30 Teacher Appreciation Gifts They Really Want, According to Actual Educators (2024)

FAQs

30 Teacher Appreciation Gifts They Really Want, According to Actual Educators? ›

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 most parents give $25 to $50 gift cards.

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 most parents give $25 to $50 gift cards.

Gift cards

(And, don't forget other school workers.) “I am always thankful for classroom supplies and gift cards to places that I can purchase those things — Amazon, Target, Walmart.” “Gift cards are honestly the best thing!

Gifts raise ethical and fairness concerns.

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.

"A good rule of thumb is to spend around $20-$30," Lauren Grace, a high school math teacher by day and crafter at night wrote on her company blog, a business that sells accessories for teachers. "It's not so much about the price tag but the thought and appreciation that count," Grace shared with USA TODAY.

A good guideline is to keep the value of the gift card modest. Typically, a range of $10 to $25 is considered appropriate and thoughtful. This amount shows appreciation without the risk of making the teacher feel uncomfortable or obligated.

Before we get into the list, however, it is important to figure out how much money to put in the gift card. 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.

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.

The norm around here is $20-$50. My kids gave $40 gift cards and notes of appreciation to their teachers and both received a lovely thank you in return. $100+ would make most teachers feel uncomfortable. Our kids' teachers are very good about asking for school supplies when needed and we always donate those.

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.

What is an acceptable gift for a teacher? ›

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.

Gifts from a single source aggregating to $50 or more must be disclosed, and gifts aggregating to $520 or more during any 12-month period may subject a school board member to disqualification with respect to the source. (Gov't. Code § 87103(e).)

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.

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 most parents give $25 to $50 gift cards.

Is it considered appropriate to give a bottle of wine to a teacher as a gift at the end of the school year? 100%. I am not a teacher, but my siblings all are. They often get gifts of wine, home brewed beer, nice whiskey, etc.

There's way too much room for error when you pick out a gift for someone you may not know very well, which is why gift cards are the perfect present in professional settings. Any teacher would be delighted to receive a gift as thoughtful and convenient as a gift card from someone who cares.

A $100 gift is considered very generous and appreciated. Much more than that might be awkward or weird, or seen as if a favor is expected. A $20 - $50 Target or Amazon card is always appreciated. Teachers get lots of sweets like expensive candies and cookies, etc., and they don't need more of those.

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.