Handwritten thank-you notes express your gratitude better than any other gift. Tell your teacher how much you appreciate his hard work and what your child specifically enjoys about his class and, if possible, have your child write a note as well. Your teacher will treasure the notes for years.
Gift cards offer an option that's convenient for you and the teacher. Ask the teacher's colleagues what her favorite restaurant or retail store is or give a versatile gift card such as one from Target or Visa. Gift cards are also a good option for group gifts; if everyone in the class chips in, you can give a nice gift to the teacher.
School supplies represent another inexpensive and simple gift that can be useful. Because many teachers stock their classrooms with school supplies they purchase, a gift of supplies is something teachers will use and appreciate. Consider purchasing pencils, paper, tape, glue sticks or dry erase markers and pack them neatly in a reusable plastic container.
If your child's class works together, it can create a personalized gift your teacher will treasure. Students can use paint or fabric pens to draw pictures, write notes or even just sign their names on a fabric chair, fabric tote bag or ceramic vase. Or make a classroom cookbook or photo album; have each child contribute his favorite recipe, a drawing or a photo.