Howdy! I used to teach, and I didn't like to receive gifts from the kids. I loved teaching and didn't feel like a parent should feel they had to give me something for doing what I loved. I did receive some nice ones though. Please, no mugs! I got a $10 gift certificate from one of the bath shops in the mall which was nice. I also liked getting small plants. One girl gave me a flower pot that she painted with a picture, her name and date. I still use it 8 years later!
Plants seem to be a big hit with the folks here. And I really like the idea of the pots being hand decorated.