These are all great ideas thank you everyone.

If the teacher has been really special you could make a lap rug (sometimes called a tv blanket) about 42x60". If you use fusible batting it can be done easily in a day.

Christmas placemats
 

I made these for my granddaughter's teacher last year. (My first photo upload. I hope I did it right.)

As a newly retired second grade teacher, I would've LOVED any of your suggestions as gifts from my students! Good thinking!

I ask my daughter what she would want. She told me what she uses the most is the tote bag I made her.

I am appliqueing onto kitchen towels and adding rick rack to the bottom of them. I took coordinating towels and also "doctored" them up but cut them in 1/2 and crocheted at the top of them so they can hang on cabinets. Then I made knitted dishcloths and may try to get some quilted potholds made as well. I have several sets made up to give to the grandkids teachers, co-workers, etc. I did this last year and the ladies that received them loved them!

Diannia

From a retired teacher....all of your ideas are good! Keep in mind, though, if some students give the teacher similar items (totes for example) the teacher has to be sure to use each gift equally. The children will notice. So I vote for items for the home....tablerunners, etc.

Nancy's Notions has a great pattern for a quilted/insulated casserole cover that is very easy to make. Just need 2 22" square pieces of fabric, some insubrite, and 2 D rings. Takes about an hour to make.

As a retired and substitute teacher... please stay away from "apples" unless you know they like them. I like apples but can't tell you how many unuseful apple items I got. Things quilted I would have liked.... placemats, napkins to match, table runner, table top, hot mitt, hot pads, a simple throw... keep it small but useable. Holiday items are good in the aforementioned categories. Hope this is helpful.

As a former teacher, I always had a good use for a new tote bag, or perhaps a quilted covered journal. I never really appreciated things for my house as I had my own style of decorating.