Anyone else feel a little sick?

[mmb1996]

I think $20 is a nice gift for teachers if you can afford it, they have enough mugs, candles, lotions, candy. Of course if money is an issue teachers really enjoy a nice card with a little handwritten message about how you appreciate them. Maybe give them a $5 giftcard for a local coffee shop close by the school. I have helped out at a few of my kids classes and have seen the Christmas gifts and the amount of mugs they get is insane. Its the thought that counts though so don't stress about it.

[Mothernature]

I too shop clearance all year long. I will cut back in 2009 since we are not near family for the near future, shipping is expensive, and

The extras came in handy this year; it enabled me to gift needy families for Christmas.

I'm a firm believer in shopping clearance sales all year long. I have a big rubbermaid tub that I keep full of presents for upcoming holidays (including birthdays, mother's and father's days, etc). For the last two years, one or more of my DH's family has suggested we cancel gift giving for the adults because of money trouble (while buying insanely expensive things for their kids - like a Coach handbag for a 13 yo! ) . Meanwhile, for a longer period of time, we've dealt with surgeries for DH and I, disabling health probs with DH that left us with only my (not much of an) income for over a year until he got SSD, etc, etc, and we managed to give gifts for everyone - all because we shop ahead.

[heartse]

$20 seems high... but, I probably put that much into the baked goods that I make for my daughters teachers. Well, would be if I didn't get things at a good discount because of coupons!