What amount of money do you give a coworker's daughter for graduation from high school?

Question

I have known the coworker a little over a year. We have never done anything outside of the office and I have only met her daughter twice.

Answer 1

why not give 20-30 dollars on a gift card- starbucks, target, etc- it will SEEM like more because it's a really useful gift- i swear, somehow i get more excited about a $20 gift card than a $20 dollar bill....

plus, it's more thoughtful to give a gift card than cash- if the daughter loves music- best buy, etc.

OR- give money in the form of quarters, bus passes, or something specific to her college (my school had a debit card/student id that you could use to buy coffee, do laundry, buy books, etc.)

Answer 2

Were you invited to the graduation party? If no invitation, then I think you need not even acknowledge it. If you feel close enough to the coworker to give a gift and go to the party, then I think a modest gift of $20 would cover it. Actually, what might be better would be to circulate a small collection at work. If everyone pitches in a little bit she'd end up with what looks like a bigger gift anyway. Do this only if your work allows it and you feel comfortable doing it.

Answer 3

Really depends on your geographic area and general societal rules of said area. Where I'm from, co-workers kids get $10, maybe $15 if you are particularily close.

Give whatever you feel comfortable giving. Personally, I think $20 for a co-workers kid is a bit extravagant. Then again, I think most people these days tend to go overboard with gift-giving. It must be part of the whole "keeping up with the Jones's thing". Can't look poor, you know. Gotta make yourself look good.

Answer 4

If you haven't been invited to the festivities, a card will suffice. If you are expected to attend a party, then maybe a small gift like stationery would be better than cash. Don't forget to put your full name on the card, especially if she might not remember who you are right away. An alternative would be to get together with your coworkers and buy her a gift 'from mom's office' and put everyone's name on it. You're probably not the only one at the office with this concern.

Answer 5

Thank you for asking this question. I have been troubled by this dilemma. For a high school graduation, I think that $100 is a bit much. I was considering somewhere between $25 and $50. It is complicated when there are many nieces and nephews in the next few years, to set a very high amount and then have to match this every time.

Answer 6

I don't know that I would give anything. If it were a friend's daughter, perhaps $20? But just a coworker I don't see outside of work, a gift/money should not be expected.

I'm sure it would be appreciated, though.

Answer 7

You shouldn't be obligated to give money. If you are invited to the graduation party, then I would say a card with $20 - $25 would be sufficient.

Answer 8

It's not necessary to give anything...but if you choose to, I'd say a card with $20 in the form of cash or a gift card.

Answer 9

Its is up to you where to draw the line. You are not close friends and don't socialize out of the office.

If you choose to give her something, make it a gift certificate in a card as you don't know her tastes.

I don't think that you are obligated to give something. I reserve gifts for functions I am invited to, family and close friends.

Answer 10

Frankly, I see no reason to give anything to someones daughter? If it was your co workers birthday or something maybe a card, but who expects something for their child's graduation? Thats family, nothing to do with work.