*******Updated: 09/08/2005*****
Many of these gift ideas (great for Teachers or Volunteers) can have the words
“Merry Christmas” substituted for another season, or another occasion - just be a little creative.
These are just a few ideas to help you get your own creative ideas started within your PTA, PTO or such great group. (The credit for these ideas belongs too the wonderful gals who have shared them with me.)


M&M's: Have a "Merry" and "Most" wonderful Holiday Season!

Soup or Soup Mix: Wishing you a "Souper" Holiday Season!

Frozen or Ready-Bake Pizza: Warm up to a wonderful Holiday Season "Topped" with Christmas cheer!

Sticky Tack (yellow reusable gummy adhesive for hanging posters) with a tag saying: "Sticking Together in 2004-05: "name of School" Staff & Parents"

Apples and Hershey's Hugs: A teacher can't live by “Apples” alone... she needs "Hugs" too!

Popcorn Balls: Hoping you have a "Ball" this Holiday Season!

Loaf of Bread: For being there when you were "Kneaded", or For "Rising" to the occasion, large or small. or For never "Loafing" on the job. or For helping others to "Heel" with TLC. or No matter how you "Slice it", you do a terrific job loving Others. Merry Christmas!

Jolly Ranchers: Have a Holly "Jolly" Christmas!

Root Beer: We're "Root-ing" for you to have a Happy Holiday Season and a Wonderful New Year!

Chex Party Mix: Remember Santa "Chex" his list twice to see who's been naughty or nice... so be good for goodness sake! Merry Christmas!

Box of Hostess Ho-Ho's: Hope a merry "HO - HO - H0" fills your heart the whole year through! (Put a Santa sticker on the label)

Wire Whisk (Filled with Chocolate kisses): We "Whisk" you a Merry “KISS”-mas"!

Jar of Jelly: Jelly is like love - you can't spread it around without getting some on yourself! Merry Christmas!

Christmas Tray: We "Tray-sure" the time you dedicate to our children! Merry Christmas!

Bell: With each chime of this festive bell, may a Christmas wish come true. And bring you peace and happiness to last the whole year through. Merry Christmas!

Yule Log: We send you warm greetings this Christmas Season!

Cinnamon Potpourri: May this sweet scent bring back thoughts of warm Christmases long ago! Merry Christmas!

Cleaners: You add “sparkle” and make our life brighter! Merry Christmas!

Nuts: We're "Nuts" about you! Merry Christmas!

Lifesavers: You've been a "Life Saver"! Have a great Christmas!

A Juice Pitcher Filled With Candy Canes: We “pitcher” you raising a little "Cane" during the holidays!" Have a Merry Christmas!

A Broom or a Duster: You're "Dust" the finest teachers we know! Merry Christmas!

Paper Towels: Blot out your troubles; absorb the Christmas Spirit!

Measuring Cup or Glass Measure: Wishing you Joy beyond "Measure"!

Bunch of Bananas: If we could choose our friends, and we searched the whole world through, we'd go "Bananas" trying to find a better "Bunch" than you!

Any Star Ornament: Remember the reason for the season!

Chocolate Mousse Mix: Merry “Christ-mousse" to our "Deer" Friends!

Wooden Spoon: Whether stirring up cakes, cookies, soups or soufflés.; you'll find this spoon useful in so many ways. But whatever it's use, it says, "Merry Christmas from us to you!"

Flower: If friends were flowers, we'd pick you! Happy Holidays!! Or You make friendship bloom all year round!

Heart Christmas Ornament: May the Joy and Love you give away, come back to you on Christmas day!

Cinnamon Sprinkles: (Cinnamon & Sugar, or cookie sprinkles): May your Christmas be “sprinkled” with laughter and love! Merry Christmas.

Hershey's Hugs: A friend always knows when you need a little “hug”!

Christmas Music CD or Tape: May the sweet song of Christmas make your heart rejoice! or May the merry sounds of Christmas bring a Joyful Melody to your holiday season! Merry Christmas!!

Filled Basket: Wishing you a basket full of Christmas blessings!

Salsa: Add a little "Spice" to your Holidays! Merry Christmas!

Filled Stocking or Filled Jar: Have a fun “filled” Christmas this year!

Lamb: Have "Ewe-self" a Merry little Christmas!

Candle: May your days be happy, your heart be light, your Christmas merry and the New Year bright!!

Holly (bought or from the yard) tied with a red ribbon: Happy "Holly-days"!

Calendar: Keep Christmas in your heart “every day”, the whole year through!

Shaped Sugar Cookies: Rolling out a batch of “sweets”, for someone we think is very sweet!

Cherry 7-Up: Just a Little Christmas Cheer from Happy Hearts this time of year!! Merry Christmas.

Sparkling Cider: Wishing you a "Sparkling" Holiday Season!

Warm Casserole or Bread: Bundled up with warm wishes!

Popcorn or Caramel Corn: Just "Popping" by with a Holiday Hi! or May your Holidays be "Popping"!

Seasoning Mix: "Seasoned" with Love! Merry Christmas!!

Eggbeater: Have an "Eggs-tra" Special Holiday!

Hershey's Hugs and Kisses: Christmas "Hugs and Kisses" to You! or Holiday "Hugs and Kisses" to you!

Apple Pie of Apple Crisp: Wishing you a Scrumptious holiday season!

Fruit Basket: May your New Year be Festive and "Fruitful"!

Any Sweet Treat: Wishing you a season filled with sweetness!

Oranges: "Orange" you glad we're Friends? Merry Christmas!!

Chocolate Orange: "Orange" you glad it's Christmas? Hope your Christmas is a Sweet one!

Sprite: May your Christmas be Merry and "Sprite"!

Ice Cream Snowballs and Hot Fudge: Here's some packaged "Snowball" treats. Just Drizzle Hot Fudge and its ready to eat... Enjoy!!

Snicker Bar: Don't "Snicker", just be glad you got something!

Mints: Friends like you are worth a "Mint"! Merry Christmas!!

Matches: No one "Matches" you as teacher! Merry Christmas!

Strainer(With a Christmas bow): We couldn't "Re-Strain" ourselves from wishing you a very Merry Christmas!!"

Box of Light Bulbs: Have a bright and radiant holiday season!

Bubble Gum or Bubble Bath: May your holidays "Bubble" over with fun!!

Pencil and Notepad: Merry Christmas from our "Pad" to yours! or Merry Christmas to a "Noteworthy" friend!

Jar of Pickles: Just in "Brine", our wish for a Merry Christmas!

Grater and Cheese: To a "Grate" teacher! Merry Christmas!

Ice Cream: Have a "Cool" Yule!

Bear Shaped Honey: Have a "Bear-y" sweet Christmas!

Santa: Ho - Ho - Ho-ping your Christmas is lots of fun!

Angel: Hoping you have a "Heavenly" Christmas!

Eggnog: Have an "Udderly Moo-valous" Christmas!

Gingerbread House: Nibble, Nibble like a mouse, we hope you'll nibble at this house! Merry Christmas!!

Mugs with Hot Chocolate Mix: To our special friends who are so dear, we wish you all a "Cup of Cheer"! OR a special gift for a Teacher- To a Special Teacher dear, wishing you a "Cup of Cheer"!

Cocoa Mix: Wishing you a warm and wonderful Christmas!

Muffins or Muffin Mix: You're getting "Muffins" for Christmas!

Gum: "By Gum", you're a great teacher!! Have a Merry Christmas!

Veggies and Dip: “Dip” into a wonderful Holiday Season and a Healthy New Year!

Christmas Shaped Pasta (or any pasta and a bottle of sauce ): Have a "Pasta-tively" Happy Holiday!

Jar of Jam: Hoping you have a Holiday "Jammed" packed with fun! or "Jam-packed" with Christmas Cheer!

Cookie Dough: Here's a little extra "Dough" for Christmas! or Everyone needs a little extra "Dough" for Christmas!

Homemade Frozen Rolls: Here's a little holiday treat. Rise and bake, it can't be beat! Warm fresh rolls just for you. Top with butter.... that's all you do! Warm Holiday Greetings to you!

Brownie Mix(or any Mix): Whip up this mix for a wonderful holiday fix! Wishing you a "Rich" Holiday Season! (Be sure to attach the recipe!)

Homemade Caramels: Hoping you have a "Rich" and wonderful Holiday!!

Pie: Just a Holiday Hi and a tasty Pie!! Happy Holidays!!

Divinity: May your Christmas be "Divine" and your Holidays so fine! Sweet Christmas Wishes!

Rice Krispie Treats: "Snap, Crackle, Pop"- We think you're really tops!

Toffee or Brittle: Any way you break it, we think you're the greatest!

Fudge: "Fudge" a little on the calories and enjoy the Holiday Season!

Cheese Ball and Crackers: We don't mean to sound "Cheesy", we just hope you have a "Ball" this Holiday Season! OR Spread a little Christmas Cheer this Holiday Season!

Apple Anything (pie, cobbler, crisp, muffins etc.): Sending you a "Bushel" of love this holiday Season! OR You are the apple of my eye,Teacher!

Banana Bread: Banana Bread just for you, because you have so much to do... We also love you a whole "Bunch" too! Merry Christmas!

Cinnamon Rolls: Here's a sweet treat "Rolled" up with warm Holiday Wishes! Merry Christmas!

Homemade Chocolates: You're so sweet... having you as teacher is really a treat! Have a Heavenly Holiday Season!

Cake or Cupcakes: You take the "Cake", we think you're first rate! Happy Holidays to you!

Cornbread or Mix: We're not trying to be "Corny" we just want you to have Merry Christmas!

Carrot Cake: I Really "Care-a-lot " a lot about you so I make you Carrot Cake !! Merry Christmas!

Spiced Drink Mixes: Hoping your Holidays are "Spiced" just right!

Homemade Ice Cream or a Frozen Treat: Here's the "Scoop". Hoping your Holidays are a "Blizzard" of fun!

Recipe: Just like you... it's tried and true, this one’s just for you! Happy Holiday Baking or Merry Christmas Cooking!

Pizza: Hope your Holiday has a touch of "Pizza-az!!" Merry Christmas!

Candle: You "Light" up my life! Thanks for your dedication! May your Christmas be Merry and Bright!

Crayons and Coloring Book: Hope your Holidays are "Colorful"!

Plant: The kindness you show makes our friendship grow and grow like a beautiful “plant”! Hope you have a Happy Holiday!

Soda Pop: I'd "Soda" like to wish you a Merry Christmas!

Stuffed Animal (Beanie Baby): "Paws-ing" to wish you a Merry Christmas!

Donuts: "Donut" you know we love you??? Have a Happy Holiday!

$5.00 GC to Blockbuster: You’ve been the star of a “Blockbuster” year.

Tea bags in a mug (some apple flavored): Thanks for putting the “Tea” in PTA.

Mini Top Hats from party store filled with candies : Our Teachers are “Top Hat”!

100 Grand (candy bar) : "You’re worth a million, but all we had was a 100 Grand"

Crunch (candy bar): "During this time of "Crunch" you are greatly appreciated". (this is a great one to use during testing (SAT, TAAS, etc.) times.

Popcorn hands (made with popcorn, candy corn finger nails, red vine veins in clear "deli" gloves) "We'd like to give you a hand for doing such a great job!" They looked real cute hanging just over the edge of the teachers' mailboxes.

Clay Pots from Walmart: Let the kids put their fingerprint on the LOWER portion of the clay pot. Then make the fingerprints into bees and ladybugs and write “Mrs.______ helps us grow!" around the TOP of the clay pot.

Spring Blooms: "For the Blooms in our garden of Knowledge" ---- (Purchase flats of flowers in the spring. Cut the flats into individual flowers, place the plastic part in a baggie so it doesn't leak and then wrap it with tissue paper, florist style, tie it with a ribbon. It looks beautiful in their mailboxes and is about 30-50 cents apiece.)

Campbells Soup Chicken with Stars: “You’re our "SOUP"er STAR. Thanks for all you do!”---Purchase the soup cans, and make little labels to apply to the front of the soup can. Or cut stars from cardstock and have a little label make and affixed to the cardstock that is then double sticky taped to the front or on top of the can.

Wooden Plaques: “Wouldn’t you know, we think you are so fine” Write the saying with a paint marker, then stamp a small apple on the plaque, and hot glue a small ribbon (maybe reflecting your school colors). Then with the paint marker write: Thank you from the (name of PTA/PTO and year)

Treat bags with smiles on them: “You “treat” our kids so special, bringing smiles to all you see, so we wanted to give you this little treat and wish you a Happy Day full of smiles in return.” (very small plastic bags you can find in the cake decorating section of a craft stores) with a smiling face stamped on the front, or even get inexpensive yellow smile stickers while you are at Walmart.

Pyramids: “The best treats are always buried inside.” Make pyramids of cardstock that are tied together at the top with a small treat inside the pyramid, maybe double sticky taped to a bottom piece of cardstock.

herb basket with: “ Sage” for the wisdom you've inspired our children with “Thyme” for the time you've devoted to our children “Mint” for the "mint of wealth " you are worth

a ruler: Paint the teacher’s name on it and add a tag saying: No “ruler” is long enough to measure the positive impact you've had on children.

Highlighter: You’re a “highlight” of our school! or “You “high light” what is great about ...(subject)...!

LifeSavers: We appreciate you a “Hole” lot!

Potato Stix: Because you “stick” by us in a crunch, here’s a snack for you to munch!


Granola Bars: Because you’re so good at what you do, here’s something good for you! or Because you’re so good for us!

Mints: “Thanks for your commit- mint.” or “Thanks for your encourage- mint.” or “Thanks for your invest-“mint of time.” or “Thanks for making each day an enjoy- mint.” or “Thanks for helping to create a nice Environ- mint.”

Cracker sandwiches: Just like you, this snack’s great through and through!

Chocloate Chip cookies: For staying so “chipper “and bright, you deserve this rich delight!

Trail Mix: Because were “nuts” about you!

Fruit (cherry, blueberry, strawberry) Cereal Bar: Because we appreciate you “berry “much!

Fig Newtons: Anyway we “fig”-ure it, you’re terrific!

Fiskar spring action Scissors : "You're a CUT above the rest, and it's been a SHEAR pleasure having you for a teacher this year!!"

cool grater at Linens & Things that has a catch-all at the bottom complete with lid: "There's no GRATER teacher than you anywhere!!"

"Whisk Magic" kitchen tongs: "TONGS for being such a great teacher .... I WHISK everyone were as nice as you!!"

stainless steel strainers that when held one way can be put over an opened can to drain the liquid, or reversed to strain the liquid off a can of opened tuna: "I can't reSTRAIN myself from telling you what a great teacher you are!!"

collect some great oven mits and potholders - there is a wonderful new silicon material out in them that withstands temps of 500 degrees. Put a beautiful stemmed rose in the center, tape down the thumb to "hold it" and attach a card that reads: "I have to adMITT, you're a great teacher!!"

There is a wonderful makeup cloth remocver called "Wonder Cloth" available at Linens and Things or www.wondercloth.com, which is truly amazing. Neither mascara, lipstick nor make-up stains the wondercloth. It washes up like new after each removal. Give one to the teachers with a message like: "It's no wonder you're a great teacher. You MAKE-UP such fun ways to learn and REMOVE all my fears. I'm so glad you were woven into the CLOTH of my life!!


Purchased a 8x10 black picture frame and a white mat then put in it a small 4x6 or 5x7 (black & white) class picture. On the large white matting have all the class children signed their name. The teacher will display such a gift for years to come, and a new tradition my begin with your one gift, as the other room moms see that gift.

---

Idea from Heddy:
I saw that Hershey's candies were on sale recently, so I purchased bags of kisses, hugs and another one shaped the same way (chocolate with almonds inside). We will will package them in 3s (one of each kind), and put in some small squares of fabric tied with a bit of curly ribbon maybe - and enclose this saying inside of the fabric material and then tie it altogether: ... "Where there is no knowledge, there is darkness. Where there is no striving, there can be no excellence. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with the students of (Name of School) and striving for excellence in our children."


another variation:

---

Idea from Melissa D.:
Pick up a dollar store candle that is round, take the label off, print off on cardstock or vellum of your choice this saying:


"Where there is no knowledge,
there is darkness.
Where there is no involvement,
there is no hope.
Where there is no striving,
there can be no excellence.


Thank you for sharing your knowledge, getting involved,
and striving for excellence in our children."


I than glued this around the candle, packaged in a clear cellophane bag with some glitter tinsel, and tied on a ribbon that matched the color of the candle. I can't take credit for this idea because I found it online somewhere but not sure where anymore. The teachers loved this homemade gift that only cost me around $2 to put altogether.

---

Teacher gift ideas from Laura Jo.
You could get 3-4 kitchen towels and roll them up and then group them and then tie with a ribbon.


Ask for volunteers to each make 6-12 cookies/treats and then make a goodie basket.


For valentines day each child in the class can bring one real rose and the room mom or someone can supply a vase. at the end of the day the teacher has a bouquet of roses.


Volunteer to wrap any little holiday presents the teacher may be giving the kids during their party.. Volunteers come in November and parents donate gift wrap and ribbon and tape and also name tags.


Each child bring in $2-3 and get the teacher and assistant a gift certificate for a manicure or pedicure or both.


* Find out the teacher's and assistants birthdays and bring cupcakes and balloons (but be careful about Latex balloon restrictions at some schools) for them.


* Winter basket: hot chocolate/coffee, lip balm, lotion, mug, scark/mittens

---

this can be used as a survival kit or a fun gift idea:


Purchase very small glass bottles...I got mine from IKEA. Fill them with M&Ms ( a pound bag filled maybe a dozen or so bottles) then attach the following:

Eat a red M&M at the first sign of meeting overload……
Orange minimizes “mental block” during IEP writing….
Eat a green M&M to help you choose your words carefully
when talking to your students
If you feel a headache coming on while trying to collect data
eat a yellow M&M…..
Blue M&Ms reduce progress monitoring fatigue…..
Eat a brown M&M to temporarily calm your craving for a vacation….

Directions:
Take as needed. If all symptoms occur at the same time
eat the whole jar!

---

**Here is one for a teachers aide
(Give a packet of Sweetened Kool-Aide with this poem)
Just a little thank you
For everything you do
When things get very hectic
While helping out at school
Take a moment to mix up
This very special treat
A packet of Kool Aid
For our KOOL AIDE---
Because we think you're neat!

---

***Teacher is
T ender
E nthusiastic
A daptable
C oncerned
H elping
E nergetic
R esourceful

---

Get a little flower pot (I used a little terra cotta which isnt too expensive)
I put some sunflower seeds in the bottom then some packets of flower seeds on top and a little tiny shovel I found at the craft store.Then attach this poem


Teachers are the gardeners
Of our Kindergarten tots
We send them off to school to learn,
Some soil in their pots.
We've put in a little seed
And now it starts to grow
As they learn from their teachers ,
In these gardens that they sow.
The stock it gets stronger
And then you'll see a bloom
Soon each and every pot
Starts to blossom in the room.
Teachers are the gardeners
Of these little flower pots
As we send them off to school ,
Our precious little tots!!

---

***Dustpan Cookies ( Crumble a cookie or two on a dustpan and then put some whole cookies on top of the crumbs with this saying.) It is cute


I was in a hurry
Cuz time was running out
I'd baked a batch of cookies for you,
And when I turned about,
I saw they'd fallen on the floor
It made me want to shout!
How could this happen at this time,
When time is running out,
I couldn't throw them in the trash,
Whatever could I do!!!
I quickly swept them in this pan ,
And rushed them off to you.

---

****For St Patricks Day

Leprachauns Poop (green jelly beans)

The Leprechauns of Ireland
Bring a special gift your way
Its full of love and happiness
On this fine St Patricks Day

And along with all the good wishes
From this merry little group
Comes a little something extra
Its a bag of Leprachaun Poop!


*****Cupid Poop ( red heart candies)

I couldnt send you flowers
Chocolate candy wouldnt do
And heartfelt cards dont say
The things I wanted to

So I got something special
And heres the inside scoop
I found you something rare
Its real Cupid Poop!


*****Snowman Poop ( bag of mini marshmallows)
So you've been naughty?

I heard that you've been naughty
So listen,heres the scoop
I'm running out of coal this year
So now all you get
is Snowman Poop!


******2 liter bottle of soda and a box of popcorn
Pop Pop Fizz Fizz what a great teacher you is.

*****Snowman Soup
Put 1 pkg of hot choc mix
3 Hershey Kisses
15 or so marshmallows
1 candy cane
with this saying

Was told you've been good this year,
Always glad to hear it.
With freezing weather drawing near
You'll need to warm the spirit!
SO heres a little snowman soup
Completel with stirring stick
Add hot water,sip it slow
It's sure to do the trick.


*********
Teacher Hugs (put hershey hugs in a bag with this poem)

You are a wonderful teacher
I think you're very neat
That's why I put together
This special little treat
A little bag, with Teacher HUGS
To get you through your day
and to let you know I am glad
That you are here to stay!


*****
Small candy dish with Andes Mints or any kind of mints
"Thanks a "MINT" for everything!