Here's our tip sheet of ideas for what to give your children's teachers at the end of the year. Thanks to your submissions, I've got a good list of "dos" here, along with a few "don'ts."

Do:

--When in doubt, give gift cards to useful places like Target and Wal-Mart. I've often wondered if that seemed too pedestrian as a thank-you gift, but the couple of teachers I talked to mentioned this as their favorite gift. If they want to, they can treat themselves to something fun and affordable. And if they need to, they can buy their kids diapers.

--Give from the heart. Can't afford all those gift cards this year? Teachers told me they really do appreciate handmade cards, especially from the children themselves. From you, a handwritten note goes a long way, too.

--Make something that lasts. I loved Momof2's idea for compiling a class cookbook with recipes from each child. What a great keepsake and way to remember the children and their families, and to give a group gift that doesn't turn into a financial burden. There are lots of self-publishing programs on the web these days where you can make the book look pretty professional. (There might not be time for that this year, but there's always next year.) Edamommy's cherry tree is another great, lasting idea.

--Think about what's convenient for the teacher. A Neiman-Marcus gift card isn't so useful if she can't get there, and isn't comfortable with Internet shopping. But if she stops at the local cafe for lunch every day, that gift card is likely a winner. (But see below. ...)

--Give food -- but consider something less perishable. She might be getting a lot, and if she has to eat it all right away, some could go to waste. One teacher I talked to said chocolate is perfect. Or steal MGB's idea of a gift card to a place where the teacher can pick up dinner.