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Each year during the holidays, fourth-grade teacher Tangela Scales gets out the various trinkets given to her by students over her nine years of teaching.

"I have children that have graduated from high school. I get to think, ‘Wow, I wonder what they're doing now,'" said Scales, who teaches at Brandywine Elementary School.

Candles, handmade crafts and cards are among the gifts she has received. One of her most memorable gifts was a wooden jewelry box given to her by a student.

Yet Scales and other county teachers said a simple "thank you" from parents and students can touch teachers the most. Parents shouldn't fret over gift selections for teachers; it really is the thought that counts, Scales said.

But for parents who do stress over the perfect gift for their children's teachers, the National Education Association suggests first checking the school policy on gifts. According to Prince George's County Public Schools' conflict-of-interest policy, employees are not permitted to accept a gift greater than $25 in value "from any person who is under the authority of the school system," except in cases where the school system's Ethics Panel has determined that the gift does not create a conflict of interest.

Carmie Naleski, a former teacher and current PTA president at Tulip Grove Elementary in Bowie, said she avoids buying items like teacher-themed coffee mugs and ornaments when choosing teacher gifts

"They're fun to receive, but I think a classroom of 30 of them gets to be overwhelming at times," she said.

In the past, Naleski has given homemade baked goods and gift certificates. She recalled teaming up with another parent to give a teacher a gift card to purchase gas, which she said was a "huge hit" with the teacher.

At Tulip Grove, thanking teachers is a group effort. Each year, the PTA hosts a holiday luncheon for school staff. It has also hosted "cookie exchanges" where each family contributes a few dozen cookies, and they are made into assortments for each teacher.

"We have a whole school of parents who are willing to donate things and volunteer their time for whatever the PTA needs. It somehow always comes together and comes off as a very relaxing time for the teachers and the staff," Naleski said.

A 2007 survey of 1,500 elementary school teachers nationwide by the educational products company Learning Resources showed 74 percent of teachers said being involved in their child's education was the best way for a parent to show their appreciation. Twenty-two percent said a "thank-you" would be the best gift. Three percent of teachers chose "helping out at school" as their preferred gift and 1 percent said they would prefer a gift.

Some county teachers say their most commonly received holiday gifts are candles, lotion, coffee mugs, gift cards, homemade baked goods and handmade items from their students.

Lisa White, a fifth-grade teacher at Lamont Elementary in New Carrollton, said anything to show a teacher is appreciated is, well, appreciated. She especially enjoys handmade items and notes from her students.

White said she is grateful when students and their families "take the time out to even think of you."

White has even received items she can use in her classroom, such as stickers, dry erase markers and pens.

James Martinez, a spokesman for the National PTA, the national umbrella for PTAs, said the organization's informal survey of teachers showed thank you cards were the favorite gift for teachers.

Martinez said the most popular gifts with teachers were "simple and heartfelt," such as thank you cards, along with items they may need for the classroom, a gift that fits the teacher's unique interest, such as a book or CD.

"We had a few teachers tell us you can't go wrong with a gift card," Martinez said, yet noted that with the recent economic downturn, parents should check to ensure a retailer is not expected to go out of business before purchasing a card.

He also said parents can get together for a heartfelt gift, such as a photo album with notes from the students or a group picture of the class.

"Whether it's something kids and parents buy, or whether it's something that they make, most teachers felt something that comes from the heart was the best," Martinez said.

E-mail Megan King at mking@gazette.net.

Things to consider when choosing a holiday gift for your child's teacher:

Check the school policy. Some schools discourage gift-giving to prevent concerns about favoritism.

Don't break the bank. If you choose to purchase a gift, keep it simple.

Organize a class gift. Parents can organize a class gift, based on each family's ability to contribute. One popular option for a class gift is a scrapbook or photo album.

Buy a gift certificate. Teachers can be treated to a night at the movies, a bookstore trip or a visit to a spa. The National Education Association, a teachers' union with 3.2 million members, recommends skipping "apple" items, as many teachers already have those items.

Give the gift of time. One gift idea is to give a teacher a book of coupons that can be redeemed for volunteer time in the class.

Source: National Education Association