I'm surprised that so many people get "teacher gifts"....three years ago our teachers requested that the PTO organize a food drive for the needy in lue of gifts for them. it works very nice...in fact this year the teachers sent letters home a couple of weeks ago asking that instead of spending money on gifts for them, that you purchase food/ toliet paper/paper towels etc and as a group the teachers in the building present it to the local food pantry that makes Holiday baskets for the needy......


My sons teacher made a point of telling the children that although she understands their wanting to make or give her gifts, she as a child could not afford to give her teachers gifts and always felt bad when other students were able......she would love to be able to say that her students provided for the needy rather then shower her with gifts........

My sister a teacher for 20 years, loves this idea and is trying to get it started at her school......

So we gave canned goods, a completed card for a free turkey at the local store and some extras......