Gift Ideas for Teachers

I saw a big bag of sharpies in the dollar bins at target.

I think you're on the right track already... buy bigger packs and split them up. I would also check the dollar places (Target's Dollar Spot, Michael's Dollar racks (great for note pads, calendars, etc.) and your local dollar store).

I would check the prices on the following to see if they fit your budget...
* Motivational stickers they can use for their students
* Stamps (I've seen kits that include 6-8 different stamps and a small stamp pad for $1)
* Notepads, sticky pads, or bulk colored paper squares (like you'd find in the scrapbooking section)
* Big Clips (the black kind you'd find in the office supply area that you'd use to hold lots of papers together)
* Magnets (even consider the bag clips on a magnet, so they can hang a paper on the board)
* Dry erase markers, highlighters, etc.
* Red pens or thin markers

I know there are tons more things that teachers can use... I would just browse the isles when you get to the store to see what has the best value.

When packaging them, you might consider the small square/rectangular containers they have at the dollar store. You can usually get 2-3 for a dollar. If that's not in the budget, look at the "favor bags" in the bday party supply section. You can usually get anywhere between 8-20 for $1.

Finally, I know time is short, but if you or another one of the moms has time, call or ask for the manager in the store. Explain what you're doing and ask if they can donate something for the bags. You might be able to get 15 pairs of scissors from one store, 15 Starbucks coupons from one of their stores, 15 pairs of movie tickets from the local dollar theater, 15 certificates to McDonalds for a free ice cream cone, 15 books from the local bookstore, etc. You might even be able to get some of the $1 bags that are reusable for shopping from one of the retailers - then you can use that as the "gift bag." Many stores also have random stock left over from previous sales that they may be willing to part with. I know time is very limited, but maybe there's another mom or two who can help? When approaching these business owners, you might offer that you'll mention their contribution in the next school newsletter, or an email to all of the parents of these 15 teachers, etc. And be sure to send them a thank you afterwards... they'll remember you the next time you're looking for a donation.

Good Luck!
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Last year, I found apple shaped cookie cutters and attached a recipe for cutout cookies. It was a huge hit and I spent .75 a teacher. I put them in cute clear plastic bags, tied them with raffia and poked a little hole for the recipe to be tied on like a card. It was super cute!

Office Max and Office Depot both have some great deals for Sharpies, packs of pencils and lots of little things for 1 cent to 25 cents. Hope that helps. Great idea by the way! Also, the goody bags that were mentioned earlier you can get in specific non birthday colors or designs at party stores. Walmart has balloons on most of the their bags but they did have plain clear a while back that could work and then you could use curly ribbon to tie on the colors! Good luck!