Hi all! We've got several high school graduation parties coming up in the next week and a half, and due to being fairly broke, I'm wondering what dollar amount I can get away with giving these kids, without looking like a cheapskate. We've got 3 categories of grads to deal with: a niece, close family friends, and a neighborhood kid that we really haven't talked to much since she was much younger. So I'm just wondering what is customary these days... Thanks for any input!

My kids have received anywhere from $20-$100 mostly from family. Depending on the kids...I think most are grateful for whatever they get, even a card. Mine were for just the ther mere thought of someone actually thinking of them.

A beach or pool bag with towel and flip flops is easy and will be used by most grads (at least girls). I teach high school and kids in our area love WalMart gift cards

Kids graduating from high school will appreciate any amount of money!

When I graduated (many moons ago! Lol!), I received money in various amounts from people. I grew up in a lower-middle class family, and so I didn't receive piles of cash or anything.

But what I remember being most tickled about getting were the huge bouquets of flowers I got from my Mom and a close family friend! They were personalized with ribbons they had put on themselves, and nice cards.

To this day I don't remember how much money I got, but I do remember those flowers.

I think that flowers have a way of making most girls see past getting a lesser money amount.

So maybe some flowers with $20 for the neighbor, and $20-40 per kid for the others?

Itunes gift cards are usually popular (most everyone has an MP3 player). Starbuck's is another good bet.

I think cash is a great gift, even if it is $10. I LOVE cash.

When I have had to save money and was hit by several such events at once, I've bought gift cards so I saved an automatic $3 or so on the card and even more on gift bags and wrapping.

It IS the thought that counts and I don't know any teen who wouldn't be happy with even a $10 gift card (that is a few drinks at Starbucks!).

If they have a car or use mom and dad's -- how about a gas gift card? Also, I was more appreciative of the $5 I got from an aunt who couldn't afford it than the $100 from an uncle who was much better off!! (I have been mailing out $20's this year).

A gas gift card, or one to Sonic maybe? Or, picture frames; grads take a lot pictures this time of year. You could even decorate your own.

Thanks everybody!

20 dollar gift card to amazon.com for text books was REALLY nice for me.

When you're paying 600 dollars per semester for USED books, every bit helps - and amazon carries used textbooks now.

Yep....every little bit helps!