I need ideas for a leaving gift

[SandStorm]

My dd's much loved teacher is leaving at Christmas. DD (year 4) will be writing her a letter, as will I, but I'd also like to get her something that shows her how much we will miss her. I'd like it to be something personal from DD (so not a bottle of wine etc) but also something that she won't put in a drawer and never look at again. I don't really want to buy something - I'd prefer something homemade as I always think that means so much more to the recipient.

Any ideas would be very much appreciated.

This isn't homemade, but what about a plant with a name that includes either your DD's name or the teacher's name? We did this for both of DD1's reception teachers at the end of the year. (Obviously it depends on what names you're looking for, as not all will be available!) Something like Azalea 'Alice' or Ilex aquifolium 'Amber' for example. DD1's teachers both loved their plants and unlike wine or chocolates, it's a lasting gift. Try here for names:
www.esveld.nl/catalen/naameng.htm

We are making pipe cleaner fairy doll decorations for christmas. If you put pipe cleaner doll into search engine should get some ideas. They are fairly easy dd1 in yr 2 can do most of it, dd2 in reception can help a bit, ds (2) just hinders! As well as hair (wool) we have put silver elastic so will fit over jam jar and can be used to hang on tree. Will give one to each teacher on top of jam jar with choc truffles in. If your daughter enjoys making it she could make 4-6 with a little note saying she would be v pleased if teacher would use them to decorate tree each year and remember with a smile teaching her (obv might need to ammend if not likely to celebrate Christmas). We got string of 28 grey white 40cm wood beads from hobbycraft which work well for the head. Just need bead for head, pipecleaners, wool and some fabric for clothes. Prob could make 6 dolls in 1-2hrs if had all equip. Small but look nice for homemade kiddy craft.

Small or edible is good.

How about sewing a design onto a strip of binka then laminating it (with a message on the back) as a bookmark?