Some of the teachers at my younger kids' school asked that the room parents not collect this year because of the economy and uncertainty. But at least half (or more) of the parents of the kids in each class want to and can afford to contribute the "typical" $10 or so each Christmas. Rather than each give a little dinky gift, I'd much rather have the collection go on to give the gift card. I am surprised, though, that $50 -- or even $30 -- is typical where you're at. For the childcare provider, yes, I typically did $100. For the teacher, though, it's never been more than $20.