a check for a graduation gift? ›

Money and gift cards are appropriate and welcome.

Always include a card and a handwritten note with the gift card, check or cash. When giving cash, take the time to go to the bank and get some new bills.

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