Is it illegal to give gift cards to teachers?

Question

Two of my teachers from last year are helping me write recommendations for college and I was thinking of getting them $25-$50 American Express Gift Cards as Thank You gifts after they've sent out the stuff. But a friend of mine has been telling me it's "illegal" to give gift cards to teachers because it's like bribing. Technically, they've done my recommendations, and I've taken their classes already, is it still considered bribing? I mean to give them gift cards with the most sincere intentions so to thank them for their time and effort, and defintely not to bribe them. I personally am not much of a "thoughtful-gift-giver" and I will hate to get them something they don't like so I think it's best if they have the freedom to get what they like.

Anyway...
So is it really "illegal" to give them gift cards?

Answer 1

In short, YES. I am a 3rd year law student and this is a textbook case of "minoan bribery". Even though you are giving these gifts in good faith and after the fact, the law still dictates that these are tantamount to a bribe, and therefore illegal. Though this kind of crime usually goes unreported by the gift recipients (of course) and is not well known to the general public and certainly difficult to enforce, it is still unethical and against U.S. law. If you like to live dangerously then by all means, gift away. Or you could play it safe and stick to a simple thank you. Hope this helps you!

Answer 2

Here in Canada it isn't illegal at all, at the end of the year I give my teachers either a homemade present or a gift card with my money and I usually spend about 10 - 30 CAD on them.

Answer 3

I believe that under some laws, it's illegal to RECEIVE gifts if you are employed by certain companies including the government. However, a $25-$50 gift card would not be considered by any court of law to be one of substantial benefit to a teacher if the gift is given after the event and no prior knowledge or consideration was given by the teacher in writing your recommendation in order to receive the gift.

It's familiar practice in Australia for many students to give their teachers small gifts of thanks at the end of every year.

Answer 4

It is not illegal at all. Not even if you actually got them for having them write the letters.

In your case, you are doing it as a token of appreciation. It is no different if you gave them the gift cards when you graduate as a way to tell them "thank you" for being my teacher....

go ahead and say thank you in any way you want....it is not illegal and it shows how good and grateful you are.

btw, you can try this site that they sell cool gifts should you want to give something other than the cards:

Giftoria
http://www.giftoria.com

Answer 5

Some liberals will tell you that you are lying, even when they see it themselves. It is true, but.. The people that would vote for the idiot would likely do it anyway. I wouldn't vote for the scum and anyone that would take a prior marked ballot and use it is an idiot. I imagine that the idiot will change all of that after all the hype he's getting for doing it.

Answer 6

Certainly isn't illegal in the USA. And I don't think it is inappropriate either as long as the gift is given after they write the letter or do whatever it is they do.

Answer 7

How is giving a gift illegal? Nothing like that is illegal unless you're having sexual relationships with your teachers.

Answer 8

i think some principals of some schools can have problem with it i mean some principals wouldnt like to see their teachers gift cards from their kids because in this way a teacher would care about that kid more....ANYWAY in most schools i dont think it will be a problem...

Answer 9

who cares? do it if you like the teacher. But what about a more personal gift? it wouldn't look so much like bribery.

Answer 10

No, it's not illegal to give a gift.