How much should you spend on a gift?
Start with what you can afford, then look at the relationship and what’s normal between you. Rough starting points for common relationships.
Start with what you can comfortably afford. After that, the relationship and what’s normal between the two of you matter more than any rule. A thoughtful $15 gift can mean more than an expensive one chosen in a hurry.
If you’d like a rough guide, the ranges below are common starting points rather than rules.
Rough starting points
These vary a lot by family, culture, and budget. Use them as a place to start, then adjust.
- Coworker or Secret Santa
- Whatever limit the group agreed, often somewhere between $10 and $25. Staying close to it matters more than the exact amount.
- Host or acquaintance
- Around $10 to $25 — something for the table, or a small treat.
- Friend
- Often $20 to $50, depending on how close you are and what you usually do.
- Close family
- This varies the most, and many families have unspoken norms. If you’re unsure, asking a sibling or parent what others are planning can help.
- Partner
- There’s no standard amount. What matters is that it fits your shared budget and feels considered.
- Children
- Amounts are often kept similar across siblings or cousins, so it’s worth checking what others in the family are spending.
Keep roughly in step
If you and a friend usually exchange small gifts, a much bigger one can feel uneven. Staying roughly in line with each other keeps exchanges comfortable for both of you.
That doesn’t mean matching someone who spends more than you can. It’s always fine to give within your means.
If money is tight
Saying so early is usually easier than it feels. Suggesting a spending limit, drawing names, or buying only for the kids are common solutions, and often welcome.
Time, cooking, or something homemade can be just as meaningful as something bought.