Q1: Top 10 Holiday Gifts for Teachers

Question: What are your favorite Teacher gifts for the holidays?

Answer: I'm sure that each teacher has a different favorite gift of all time. Here are my Top 8(not necessarily in order). Teachers, please offer your suggestions in the comments area.

1. Spa Gift Certificate
2. Book Store Gift Certificate
3. Southern Living at Home serving Platter
4. Gourmet Coffees, teas, hot cocoas, etc.
5. Clothing Gift Certificate
6. Mall Gift Certificate (if the giver is certain the mall is a mall where the teacher shops).
7. Magazine subscription (not a teacher magazine, but a magazine the giver knows is one the teacher would enjoy. For example, I was given a 2 year subscription to Philadelphia Magazine.)
8. Brighton Jewelry

Why so many gift certificates you wonder? True, they seem impersonal. However, there is a certain amount of information that parents should know about a teacher. Style and interests outside of their career is not one of them. Gift Certificates are a wonderful way to ensure that the teacher receive something he or she will enjoy. But, stay away from gift certificates that will not be convenient. For example, do not give a gift certificate to a mall that is an hour away from the teacher's home. If you are giving a gift certificate, make certain that there are a large number of that store in her area. Two years ago I was given a $50 gift certificate to an excellent sushi restaurant located about 20 minutes from school, in the opposite direction from my home--and my home is 45 minutes from school -- the gift certificate is still on my refrigerator.

Bottom 8 teacher gifts of all time (not in order):

1. Ornaments, anything religious, holiday-ish (know the teacher's religion before you give a religious gift. This can be offensive, and one of the biggest mistakes parents make when gift giving. Even if you do know the religion, it may still be an offensive gift as mixing religion with public education is a big "no-no".)
2. Lotions, soaps, candles -- gifts that are regifted and regifted and regifted...
3. Mugs -- come on, how many mugs does a teacher need?
4. Calendar -- same as above. Look around the room, I'm fairly certain the teacher already has a calendar hanging.
5. Cheap teas, coffees, etc. The teacher can get this for free in the teachers' lounge.
6. Hand-made gifts. Okay, they're a nice thought. And some teachers will get sentimental. But come on, what do you think they really do with them after the school year is over?
7. Food. Some food is fine, but try to get a feel for the teacher first. Think of the poor teacher who was allergic to chocolate and peanuts, she went home with very little each holiday--though the janitors were very happy!
8. Money. Tips are not appropriate for teachers. They are professionals and, generally, not permitted to accept monetary gifts. This makes for an extremely awkward thank you note.

All of these gifts are pretty generic. We'd love to hear how creative you've gotten. What is the most creative gift you've given to a teacher (or received)? The best? The worst? Maybe your gift will make it to next year's list!