That is a cute idea! I agree that some schools and other workplaces, can make it so hard these days to add personal warmth to a classroom or office. Because so many of my close friends are teachers, I heard early on to avoid anything that says "teacher" on it. My bestfriend had a large box filled with "teacher" ornaments, mugs, suncatchers, etc. Gift cards are much appreciated, though. A heartfelt letter is another special, treasured gift. Along those lines, my friend who's a grade school counselor joked one day years ago, that while teachers are always remembered, she'd only gotten two gifts her entire career. After that, I've always made sure that I gave our own school counselor and my DD's bus driver a small gift at Christmas and at the end of the school year. Lynn

Oh believe me, I've received my share of coffee mugs LOL. I got two this year that were filled with goodies, so I was very excited. The love goes both way with these students-I'm a specialty teacher and this is my third year with some of these little ones so I've really gotten to know them and their families. Jessy, aren't your kids older? I'm so impressed that you still give out gifts at all at that age. I'm sure they will love the gift cards! Too funny about the marshmallows Terri! I've made them before and they are really good-definitely a novelty. Stacy,my big boy is in middle school like Will but I didn't get teacher gifts this year-he has so many teachers and I know they really don't expect them so I'm sure Will's teachers will be thrilled with the peppermint bark. That's probably the most popular candy I make. Barnmom, I'm grateful for anything I get. The gifts you sent sound wonderful! I was just so excited about all the goodies that obviously took a lot of time and effort to put together, especially in this day and age where many people don't have the time or inclination to bake.

I am a teacher and love getting gifts no matter how small or silly. It feels so good to be appreciated. I am a music teacher, so I don't get large presents or often, but usually 5 or six kids will bring something and it makes my day. My favorites include a heartfelt note written by the kid or parent, HEALTHY food gifts like a soup mix or fruit, gift cards to half price books (they go further there), cool magnets for my whiteboard, a nice pen or other practical classroom items. One mom embroidered a tote bag with my name and that was really cool. Another bought a bunch of inexpensive plants from Home Depot (think 6-packs) potted them in baby food jars and tied on a pretty ribbon. She had one for the librarian, principal, etc. and they said Thanks for helping me grow. Not very expensive or time consuming, but so special. No, I don't feel badly towards kids who bring nothing, that is really the norm, but a cute little gift will cheer me up and probably make me a better teacher that day. Honestly, though, when a child draws a picture of me holding his hand - well, that is just as special and uplifting.

Sheila, shop online and save your feet. I do all of mine that way and save $ too. I use Ebates and then go to the site to shop. It's so relaxing and easy. I have back issues so shopping more than ten minutes is not an option. I wish my grands were small again so I could have them over on weekends. Enjoy the holidays.