<p>One thing to consider is whether the school’s parents association gives teachers gifts on behalf of all the parents. My daughter’s elementary school and middle school, which were private parochial, did this for holiday gifts. However, this said, many people gave personal gifts to teachers, as is common in many of the public schools, but not so much for public high schools.</p>
<p>Gifts are always appreciated, but the problem is choosing something that is appropriate. My D told me of families that gave teachers certain designer handbags (I had read this in the NY Times regarding Summit, NJ public schools a few years ago), and we would not consider a gift of that magnitude. You wonder what the teacher thinks, and how the coffee mug, candy or scarf that might ordinarily be given is viewed in comparison. I have heard teachers say that a handwritten note of appreciation is nice to receive.</p>
<p>When I was in HS, back in the dark ages, my close friend’s mother taught in public school, and she got many bottles of perfume, soaps, bath salts etc. FWIW</p>