Here are some guidelines to give you an idea of what to spend. 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.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. Always make sure that the dollar amount you give is visible on the card or write it down.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. That's enough about Starbucks.

Are gift cards a lazy gift : Gift cards are slowly but surely losing their reputation as being lazy presents, and according to Meier, giving a gift certificate is acceptable for most occasions these days. "Ten years ago it wasn't so much," she says, "but now it's very commonplace."

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.

How much should you spend on a gift for a friend : 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.

Use it or lose it…

Some cards — especially generic cash cards from Visa or MasterCard — will start accruing inactivity fees if they're not used for a year, which eats away at their value. Inflation also makes cards less valuable over time. And if a retail store closes or goes bankrupt, a gift card could be worthless.

The appropriate amount of money to give as a birthday present to someone who is not poor and would likely buy things for themselves depends on your relationship with the person, your budget, and local customs. A general guideline would be $20-50 for acquaintances, $50-100 for friends, and more for close family members.

Is $20 dollar gift card enough

The final thing to consider is how close you are to this friend. Considering these three factors, anywhere from $20-$100 is a good amount for a gift card. That's very subjective and depends on the friend and situation. Casual friend, group birthday celebration, $10 is fine.A $25 budget is the Goldilocks gifting amount: It won't burn a hole in your pocket, but it's also enough to find a thoughtful gift for people who have everything (including sentimental finds). Plus, the price point is also perfect if you're shopping for Secret Santa gifts or white elephant gifts.Cons of Gift Cards

• After purchases are made with a gift card, there may be a small amount of money left, which if not used, whether due to forgetfulness or inertia, ends up as money wasted.
• You may pay purchase or reload fees to add money.
• Closed-loop cards limit purchasing power.

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.

Is a $20 dollar gift card enough : Whether or not a $20 gift card is a bad gift for a birthday depends on the recipient's preferences and relationship with the giver. If the recipient likes the store or restaurant the gift card is for and is excited to use it, then it can be a great gift.

How much is reasonable to spend on gifts : Clearpoint, the credit-counseling nonprofit, suggests a simple target for holiday budgeting: Plan to spend 1.5% of your annual income. For a family that earns $75,000 a year, that works out to $1,125.

Should I give money or a gift card

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.

While most etiquette experts agree that $20-$30 is perfectly reasonable for a child's birthday gift, you can spend up to $100 on the child of a close friend or relative, says Helen Holden, founder of Counting Candles, a website that helps parents plan birthday parties.I would give $50. It's not over the top, but still a good amount to give. But honestly, stick to a budget. If $50 is too much, then by all means give what you can afford.

Is it better to give cash or a gift card : 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.