Going to an open house for a Great-niece. I really don't know much about her but I was quite fond of her mother (my niece) when she was growing up. I wouldn't know the Great-niece if I met her on the street.
Speaking of cash, what would be the proper amount?
She is attending college this fall.

Will she be living on campus at college? If so, google map all the nearby restaurants and grocery stores and get her gift cards from them.

If you can swing it, $50 is good, $100 is really good.

quote:

Originally posted by r0gue:
If you can swing it, $50 is good, $100 is really good.

If it were me, I would give $50. I gave my niece, $100, but neighbors and friends usually get $50.

I think $100 cash sounds good. You probably don't want to get gift cards to specific places especially if you don't know if they like that place or not.

We just gave our friends son a Amazon gift card.
We thought it would be a good gift so he could order what ever he needed for school when he gets to his dorm.

Bosca leather products are very nice.

I just gave my college roommate's daughter $50.

Open up a Roth for her. Gift her a copy of JALLEN’S favorite tome; “The Intelligent Investor”. You could always contribute to her Roth as she graduates college, marrying, kids, etc.

I've given US savings bonds.
s.

I normally give a $50 gift card to Bed Bath and Beyond because they'll need to outfit a dorm room.

Mrs. Mike and I gave $100 to my best friend’s two sons when they graduated.

One used it to help buy an AR15.

They don’t know what the other kid spent it on

If giving cash or gift card, $50 sounds great, but understand they won’t remember who gave what after a very short time.

If you want something memorable, maybe try a little pocket knife she can carry in her purse or car pocket for emergencies that will be legal in most jurisdictions. If her name is engraved on it, she’ll be more likely to remember the giver and less likely to try to sell or pawn it (or for those on the wilder side, do anything stupid with it). A Spyderco Dragonfly 2 or similar will run you about $100, but there are cheaper options if you look around. You can personalize it with a lanyard in her school colors, too, if you wish.

Your great-niece is remotely related to you, but not really involved in your life. You were included in this only to gain some extra cash.

It's up to you if you even give anything, but I would max it at $50. Remember, next year three or four more relatives will be needing some cash, and your name is on the mailing list.

I received and have now given a nice Cross pen/pencil set. I still have mine and use them often.

I suppose you wouldn’t be amused if I said, “A work ethic.” Otherwise, as others have suggested, a $50 limit is about right.

My traditional gift to closer friends and family is a proof or silver coin of the graduation year from USMINT.GOV. I always thought that would be a sentimental reminder type gift. You can add (more) cash as appropriate.

Money has no lasting remembrance. I would get her a nice brief case.

Not a pocket knife.

at that age, cash is king. Whatever you can afford and feel comfortable with. For us grand kids get $500 and I can tell you they really appreciate it. Haven't needed to deal with niece or nephews but my though it would be $50 - $100. I get it that a lot of people feel a well though out gift will serve a lasting memory and if that's you, fine. Still, I think the "la borsa" as the Italians say goes a long way.