One thing I might add that someone else touched upon--we put a flyer in the box of every teacher and staff person asking things like : favorite colors, scents, what do you collect,when is your birthday, favorite restaurants, where would you like a gift certificate from? Anyway, we compiled all of them and put them in a big notebook that says "Teacher Wish List" and we keep it in the school office. It's gotten lots of lookers.

this transpired because room mothers used to give their home room teachers one of these sheets and the "elective" teachers got their feelings hurt that THEY didn't get one. (a teacher even called me to say how hurt they all were--aaarrrggghh). So this notebook so far has been popular. I think next year we'll give everyone one of these sheets in August and the notebook can stay in the office year round.I thought it was a neat idea.
Shelly

Our PTA doesn't for teachers--I think the general consensus is that they get enough from the kids. I think the front office gets from our PTA executive board, but not the PTA itself--single person benefitting thing, and parents will drop off to them as well as their crossing guards. Usually candy and gift cards, that sort of thing.

Hello, This year we organized a room parent committee to ease the stress of Head room parents. In regard to your question, we actually put out a questionnaire of sorts, specifically asking what the teachers would like. Many said GC to local restaurants for lunch. The other popular items were GC to a local mall, Movie tickets, Dinner out...... We will give this to the head room parents who will do as they wish. Most collect a donation and go on a group gift together. It turns out really nice. You can only get so many Wooden Apples-you know. One more simple idea-stationary. Notes are always being sent home.-This will questionnaire will also help with teacher Apprectiation Week.

Our PTO doesn't do anything as a group, but they are more than taken care of by their students. Generally our room moms like to get together and collect for a gift certificate(participation is totally optional). I much prefer giving them a large gift certificate than lots of little things. We have to make it clear, though, that participation is TOTALLY OPTIONAL or people tend to get snippy if they feel like they HAVE to do it.
Shelly

We don't do anything. We also have over 100 staff, so cost is a major factor. I know that so many teachers get individual gifts from the kids. We do send out a card to all the staff. It's basically just an standard size sheet of paper with a holiday message on it, signed by us. We then copy it on red or green paper and give one to each staff member.

We generally do a little holiday ornament with a handmade card with a cute saying that goes with it. we have almost 100 staff member so we need to keep the cost down. we do alot in may for staff appreciation so this is just a token thing.