1. A sincere letter thanking me is my very favorite gift at the end of the year. I like one that mentions something specific that I am remembered for and not a "you teachers work so hard" one. I have only received a few of those over the years and they were very special.
2. Something hand made is wonderful. I still have a handmade bird house that a student gave me many years ago. If you sew, give an handmade apron or hankie. Baking something is nice. Those handmade touches mean a lot at the busy end of the year.
3. Gift cards are nice, even if the amount is small. Five dollars can get a whole breakfast at some fast foods joints. I once got a small gift card to a restaurant that was more expensive than the gift card would have allowed, but it was an excuse to try someplace new.
4. If it is spring, some flowers, either to plant or just to put on the desk are nice.
5. A photo of the class or a field trip or with the teacher in a little frame is thoughtful and something most teachers would treasure. The kids over the years are why we do what we do and a nice memory is priceless.
And a few things most people wouldn't like, in my opinion.--
I am personally not excited about obviously re-gifted items like a Christmas decoration with last year's date (which I once received). Alcoholic beverages are not usually appreciated by many teachers and against the rules most places (although I once received a bottle of wine and was not thrilled about it). Young teachers just beginning their career are probably the only ones excited to receive something with "teacher" on it. And dollar store figurines especially with something wrong with them are the kind of thing most teachers put in the trash.
Gifts are nice. They should reflect love. If it hasn't been a good year, giving nothing is fine. Gift giving is not the time to make a statement.