By Joy Kraft
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The elves conducted a very non-scientific poll of teachers to find out what they'd most like to get from students. But what they don't want stands out - coffee mugs and ornaments ("you only have room for so many after 15 years," says one). Give something small, personal and "consumable."

No. 1 on the list was a gift certificate. Have a room mom - if there is one - take up a small collection from each child and get a gift certificate to a store in keeping with teacher's interests, be it gardening, the theater, a bookstore, clothing.

A small flowering plant for the classroom.

A jar filled with uncooked popcorn and a movie rental coupon or card.

A loaf of homemade bread, cookies, muffins.

Something tasty for the teacher's lounge - a bag of gourmet coffee, hot chocolate mix or tea bags, coffee flavorings, homemade cookies or snacks for break times and rushed mornings.

Stationery for note writing to parents.

A heartfelt note from you or your child pinpointing a valuable lesson learned with a candy cane attached.

A bundle of pens, pencils, stacks of Post-It notes wrapped with a big bow to replenish supplies.

A holiday contract from your child, pledging to accomplish a school-related task that has been tough for him or her.

Get six other parents to take a month each for the rest of the year to be "teacher's helper" in the classroom or make treats for special events, then give the teacher a "helper's" list decorated by your child.

Stumped? Ask the school secretary. They are usually tuned into teachers' tastes.