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

lots of times it's not what's IN the package as much as it is the FACT of the package. So you could get a bunch of identical gift boxes, and fill them w/ just-slightly-fancy or slightly unusual candy--not that many pieces, really, so a large bag could cover lots of people. Then do some sort of slightly fancy wrapping--use a color ink-jet printer to print out a "sleeve" that simply wraps around the middle of the box. Look at Martha Stewart Weddings for wedding-favor packing ideas.

Sorry I don't have a picture. Maybe if I can get some things gathered up I could sorta put one together. I'll see what I can do.

Reporting back after a very nice xmas party! the food was great and we ended up at a very fun table. It's always held at the same place, an old Italian restaurant with reliably-good food and now famous for their Italian desserts and pastries too. I love their cannoli! Since my BF came with me, I realized I could bring both the basket and the star. Here is our booty, and I am *crazy* about the Japanese wrapped yarn ornament! There's a story inside the box and I haven't opened it yet. I'm relaxing. :) BTW: we had a brief snowstorm during the party. :p