I would send a note to the teachers that requested gift cards and explain to them exactly what you want. Break it down by individual items. Parents will be much more willing to send in a few packs of dry erase markers than a gift card.

I honestly think that by asking for gift cards at Christmas, could be insulting to some. Kids like to bring in tangible items. If teachers want games for their classrooms for instance, it would make the child feel pretty good to bring the actual thing that they shoped for in.

There is no reason why they cannot list exactly what it is that they need or want...

Our PTO is going to do teacher giving trees for Christmas this year. The idea was to fill trees with ornaments labeled with items the teachers had requested and let parents choose an ornament, if they wish, so that the teachers could receive some things they needed for their classrooms. The problem I am having is, one group of teachers only want Toys 'r Us gift cards and one teacher simply wanted Wal-mart gift cards, so I am not sure how to do that on our tree. Should I send home letters instead, or put up several ornaments with the cards wanted?
Someone suggested sending home letters listing the gift cards wanted and put up items, such as paper, stickers, candy, etc. on the ornaments. If anyone has done this, could you please let me know how you did your and what suggestions you have. BTW, we were going to put up one tree per grade level. We have 3 - 4 teachers per grades Early childhood - 5th. Any info would greatly be appreciated. Thanks in advance.