How Much Should I Gift Teachers for the Holidays? An Etiquette Expert Weighs In

Gift giving season is upon us and there’s one category of people who reliably make the nice list: teachers. That said, if your budget for spreading cheer is a little stretched this year, or you're simply not sure what is customary, you might be wondering How much should I gift teachers for the holidays? Good news: I brought my own questions on the subject to an etiquette expert. Read on for the full scoop on what’s appropriate when it comes to giving gifts to the teachers who shape young minds.

Myka Meier is the founder of Beaumont Etiquette, which was named as one of the Leading Etiquette and Protocol Schools of the World and is recognized for its excellence in social refinement and professional conduct.

Oftentimes a class parent coordinates a gift by asking for a monetary contribution, and you’d love to give…but how much is normal? For a class of roughly 30 students, Meier tells me that “the exact amount can vary by region, city and school, [but] a good general range is between $10 and $25 per family.” It’s also worth noting that this might need to be adjusted if the contribution is intended to cover gifts for more than one teacher, say a teaching assistant or a special subject teacher.

It’s also worth noting that you don’t need to feel pressured to contribute at all. “It's absolutely okay not to contribute if you’re unable to,” says Meier, adding that “group gifts are meant to be inclusive, not stressful, so there’s no need to explain or apologize to the parent coordinating.” If the parent emails or texts you individually or brings it up to you in person, the expert recommends you say something along the lines of, “It is so lovely you are doing this! We actually had already planned our own gift this year.” Whether that’s true or not, the beauty of an anonymous collection is that participation levels stay private.

Regardless of whether or not you contribute to the anonymous collection, the experts says it’s absolutely fine to give an individual gift: Indeed, many parents choose to add a small, personal little touch like a handwritten card, homemade treat, or a modest gift ($10–$20) alongside the group gift. That said, it’s important not to cross the line there. “One thing I would say is to avoid anything that feels overly extravagant and avoid giving cash as it can be seen as bribery (eek!) and is not allowed for most teachers,” explains Meier, adding that “it’s more about sincerity than spending.”

At this time of the year, it’s important to remember that gift-giving should always come from the heart—and it should feel joyful, never pressured. When it comes to gifts for teachers, it’s really about showing appreciation and that can be something as small as a thoughtful, hand-written card. Or, in the words of the etiquette expert, “a simple, sincere gesture is always in perfect taste.”