I am not a teacher, but my dear late MIL was. I also have had similar conversations with other teachers I know.

After teaching for a number of years, they have all the 'teacher' oriented gifts they can use and then some. My MIL said to me not long after our son (her first grandchild) was born, to not fall into the idea of 'teacher' gifts. She said she really felt bad because people obviously wanted to do this to be nice, but she ended up sticking the stuff in a box or throwing it away after a while.

What meant the most to her, and to the other teachers I know, is a nice note from the child/parents, telling them what their teaching meant to the child.

So, my suggestion to you is to make a wonderful ornament that is NOT school-related, but write a nice note to go with it. The teacher will appreciate both.

hi,
I taught for 32 years...I agree with Les...a note written by the student can mean so much..write it on Christmas computer paper(maybe hand decorated by the student) and maybe include a handmade ornament one..kids always like to hand a "present" to the teacher...
I always loved the end of the year notes from the parents and the students...that meant more than any gift..I still have many of the handwritten notes...and some of these kids are now teaching...
P.S.Do you know how many A+ teacher coffee mugs I have?..lol..and after 32 years?..but we do appreciate the thoughtful of all gifts...
Happy crafting...
valerie_nyr4

Thank you! That answers my question. I'm still going to make the ornament, but I'll leave the teacher related stuff off. DS is learning to read and write right now. I'll leave the thank you note for the end of the year when he knows more words.

YOu could wait on the thank you note, but could he print Merry Christmas and his name on a card for her or at least draw a holiday tree and his name, and have you write the rest?

In fact, maybe he could draw a picture of the ornament he is giving on the front of the card, then you could write Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays inside, and have him sign his name. I would think the teacher would be thrilled to have his effort on the card, especially with the picture of the ornament (no matter how 'primitive' the drawing) that shows he was connected to the gift. Or buy a plain brown or white craftpaper gift bag for the ornament and have him put the drawing on the bag.

Ds's class is exchanging 20 small presents. The teacher said really small like a piece of candy or a pencil. DS is making his own simple beaded icicle ornaments to give away to the class and teacher. I may have him make a card and I'll write the thank you. He can do his own in May.

I'm a retired elementary teacher. I can tell you that gifts of "supplies" (markers, stickers, pencils, pens, gluesticks, etc.) are always appreciated as are homebaked goodies or a gift card to a teacher supply store.

LOL! My sister is a teacher and loves getting apples. She has gotten some really beautiful ones over the years though - crystal, marble, etc.