This is how much you should give as a graduation gift – NRK Vestland

The big occasions are coming up – confirmations, weddings and baptisms.

And the same discussion arises every year: What and how much should you give?

Lene Drange is an economist and known from The TV series “Luxusfellen”. She says that many people wonder how much they should give for the big occasions.

– One exposes oneself a little. When you give an amount, you often compare yourself to others.

Consumer economist at Nordea, Derya Incedursun, also believes that many people find gifts for confirmation difficult.

Both because there is shame associated with poor finances and because there is an expectation that the more you give, the better it is.

– I think the solution is that you, me and others simply give what we ourselves want and have the opportunity for. There is no shame in having bad finances. There is no shame in giving something used.

How much should you give?

Both Drange and Incedursun emphasize that you should give what you yourself want and are able to give.

You must give a gift out of your own finances, and in any case not give a gift on credit.

– That is the most important thing, says Drange.

Incedursun also believes that the relationship with the confirmand should not be the driving force for what and how much you should give.

– I think that everyone who is invited to the confirmation party is invited for a reason. You should not feel pressured to give more than others.

She does not want to come up with an amount that is right to give, as everyone has different finances.

– Oh set an expectation among friends and family, I think I will be wrong.

Money, funds or shares?

Drange says that many people ask if they would rather give shares or funds than money, so that the children can become richer in the long term.

– I sI think it’s a great idea! Let the money work a little for you, let it get bigger and bigger. If you learn a little and get a little interested in it, it’s ten out of ten, says Drange.

Incedursun agree that investments in, for example, funds can be just as sensible as money.

– It might be a good idea to one does not just transfer an amount that may be used in a week or a month, but rather something that can grow more over time.

It can be a savings account, a housing savings account, a fund, or something else.

If you are a little unsure of where to start, a wise first step may be to contact the bank for guidance.

Incedursun also emphasizes that you don’t necessarily need to give money.

If you are good at knitting or sewing, such gifts can be just as nice.

You can also buy something used or give something you yourself have lying around at home.

Talk together

Incedursun encourages parents to have a chat with the confirmand about expectations, regardless of the financial situation of the family.

– Talk a little about what this day actually means.

Even if you don’t have the opportunity to give too much as a gift, you can have a chat with the parents.

– I would probably think that someone will understand that, she says.