Gift Cards (2024)

FAQs

How to respond when someone wants to send you a gift? ›

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.

“When you have a lot of teachers, even a $5 Target or Amazon card is appreciated and adds up,” Clark tells SheKnows. “Gift cards are best unless you really know the teacher and what they like.

It's a scam. Scammers ask for money after they chat you up on a dating website. Romance scammers will make up any story to trick you into buying a gift card to send them money.

A good thing to say is that you really don't need presents, all you really want is their presence! If they persist, you can tell them that you would appreciate anything they bring you. If they are adamant about wanting to know something specific and you have a couple of things in mind, you can tell them what they are.

Your use of this gift card constitutes acceptance of these terms: This gift card may be applied toward any purchase made at any <your company> location. This gift card is not exchangeable for cash or replaced if lost or stolen.

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.

Is a $30 gift card too cheap? ›

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.

Five and ten-dollar gift cards are great gift options, but you always want to ensure the gift card covers a significant amount of the bill, with the one exception where you know they will go to the place with or without a gift card.

Versatile gift cards.

Think Amazon, Costco, Target or Staples. These allow teachers to buy what they want for their classroom or for personal use. Consider pitching in with other parents if you're on a budget.

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.

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.

If you are presented with the gift in person, smile and thank the gift giver. If you receive a gift by mail, call the gift giver as soon as you can to alert them that the gift has arrived. You should also send hand-written thank-you notes whenever possible.

The best strategy is to be as honest as possible. Let them know that you've been focused on simplifying and decluttering or that you're working on a tight budget this year and are unable to participate in the same level of gift-giving.

Just say “thank you”

“You can add a non-verbal 'thank you' with a hand over your heart, a light touch on their arm, and of course, your warmest smile,” she adds. After showing your gratitude, take a moment to go inward and appreciate how good it feels to know that someone else cares for you.