How about pillowcases:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrYWC...ayer_embedded#

Coasters:
http://www.allsorts.typepad.com/alls...ross_coas.html

Tissue holders:
http://www.quiltersclubofamerica.com...s/t/15617.aspx

Have fun!

I have been making totes for my DGD to give to her nurse at her school (she is a juvenile diabetic so has a close and personal relationship with the school nurse.)
I also think an insulated lunch bag would be wonderful. Do a google search and free patterns should pop up.

Truer words were never spoken. Make totes PLEASE!! Having been in education, every Christmas teachers joke about being "mugged" so I'd stay away from the mug rugs because of this. Most really great teachers aren't "anchored" to their desks and tend to use cups only in the lounge. This because they set their cups down all over the room otherwise. There are exceptions but the majority of those live in high schools. Elementary school teachers tend to move around. With hot drinks there is a safety issue as well. On the other hand, any kind of desk organizer would be a useful item but hear this. Teachers covet any kind of tote and any size from large stacks of test paper holders to what we used to call "Tow-Sacks".

Personalizing is good but not too much. For example, teachers do change rooms so room numbers are out. They have also been known to change grades! I would have loved anything with books or reading themes, of course. My nickname was Holli so anything with holly incorporated, I could use all year long (as I did my Christmas china at home). Any one who gifted me a lap quilt, I would have LOVED especially if the child picked out the fabrics and the label included his/her name along with the quilter and date.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/images/misc/quote_icon.png Originally Posted by azwendyg http://www.quiltingboard.com/images/...post-right.png
How about these mug "bucket" organizers? They take just a little over an hour each if you're quick, and my daughter, who is a 5th grade teacher decided to make them for each of the teachers on her team because she thought they'd be " a teacher gift they'd really use!" http://www.quiltingboard.com/pictures-f5/mug-"buckets"-t163322.html

I can't seem to get the link to work, so here are a couple of pics.

As a teacher who has received a lot of crazy gifts, I like all of the above suggestions and would be thrilled with any of
Them. Of course you can't beat a taco wrapped in a dryer sheet like one of my kids brought me.

I think only one person suggested making a classroom wallhanging. I like that idea, and also love those things with pockets in them to hold either small supplies or educational aids. Or a nice floor cushion for the book nook in her room ( if the kids read on the floor)?

I am a teacher. I would have to go with the idea of a large tote. We are always looking to put our large teacher's editions and papers to correct in. If they don't use them now, eventually they will.

Apple mug rugs, with an apple mug - and a few packets of hot chocolate - or if you know they drink tea, add in some of Earl Greys' best....

I'm going to attach 2 patterns that I recently bought. One is for potholders that I got from a quilting shop and the other one is a grocery bag carrier. Just an idea. I think Joann Fabrics has the Butterick Patterns on sale too in case you liked that pattern.

A tote is a good idea. I made table runners for my kids teachers and they loved them.