Son's going to a Bar Mitzah, how much to give

[Westchesterguy]

My 13 yo is going to his classmates bar mitzah (sic) I had heard multiples of 18. I don't have a clue any guidance here is greatly appreciated. Joe

[THERESA]

18 Jewish cupcakes are called for. :D

[Westchesterguy]

Theresaaaaaaa now that's not helpful....cute but...

[Kaos]

Multiples of 18?? Meaning whatever you give him has to be a multiple quantity of 18? Interesting

[Raven]

What amount should I give as a gift?
With cash gifts, the two considerations in figuring the amount are: how close you are to the family/child and what’s appropriate for you based on your financial circumstances. The other standard people tend to use – how affluent the hosts are – is really irrelevant.
The tradition is to give in multiples of $18, the numeric equivalent of chai, the Hebrew word for “life”. Follow, generally, your customary giving patterns. If you would normally give a niece or nephew $25 for a birthday, give $36-54 to the bat mitzvah in recognition that this is bigger than the standard birthday; if you’d more typically give a niece $50, give the bat mitzvah $72-108. Or, you can give less and supplement with a small gift or even a heart-felt letter – it’s especially flattering if you take the time to find out and speak to the child’s interests. If you’re VERY close to the child/family and you’re in good financial shape, give $150-$200. Well-heeled family members give $200+. Of course, in modest areas or small towns these numbers will be high; in very wealthy places, they may be low. But for many people they’re valid.


What amount should a kid give another kid?
A young friend completely nailed this for me (see below). Remember it’s also fine to give, in lieu of cash, a gift card to a book or music retailer.
You don’t particularly like the kid... $18
You like the kid but you’re of modest means... $15-20
You like the kid and money isn’t an issue... $25-$36
You’re well-off and it’s one of your closest friends... $50



Source (http://mitzvahchic.com/pages/more_questions.php)


My 13 yo is going to his classmates bar mitzah (sic) I had heard multiples of 18. I don't have a clue any guidance here is greatly appreciated. Joe

[Westchesterguy]

Way to go Raven Thank You!!!! Joe

[Raven]

You will find out I do more than complain. I love to google. :rolleyes:

Way to go Raven Thank You!!!! Joe