How old are you people that are saying $50? I graduated from HS 25 years ago, and no relative gave me $50. Everyone gave at least $100. Middle class people.

I would give my neighbor $50 if they sent me an announcement.

$50 check in a card with a note of congratulations. Cash might get lost in the mail. Gift cards are fine but it's hard to know the recipient's store preferences if you barely know the recipient.

College is expensive and the cost of books alone is outrageous. Unless your brother is wealthy or has saved up a lot of money for his son's college education, a check would be most helpful.

I also agree with PP that a (sincere) invitation to visit if in the area would be nice.

$100 check

The problem with amazon is not everyone has prime.

Cash is the way to go. No-one is ever unhappy about receiving cash.

Fifty bucks in a card

A check for $20.17.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:$50-100 sounds goo. I'd send a check .

+1

+1. Easy, convenient...and you have a confirmation when they cash it. It will always get used.

We sent DHs younger cousin an Amazon gift card for his college graduation and he was overjoyed. Can't go wrong, and it will definitely get used, plus when you go to college you need so much stuff, that worst case, kid buys himself a shower bin and whatnot.

Anonymous wrote:$50-100 sounds goo. I'd send a check .

+1

$50-100 sounds goo. I'd send a check .

As others have mentioned gift card or cash. A note would be nice. Could you suggest that he's welcome to visit if he's in the area. Is that something you would like to offer? Mention it only if it's a genuine offer. He is an adult now. The opportunity is there for the two of you to build a relationship as adults.

Most HS grads are happy with cash. Totally normal and expected gift.

$50 amazon or target gift card. Done

My brother's son just graduated high school and sent me an announcement card. They live across the country. I haven't seen my nephew for 10 years and even before then, had been around him only a few times. I'm not particularly close to my brother -- we talk about 1-2 times per year and he's never met my 2 kids (10 and 8 years old). I have no animosity with them -- I'm just not close to them. I'm happy for my nephew that he is going to college, and am fine sending him a gift. Problem is I really don't know him and have no idea what kind of gift to get. Is a generic amazon gift card too lame of a gift? Any suggestions?