It’s that time of year again, obligatory gift giving time, and, as always, your child’s teacher is high on the list. You want to get a present that reflects your gratitude and appreciation (after all, this person chooses to spend a big part of their day nurturing your child), but, if you’re anything like me, you might feel clueless when it comes to guessing what a teacher wants (after all, you’re not the one spending day after day in their classroom). So, what should you get? And how much should you spend? Wouldn’t it be nice if you could just ask your children’s teachers what they really want for Christmas? I thought so too, so I did.

I talked to a bunch of local teachers, and after getting past the polite, “I don’t need anything, really,” I got them to confess which gifts are great, and which ones are, well... Not So Great.

“ Gift Cards for movie theaters or book stores.” GREAT!

“Apple-themed knick knacks or ‘World’s Greatest Teacher’ imprinted on anything.” (Not So Great.)

Perfume… (Not So Great.) “Unless you know my favorite scent,” appended one elementary-level teacher. GREAT!

“A ready-made dinner or lunch is always appreciated… Then again, a gift certificate to my favorite restaurant would be even more appreciated.” GREAT!

Another tie or scarf. “I have all the scarves I need.” (Not So Great.)

Gift Certificates. Teachers don’t make a lot of money, and gift certificates are always appreciated. Remember, you can go in with other families. Even small contributions can add up fast (especially with California class sizes being what they are). GREAT!

Rubarb Jam: “I don’t want a jar of homemade rubarb jam. I don’t even like rubarb jam. Does anyone like rubarb jam?” (Not So Great.)

“If you are getting a present for me—and you really don’t have to, but if you are—please make it a gift for me. I would like a gift certificate to Peet’s Coffee or REI, not a shirt with your child’s handprints on it or some other craft project that's really more about the kids than me.”

“Candy. It comes pouring in over the holidays. It’s really too much.” (Not So Great.)

Classrooms Wish Lists: See if your teacher has one, usually it consists of craft supplies, children’s magazine subscriptions, things for the class pet. “It may sound like a boring gift idea, but we spend a lot of money on little things for the classroom. Any help in that department is really appreciated.” GREAT!

“Anything that causes me more work.” (Not So Great.)

“I like when a parent gives me a gift certificate that I can use, like Target.” (Did I mention teachers don’t make a whole lot?) GREAT!

“I don’t drink or support Starbucks.” Although plenty of teachers said YES to Starbucks, not everyone is a fan (or a coffee-lover). So, unless you’ve seen the teacher with a Starbucks cup in hand, don’t assume it’s a safe gift pick. Go ahead and grill the kids a little if you need to find out more about their teachers.

“A sincere note of appreciation is always the best gift.” GREAT! Really, really great, in fact.

Bottom Line: Teachers don’t expect gifts, but if you do give one, it’s certainly appreciated. Give a gift that’s thoughtful, something you know the teacher will be glad to get, and—no matter how small the cost—it’ll be a great gift.

Want more gift ideas? Go to SacramentoParent.com, click on In This Issue, and check out this month’s Online Extra: “Fun—and Easy!—Gift Ideas.”