at the graduation
See great thread on http://www.mamasource.com/article/is-a-graduation-gift-required
Parents have about the same enthusiasm when they get a present from there kids as the kids when they get a present from their parents.
anything like, and in between the price range of, a watch and a car
They can gift a car, but they can't write it off.
The amount a parent can give to a child without being required to pay gift taxes is $13,000.00.
It is not a crime because the parent is the legal guardian (usually) and has the right to decide what is right for their child.
no tax if that is the only gift of that calendar year
First it's 12,000. Second, per parent - (2 parents = 24K yr) Per child - as many as you've got.
Anything you can afford should be received with gratitude. You could give $50 - $100 or more depending on what you feel like giving his child. It's up to the individual.
Generally, if a parent gives a child money (or any other gift) that is below the annual gift tax exclusion amount, which is $15,000 per year in 2021, then the child does not need to pay any taxes on that gift. However, if the gift exceeds this amount, the parent may need to file a gift tax return and potentially pay gift taxes, although there are lifetime gift tax exemptions that can help minimize or eliminate this tax burden. It is advisable to consult with a tax professional for specific advice related to individual circumstances.
A parent can give a child a monetary gift from their company account. However, they will have to account for this as a business expense in their books. It can become confusing when it is time to figure profit and loss as well as taxes.