<p>For both kids, we made a donation in the teachers' names to the local foundation that funds educational projects. They really appreciated it.</p>
<p>I think its a great idea to make donations also. I am sure that is very welcome.
However, many teachers are not well paid and a gift they can use is also well appreciated. I am not talking supplementing their income but a gift card to say Borders so they can select a book or to a store like Staples where they can buy themselves supplies or supplies for kids that dont have any is warmly welcomed.
Geez this year when we bought school supplies they gave us a $5 gift card to give a teacher..D. gave it to a teacher and she said her whole face lit up..she was tickled. I mean its a small thing but its nice.</p>
<p>I did a long-term sub job this fall and one class got together and made me a CD of music--each kid contributed one track of their favorite band. Why? I'd mentioned I'd never heard most of the music they talked about and listened to, and that I'd like to. I love it--and it was free. </p>
<p>My kids also make me CDs of the music they're listening to.</p>
<p>It's an easy and almost free present that is also personally revealing. That and a Starbucks/Borders/etc. card is a great gift.</p>