I order each child the same book from Scholastic (usually the $1.99 sepcial) and I usually make something for my dck. One year it was sock monkeys, I crocheted each of them a 12" Elmo. This year I had to buy because I just ran out of time. For the parents I do a craft with the kids that involves their picture, a drawing and something that measures how much they have grown in the past year. My favourite thing to do is get the clear glass ornaments (@ Micheals on sale) and put a photo of the child inside with glitter and usually a ribbon cut to the length that they have grown this year. We keep a growth chart in the playroom and I measure them each month (permanent chart, wide masking tape beside it) It works out to about $1 each. I must say that all of my parents are very generous and appreciative. The most generous Christmas gift I've ever received was a week's pay which I was specifically told not to include on the tax receipt. I love the idea of sending cookies home!
ETA: I'm a little selfish in that I love to see the children open what I've given them. I take pictures and video. I love to see their reactions so I would never send the wrapped gift home with them![]()