After teaching for many years, I can tell you what not to give: anything with apples on it!!!! I had mugs, tree ornaments, etc. that had apples everywhere! (Maybe it's just me...as a breast cancer survivor I hate all the pink ribbon stuff. Do I really need a daily reminder when I eat soup or use an ice cream scoop????) What I did appreciate the most were school supplies (need not be expensive: stickers for kids' papers, kleenex, a red pen, post-it notes, large paper clips, etc.). My two favorite gifts: tickets to the local movie theater and a gift card to a book store. My most unusual gift: a lovely silky peignoir that a 2nd grade boy picked out by himself!!!!! I still have it to this day!