Gift Card Etiquette: How Much Should You Give? - Save.ca (2024)

FAQs

What is an appropriate amount for a gift card? ›

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.

Fifty dollars goes a long way, and you can use it for the kinds of stores suitable for multiple purchases, like some of the other options on this list. If, for instance, your friend loves to go to Starbucks, spending $50 on a gift card provides them with a lot of value.

Price range for teacher gifts

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

Depending on the cost of living in your state and the average salaries in your organization, anywhere from $5 to $15 or even $25 may be the average.

Letting the recipient know how much he or she can spend is important. Some people include the receipt inside the gift card envelope. Writing a clever reveal on the card is acceptable, and fun, too.

While gift cards may have expiration dates or require the recipient to spend a certain amount at once, cash can be used whenever and however the recipient sees fit. Whether they choose to save it for a rainy day or splurge on something special, cash allows for flexibility and spontaneity.

Gift cards can help you cross people off your holiday gift-buying list with a lot more ease, and they're a great way to show you care.

But if it's a birthday gift for a close friend or family member—or for a milestone birthday, like turning 18 or 75—it's not uncommon to spend in the $50 to $100 range.

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.

When it comes time to getting your child's teacher a gift at the end of the school year, there is no set amount you should spend—it really depends on your budget. A thoughtfully chosen gift that is under $25 will be sure to please any teachers out there!

Is a $20 gift card good for a teacher? ›

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.

You want to give an amount in the gift card that seems appropriate. General etiquette is usually under $20 for casual acquaintances, like co-workers, $30-$75 for close friends and family members and more for someone like your spouse or for a big occasion, like a wedding.

According to a survey conducted on over 1000 participants, more than 40% said they would spend between $20- $25 on Birthday Gift Cards. This is to say that most people will spend an average of $25 on Birthday Gift Cards.

Historically, there was a threshold of $25 as the maximum amount one could give before having to be taxed, but that is no longer the case. A gift card is now taxable, regardless of its value amount. The reason is because gift cards are cash equivalents, which are easy to be accounted for and, therefore, taxable.

Question of the Day: What is the average value of unused gift cards per person in America? Gift cards are one of the most requested gifts, but how much of the value is never used? Answer: The average unused amount is $187 per person, for a total of $23 billion.

Most gift cards keep a uniform size; the standard is 3.375“ x 2.125” and . 03 inches thick. This size is the same as a credit card and will easily fit inside a wallet. Though this is the most popular size, that doesn't mean that you can't explore other shapes, sizes, and possibilities.