Holidays are a fact of life, and with many of the holidays comes the obligation to purchase gifts for loved ones. Sometimes it doesn't have to be a holiday. It may be something as simple as a graduation or a wedding that might warrant a gift. Even non-special occasions, like a house-warming party, may mean you have to shell out cash for a gift, possibly for someone you barely know.



Here is a handy guide on how much to spend for some of the major holidays and events that come up throughout the year. It is important that you do not overspend or under spend on a gift.

Father's and Mother's Day: $15 to $200. You really can't go wrong with buying gifts for your mom or your dad. They will probably like whatever you get them and be more than happy with the present, even if it is odd or useless. The key here is to go with a sentimental gift for mom, while you get a meaningful gift for dad, usually a tool kit or a golf pass to his favorite course.

Christmas: $50 to $300. This is the big time gift-giving day and you should shell out to make sure that what you buy for your loved ones or friends shows why they meant so much to you over the years. It is not hard to spend up to $300 on a wide variety of gifts. There is nothing that says any gift has to cost that much.

Weddings: $35 to $250. Celebrate the union of two lovers with a gift that shows how much you care. Don't go cheap with a toaster here, but spend the money on a wonderful china set or even give them cash to use on their honeymoon.

Graduation: $10 to $250. If it is a kid you knew growing up, get him a little memento. However, if it is a relative then dig deep and buy a gift that has purpose and meaning. A gift card for clothing, household appliance, or computer store would be great because the new grad will be moving out and going on to college. So give them something to make that transition easier.

There are many other holidays out there that require gifts, including Valentine's Day, but a red rose on that day is easy to give and easy to buy. For birthdays, think of it as Christmas and spend accordingly, after all it only comes once a year.