Deputies of the State Duma of the Russian Federation have put forward an initiative to increase the maximum value of gifts for school teachers. The proposal suggests raising the current limit from 3,000 to 10,000 rubles. The existing norm, established in the early 2000s within Article 575 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation, which regulates gifting, is considered outdated by parliamentarians and no longer reflects modern economic realities.
The initiative to revise the maximum value of gifts for teachers arose from the deputies` realization that the current sum of 3,000 rubles has long lost its relevance.
Tatiana Butskaya, First Deputy Chair of the Duma Committee on Family Protection, commented on the situation:
“We began thinking about this before September 1st. Once again, encountering the sum of 3,000 rubles, it clearly raises many questions and misunderstandings. This figure was enshrined in such an important law many decades ago and is now clearly obsolete. It is extremely difficult to buy a worthy gift with this amount to express gratitude to a teacher, if parents have the desire and ability. Obviously, we should not hinder them in this. The figure of 3,000 rubles in 2026 (likely meaning 2024 — editor`s note) clearly requires rethinking. The specific new limit is currently under discussion, but an increase to 5-10 thousand rubles is being considered. There are also proposals from the regions to standardize the list of gifts to avoid the need for constant monetary limit revisions.”
Tatiana Butskaya
First Deputy Chair of the Duma Committee on Family Protection
Galina, a resident of Moscow, confirmed that in practice, parents often adhere to the existing limit:
“There`s an unwritten rule that a gift shouldn`t exceed 3,000 rubles. We usually chip in about 500 rubles per person for each holiday: Teacher`s Day, New Year, March 8th, February 23rd. In higher grades, we also give symbolic gifts — some sweets, tea, coffee. For the class teacher, of course, we try for something more substantial, like a gift card. And what do you think about the idea of increasing the value? It`s very individual. Firstly, it depends on the type and location of the school. If it`s a private school, for instance, parents can certainly chip in larger sums. In regular schools, you have to consider the financial capabilities of each parent and aim for an average option.”
Galina, Moscow resident
Valentina, a school parent, also shared her similar experience and supported the idea of increasing the limit:
“This year, the parent committee decided to give the class teacher flowers, an Ozon gift certificate for 2,000 rubles, and a tea and candy set, totaling about 2,500 rubles. Gifts were also collected for the physical education teacher and the music teacher. On average, the amount for each teacher was between 3,000 and 4,000 rubles. I definitely agree with increasing the limit, because with 3,000 rubles, it`s impossible to buy both flowers and a significant gift. Therefore, the amount definitely needs to be increased.”
Valentina, school parent
Teacher`s Day in Russia is officially a professional holiday but not a public day off. A 2021 VTsIOM poll showed that 85% of Russians believed flowers were the most appropriate gift for teachers. Other acceptable options included chocolates, sweets, and money collected from the entire class. Notably, 47% of respondents at the time did not give gifts to teachers.
