Ideas for gifts for preschool teachers?

[JennZ]

Hi,
DD will be finishing preschool in a few weeks, and I would like to get her teachers a little gift.
Since I've never done this before, I thought I would ask you experienced moms for some special and creative ideas.
She has two teachers in her regular class. Plus two Spanish teachers, two music teachers and two reading teachers.
So we are talking about quite a few gifts, so nothing too expensive.
(I also have DS in preschool as well with the same number of teachers)
Thanks ladies!! :)

[Ohana]

I always get GCs to Target or Starbucks. I know the teachers get tons of tchotchkes and baked goods and the last thing they want is yet another coffe mug that says "World's Best Teacher" or a big basket of muffins. I figure Target or Starbucks are good, because both are stores people are likely to frequent. For teachers I've gotten to know better, I've purchased GC's to stores I know they like (one shopped at a Whole Foods-type store, for example).

When DD2 moved up at daycare, I also took lunch in for all of her teachers. Our daycare requires that all food come from a commercial kitchen, so I picked up a Burrito Buffet or whatever it's called from a Mexican restaurant. The teachers raved about it.

Most importantly, I always add a handwritten note expressing my thanks for the teachers. One teacher said that she loves and appreciates the notes more than anything.

[dana b]

things i've done -- gift cards to restaurants in their neighborhood (they love this), stationery, orchids, dish towels/aprons from anthropologie. i just try to avoid the usual coffee mug, candles, lotions, frames, candy, etc.

[cr8zyforaf]

I've done gift cards to borders, starbucks, target...I just went in with a few other parents and got a gift card to get a manicure/pedicure at the local nail place.

I've also done lunch for all the teacher's. I agree to stay away from things like mugs, hand lotion, food.

I also always include a handwritten note/card expressing my appreciation for them.

[mamax2]

I bumped two other threads with lots of ideas.

With that many teachers, I'd be inclined to do a meal (unless the school already sponsors one like ours does where volunteers bring in a dish).

[Ellyn]

i just try to avoid the usual coffee mug, candles, lotions, frames, candy, etc. Ditto this...I'm a teacher and have a HUGE stash of candles and mugs at my house that we've never used (and probably won't).

I like the meal idea. Getting together with a few other moms and each providing a dish for the lounge/breakroom. Even a cheese/cracker/saus. tray or something for the lounge or breakroom with a nice handwritten thank you.

[AlisonCO]

I am going to do a homemade card, a hanging basket of annuals and a gift card for DS's 2 main teachers and then a homemade card for the music and gym teacher + the director who is awesome. I did gift cards for Barnes and Noble for Christmas so I might do Target for his younger teacher that has small kids and a restaurant card for his older teacher.