My nephew just graduated from college.?

I'm sure he'll understand..give him $25

I don't think your nephew cares about the money, really. At his age, all he should really want is to know how proud you are of him. So, tell him that you are. :-)

That said, why not take the money and donate it someplace in his honor and give him a card that says "We donated a gift in your honor to the red cross/animal shelter/soup kitchen." It would be even more special if there is a place that he is fond of. In that way, he'd have a gift from you, but he would never know how much you spent, only that through you, he is doing some good in the world.

Someone did that for me through Heifer International, which gives livestock to poor people in places like Africa. For your price point, you could buy him a flock of chickens, ducks, a honeybee colony or geese. You could also donate a portion of something like a cow or pig. I believe he'll also get a card from the company as well. I was so touched.

Give $25 now. The giving of the gift is what is important, not the amount.

it's really the thought that counts. $25 is better than nothing. you can stick the money inside a nice graduation card. he'll be happy i'm sure and thankful that you're his aunt.

I'd consider $25 generous, yes. If you think his parents might be offended, I'd write them separately and explain the situation.