Teachers work hard. They attend years of college and other training, then they land a job where they receive little pay in comparison to other professionals. Their job is very demanding and extremely restrictive. They can't even go to the restroom when they want to because they can't leave their class unattended! Neither can they stop at will for a short break, a snack, or even a cup of coffee. They have to answer to parents, administrators, their local school board, state and federal mandates, and to their communities. And for all this, they receive little thanks and few pats on the backs.

If you'd like to show your appreciation to your child's teacher this Christmas, or just get her a little gift to say "thank you," you're obviously a concerned, thoughful parent. But what to get for that special educator? As a retired teacher, I'll pass along some ideas:

* Thermal coffee mug. The teacher can fill the mug with joe in the morning, and a good quality thermos should keep the brew hot for a couple of hours.

* Scented candles. Classrooms can get pretty smelly. Most teachers like to burn a scented candle in the classroom to make it more pleasnat for herself and for the students.

* Mouse pad. The teacher will appreciate an interesting mouse pad. Find out her favorite team or hobby, and get a pad with the team's logo or one having to do with the hobby.

* Stapler and staples. This might sound boring, but this is actually a great gift for teachers. Staplers are notorious for "walking off," so an extra one will always come in handy.

* Books. Get the teacher a nice book that has some relation to the subject she teaches. For example, a literature teacher would like a collection of poems. Ahistory teacher might like a book about the Civil War or World War I. If you can find a first edition, that's even better!

* Hand cart. Have you seen those canvas "boxes" with the collapsable handles and wheels? This is a great gift for a teacher! They haul all kinds of stuff from their car to their classroom. I bought one several years ago for $20.

* Music CDs. Many teachers like to play soft music during tests and writing assignments. Choose classical, light classical, or easy listening tunes. I taught British Literature and usually played Celtic music when I chose to play CDs.

* Gourmet coffees/teas: Most teachers drink coffee or hot tea for a caffeine jolt. A nice collection of gourmet flavors will hit the spot.

* Hard candies. Teachers have to talk a lot, and their mouths can get as dry as the Sahara. Gourmet hard candies in a decorative box or tin will be a much appreciated gift. After the tin is empty, the teacher can use it to store small items.

* Gift certificate. A gift certificate to any office supply store is always a good gift for an educator. You'd be amazed at how many reams of printer paper, composition books, note pads, notebook paper,pens, and pencils we go through. Most schools provide these for teachers, but the supply is limited, and it's never enough to last the entire year. Buy some of these items and make a gift bag. Throw in a real treat - some colored printer paper.

* Framed photo. Most teachers genuine love their students. Take a pic of the class, have it blown up, and place it in a frame. Write the date on the back of the photo. This will be a nice memento for the teacher in the years to come.

* A hobby-related gift. Find out the teacher's hobbies. My students knew I enjoyed fishing, and one year I got a great gift - a rod and reel.

* Restaurant gift certificates. Choose restaurants that are located near the school. On teacher work days, the faculty gets to leave campus for lunch, so a gift card would definitely come to good use.

Okay, I've offered some suggestions for things teachers would like. Now I'm going to tell you what teachers DON'T want:

Anything having to do with apples! Unless it's a new teacher you're shopping for, the teacher in question already has enough apple items to last until doomsday! You name it, she probably has it - apple pencil holders, apple jewelry, apple Christmas tree ornaments, apple picture frames, apple coffee mugs, apple tote bags...the list goes on and on. And on!