I generally get teachers movie passes. With so many students, things like candles and plants (no matter how nice) can become overwhelming. Movie passes don't take up any space, they're usually good for a year, and I don't have to guess at what the teacher's personal tastes are.
That is such a great idea. I have given movie passes to my sister-in-law because going to movies is her favorite thing in all the world....but I should really expand on it for other gift-giving.
We have a program at our parish called Together We're Better, it is a convenient way to buy all manner of gift cards and certificate. At Christmas we usually give a gas card to our pastor since he drives around so much to visit the sick, and we gave a restaurant card to our deacon and his wife last year.
I also give a lot of cub scout/girl scout products at the holidays....when it's cub scout popcorn and girl scout nut/candy time, in the fall, I buy cases of the stuff and wrap the tins for easy gifting.