How Much Should You Give? The Gift Calculator
Mitzvah gifts are given in multiples of $18, the number chai (life). Tell the calculator your relationship to the family, who is attending, and the kind of party, and it returns an exact amount plus the ladder around it, so you can adjust with confidence instead of guessing.
How the math works
The chai unit: the Hebrew word chai (life) has the numerical value 18, so monetary gifts are given in multiples of $18: $36, $54, $72, $108, $180, and up. The custom blesses the celebrant with life, and it is why $50 becomes $54 and $100 becomes $108. The chai guide explains the letters and the ladder. Relationship sets the base: a classmate attending alone typically gives $36 to $54, an adult friend of the family $54 to $108, relatives $100 to $180, and close family from $180 up. Then adjust: more attendees push the number up, a formal venue pushes it up, a kiddush-only celebration lets it relax. The full tables live in the bat mitzvah and bar mitzvah amount guides.
Money is the most common gift and completely appropriate, but if you would rather hand over a box, start with the gift ideas guide or the unique gifts list. Not Jewish and feeling unsure? The guest guide for non-Jewish friends answers everything kindly.