Graduation gifts shift from goods to cash and experiences, experts say

Cash and experience-based gifts have largely replaced traditional presents for Finnish graduates, according to etiquette experts and a new survey by OP Uusimaa bank.

Mirva Saukkola, a manners instructor with Tapaseura, noted that many young people now prefer money or gift cards over physical items, as they value the freedom to choose how to spend it. “They’re tired of accumulating things,” she said. “Experiences often bring more immediate joy than, say, half a dozen silver teaspoons.”

A recent OP Uusimaa survey found that 70% of respondents consider €50–100 the most appropriate cash gift for a graduate. Men were slightly more likely to suggest over €100, while 15% of women agreed. Younger adults aged 26–34 were more open to gifts under €50 compared to older age groups.

Riikka Kangas, OP Uusimaa’s business director, emphasized that cash gifts can be personalized with a note or suggestion—such as saving, investing, or contributing to a larger goal like a phone, driver’s license, or trip. “If you’re unsure what the graduate wants, money is the safest option,” she said.

Saukkola added that the gift amount should reflect both the giver’s financial situation and their relationship to the graduate. Grandparents, for example, may give more generously than a coworker’s parent. “No one should strain their budget for a gift,” she cautioned.

Alternative gift ideas include secondhand finds like vintage books or design pieces, fresh or wildflowers, or a combination of a small cash sum with a shared memory, such as a photo or planned activity.