Still Agonizing Over What To Get Teachers for the Holidays? Money. Give Them Money. (2024)

FAQs

How much money do you give a teacher for Christmas? ›

According to surveys like this one from the website SheKnows, most parents give the teacher something worth between $10 and $50.

If you suspect that your child's teacher is not making a living wage, by all means feel free to individually give them presents of gift cards, useful items, or even cash — if and only if you can afford it, yourself, and if the gifts fall within the ethics of the particular school.

Price range for teacher gifts

“If your child has the teacher for just one period of the day, $10 to $20 is appropriate.”

It really depends on each individual family's circ*mstances, too. For some, $100 is right on the mark, while for others it's overly generous. It certainly seems that no one finds it stingy, however.

Our etiquette expert would like to remind parents, “You don't have to spend a lot of money, and sometimes, a handwritten note from the heart is the best gesture of appreciation.” That said, Schweitzer says that, depending on the school policy, $50 may be appropriate (and she prefers a pooled gift) if your child has the ...

The State Ethics Commission for the government of Massachusetts, for example, states that teachers "may not accept any gift worth $50." Most other states have the same ethics code, but with a limit set even lower. A safe bet would be to keep your gift under $20, and public opinion is right around that same number.

Most teacher gift cards fall between $10 and $30, but there is no required amount for a gift card — we're sure they would appreciate any and every amount you want to give! There's no pressure for an amount. Choose an amount based on your budget.

There is no set amount you should spend on a teacher gift—it really depends on your budget. A good rule of thumb is to spend around $20-$30, but if you have a larger budget, you could go up to $50.

1 Giving your child's teacher a holiday gift is a thoughtful way to show your family's appreciation for all that they do. Melissa Flocco, a Christopher Columbus Charter School kindergarten teacher says that she loves to receive gifts from her students and their families.

Chocolate is the perfect gift for teachers and tutors

It feeds their constantly churning brains, and allows them to destress when there are so many things to manage. Teachers of course have to teach right through the year. Keeping between 20 and 30 children engaged and calm is quite a challenge!

Is a $25 gift card too cheap? ›

For co-workers, casual friends and your children's teachers, stay in the $10 to $20 range. Gift cards for close friends and family members can range from $25 to $100. When you're selecting a gift card for a spouse, parent or someone else who's very special, choose a card worth $75 or more.

It's Teacher Appreciation Week and we want to celebrate and thank all the wonderful teachers out there by offering a 10% off discount to all… More teachers! Just show your school ID at Starbucks. Thank you for all your hard work!

Many states frown upon teachers who accept gifts over $50. While it's a nice gesture, many feel that anything over $50 for a holiday gift can bend toward the feeling of bribery and create an awkward dynamic between families who send in a homemade container of cookies, a thank you card, or a small gift.

And more than any physical gift, teachers appreciate your support. Whew. OK. That being said, if you're insistent about giving gifts to the teachers you care about this holiday season, there is one gift I can guarantee every teacher is happy to receive and will definitely put to good use: cash.

So, what do teachers really want? It's simple, really—and fits every budget: notes of appreciation, school supplies and gift cards.

Why not give the teacher(s) in your life something different? Candles can be used to freshen up classes at the end of the day, or teachers can take them home to enjoy. Below, we've rounded up our list of the best hand-poured, triple-scented candle gifts for teachers.

Gift limits

The limit also applies to group gifts, and taking up a collection for a teacher is against the law if the gift will be more than $50.

Gifts that they can use in their daily life are usually well appreciated! Gifts such as class supply baskets, personalized planners, tumblers, or even hand sanitizers in cute holders could make practical and useful presents. Can I give a homemade gift to a teacher for Thanksgiving? Absolutely!

It isn't really appropriate to give teachers gifts until the school term is over, and grades are registered. This is because teachers are human and they don't want to be tempted by receiving gifts to favor any student over another.

Many said they didn't expect anything. “I teach at a Title 1 school,” one educator wrote on my Facebook page. “I know our families don't have much, if any, disposable income. I don't expect anything and don't ask for anything.

Should you buy teacher Christmas presents? ›

No, teachers don't expect presents and I know I would much rather parents didn't stretch their budgets further than they can afford to buy me a present. A card with a heartfelt message is much more meaningful for me. My favourite present was a packet of bourbons.

A budget of around $100 is standard for longer relationships. If you're married, $100 is the median amount, and the top 25% of couples spend $300. Remember these are guidelines; you should not feel obligated to match these amounts if you're under financial stress.

Many parents agree and do get gifts for their kids' teachers. Angela Culbreath, a mother of four, says it is important to express our gratitude for their care, concern, and instruction. Their roles can be challenging on many levels.

Teachers and Daycare Providers

If you have children, don't forget to send a card to their daycare providers or school teachers. Bonus points if you pair it with a heartfelt holiday gift.