Consumables are almost always a good idea. The problem with "stuff" is that teachers get so much of it. How many coffee mugs does one person need? Or pictures of former students, etc. Especially at a Kindergarten level.
The idea of a "communal" gift like a fruit salad, cookies, muffins, etc. for the teachers as a whole is great. Who doesn't like to come into work and have a nice snack/treat available? Also greases rails for the next year's teachers.
I know that we often have bread/muffin mixes, dips, sauces, etc on sale/clearance at the store I work at, and we often suggest them (with maybe a small whisk or spatula, some pretzels, a basting brush, and so on) as an inexpensive but usable (or regiftable) teacher gift.
Some teachers I've known (over the past 12+ years of kids in school), really appreciate a "classroom" gift. A couple of new books, a new toy or two, etc. That, a plate of cookies, and a sincere note - and you're good.
What *I* have done over the years - especially as my kids hit MS and HS, is write an email to the one or two teachers who I felt really made a difference to my kid's time in school. By that age, teachers tend to hear a lot of negative feedback from parents, but not always to positive. They appreciate a heartfelt thank-you from a parent. Especially as the kids "age out" of actual teacher gifts.
This year, I have the more difficult task of writing several such emails, as my son is graduating. He has had many teachers who have touched his educational life in positive ways. They all deserve to know how much they are appreciated.
She did amazingly well, despite a rough start. Her teachers are WONDERFUL, and I need some ideas of something I can do with DD to show our appreciation. Since there are so many, i don't want to spend a lot, and I don't just want to do giftcards. My DD is almsot 4. TIA!
