Stumped about what to get your kid's teacher? You're in luck.

Michele Ashamalla: Okay, so what about when you have to coordinate the teacher's gift and you don't really have the time to collect money, and then go get something from everyone?

A friend of mine passed on what she does, and I think it's brilliant. She purchases a little tree or plant from the grocery store or local nursery and asks parents to bring in a gift card to whatever store they choose, in any denomination. She encourages them to use one they may have received that they are not able to use.

Before presenting the tree to the teacher, she clips the gift cards to the branches with those tiny clothespins you get at Michael's or Jo-Ann Fabrics. The different cards make the little tree look really cute and festive. People can contribute up to the last day of school before break, since all that needs to be done is clip the card to the branch.

I did it last year and found that I ended up collecting a lot more, since it was so easy for parents to participate and they were able to find a use for an item that may not have been right for them. If you're looking for an easy way to thank your teacher, hope this helps!

A former state deputy attorney general and current stay-at-home mom, Recession Mama Michele Ashamalla has three kids and ten years of experience stretching one salary to cover the necessities and more. She's all about saving money whenever you can, so you have it to spend on whatever you want!