Trust me on this, from the perspective of a former teacher as well as from hearing the opinions of other teachers: while most appreciate EVERY gift they get, many also have more coffee cups with the words SUPER  TEACHER or something similar on them than they have room for. They don't need more.

If you want to give your child's teacher a gift this holiday season, think about the best way to find a gift that will be appreciated and the etiquette of giving teacher gifts.   Here's some tips and, of course Ebay is a perfect place to find the IDEAL teacher gift:

FIRST STEP: If your student is new to the school or you are unsure about school policy, find out if teachers gifts are encouraged or the norm. Most schools allow them and teachers like to know they're appreciated, but be sure you know the school's stand on this. Know if other parents usually give gifts or if gifts are the norm. Even if they aren't,  you may still want to show your appreciation for a favorite teacher but it a good idea to know the general opinion on this.

NEXT STEP: Do not buy a gift in hopes of bribing the teacher or getting a better grade for your child.  Even if that strategy works, it isn't a substitute for real learning. But you already knew that, right? :)

THIRD STEP: Try to find something that the specific teacher would really like. Often your child is the best source of information here. If your kid drops a comment about how Mr X really loves football or Mrs.  W..  collects tea cups, you have something to go on.  Does the teacher have a green thumb? If so, a plant might actually delight him or her.  Or perhaps he or she likes classic animal stories:
                                        

FOURTH STEP: Think outside the box .  While any gift is a lovely idea, consider something that might help stretch a teacher's budget, help the school etc. Many teachers would listen to CDs CD music  or rent or go to movies DVDS  so a gift certificate might be a great idea. By the way, did you know you can buy and sell gift certificates right here on Ebay? Here's  handy page to find the ones for your area and subject of interest:
                          gift certificates

You can find everything from clothing to bookstore to restaurant certificates, right here on Ebay, without even stepping foot outside your door!
  Or you can simply browse the categories, looking for everything from vintage tea cups to  sports memorabilia.   You can also find school supplies, stickers and other items of interest to teachers. Many schools  have tight budgets and donations of such items as pencils,   computer paper  and extra copies of classic or required books like To Kill a Mockingbird  or Charlotte's Web  are much appreciated, allowing each child to have a personal copy of the book. Also consider donations to Field Trip funds for needy children who can't afford the cost of a field trip. Many schools have such funds. Ask. You might be surprised to learn YOUR school does.