It's that time of year again! Time to thank the people who dedicate their lives to teaching our children. I can't volunteer in the classroom for an hour without thinking that they must have the most challenging, stressful and yet rewarding jobs on earth. With budget cuts continuing to loom, what would the perfect gift be?

We got great feedback from teachers who weighed in on this issue. Here are the top 5 gifts on teachers' lists this year:

1. Group gifts like a Kindle Fire or iPad
2. Gift cards – give the gift of a Holiday Sale shopping spree to top retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Starbucks, or Restaurants
3. Materials for the classroom
4. A massage or other spa service gift certificate
5. Chocolate
6. Ornaments

Here are some teacher gift ideas that don't cost a thing!

1. Happy Students
2. Parent Volunteers
3. Handwritten notes
4. A genuine thank you
5. A student’s successful publishing through a website or contest
6. Drawings of the teacher/classroom to show how she/he inspires students

These might be a stretch for most Secret Santas, but teachers really want:

1. Better pay
2. Political clout
3. An assistant
4. Job security
5. Smaller class sizes
6. Your support

Don't forget to do your last minute holiday shopping at edRover where 1-25% of your purchase goes back to your favorite school. Click here to learn more.