by Tierney O'Hara

Created on: November 09, 2009   Last Updated: May 04, 2011

Acknowledging  teachers for the  time and attention they give to children during the school year is customary in many areas, but often parents wonder, what is a great Christmas gift for a teacher?

Here's a list of the top five gift items that most teachers enjoy receiving.

1) School supplies

Teachers often have to use their own money to keep supplies in their classroom. That's why teachers love to receive stickers, ink stamps, or pens that write in colors or sparkles so they can reward students by decorating their homework papers in colorful, fun ways. Colored paper, sketch pads, glue sticks and grade appropriate fiction or non-fiction books for the classroom are also warmly received, as .

2) Gift certificates or gift cards

Whether you intend to spend five dollars or fifty dollars for a teacher's Christmas present, gift certificates are great. Restaurants like McDonald's or Burger King offer them as do many pizza chains. Home Depot, Lowes, Stop and Shop, Walmart, Target - all offer gift cards that everyone loves to receive.

Gift certificates or gift cards can be purchased at the last minute in some cases. Amazon.com offers a printable gift card. In five minutes, if you own a computer and printer, you can have a great gift for anyone on your shopping list including your child's teacher.

3) Stationery, greeting cards or stamps

Teachers are using email more than ever before to communicate with parents. Yet many teachers still take the time to write out greeting cards for their students, letters of praise for good work or requests for a conference - and they must use their own money to buy these supplies. With stationery, greeting cards and stamps in their desk drawer, teachers are able to quickly mail off letters or cards to fellow teachers, parents or family members. It makes a great gift and is always welcomed.

4) Edibles

Because teachers work all day, they often don't have time to bake Christmas cookies, cupcakes and candies. It's a great treat to receive homemade goodies which they can share with their families and friends during the holidays. You don't have to bake the sweets, you can buy them at the supermarket or bakery. Cookie trays, jam baskets, bakery cupcakes, boxes of candy will all help your child's teacher have a sweet Christmas day.

5) Thank you letter

It costs nothing but a bit of your time to compose a thank you letter to your child's teacher. How pleased they will be to know you acknowledge and appreciate the time and effort they've put in educating your child. Just a short note, tucked in a Christmas card will do. Teachers all say a thank you note is absolutely one of the best Christmas gifts they get from students or their parents.

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