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

FAQs

How much money to 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.

The number one gift NOT to give to teachers is mugs. Most teachers have probably received more mugs in their career than they know what to do with. Mugs can be a thoughtful gift if it is hand painted by the student, but it's probably a better idea to paint something else instead.

Legally, most public school teachers are not allowed to accept gifts worth more than $50, but even if a family gives me a $5 gift, I think about the time and labor that went into it… and frankly, feel uncomfortable.

In general, a public employee may not accept any gift worth $50 or more that is given because of the position he or she holds.

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.

I would say gift cards are probably the most common. Between $25 and $100 from over half the students, and the rest may get gifts. Gift cards allow teachers to treat themselves more than they normally would be able to.

After gift cards, personalized items came up the most often as a much-wanted gift. So teachers will delight in their very own stamps, created to look just like them, with their hairstyle, facial hair, glasses and other accessories.

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.

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.

Choose an Amount Within Your Budget

It's not necessary. A $10 gift card can be just as special as a $50 gift card if you say the right words or pair the gift card with something meaningful.

Is $300 dollar gift too much? ›

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.

Versatile gift cards.

Teachers really appreciate gift cards (along with handwritten notes). No surprise here. Think Amazon, Costco, Target or Staples. These allow teachers to buy what they want for their classroom or for personal use.

It is illegal to accept a gift that could be construed as a reward for a past official action or because of the position an individual holds in the decision-making process. It may be permissible in some states to accept an item such as a gift basket valued at less than $25 or $50.

While Thanksgiving gifts for teachers are not expected, you may want to show a teacher friend or your child's teacher how thankful you are for them with a gift. Whether you're a room parent, parent, or fellow teacher looking for ideas, here are 36 ways to say thank you this season.

Teachers may accept gifts of under $50 from individual students or families, but teachers must first confirm that the giving family did not also contribute to the class gift. Certain public employees are prohibited from soliciting or accepting any gift from a lobbyist and lobbyists are prohibited from offering gifts.

Price range for teacher gifts

“If your child has the teacher for just one period of the day, $10 to $20 is appropriate.” Melissa Verity Baral teaches kindergarten in Los Angeles and tells SheKnows that most parents give $25 to $50 gift cards.

A good rule of thumb is to spend around $20-$30, but if you have a larger budget, you could go up to $50. If you have multiple children in school, you might want to consider pooling your resources with other parents to split the cost of a more expensive gift.

Be sure to check with your school's handbook to find out the school policy on gifting. Some schools don't allow any financial gifts to faculty and staff. No family feels pressure to contribute (nor should they contribute any amount over $5).

Key Takeaways. A holiday gift is great way to show your childs' teacher you appreciate them. It truly is the thought that counts, a homemade gift or a heartfelt card is just as good as something store bought. The decision is up to you and your family, there are many ways to show appreciation outside of a holiday gift.