Boruch Hashem my schools have always organized the chanukah gelt for teachers. You just send in a check and it is distributed among the teachers. It has been over twenty one years since I was a teacher, but I will always remember the sweet little girl who brought in a personal note and present. It was a very practical long sleeved cotton night gown which I wore till it was a shmattah.
In my family we don’t really give chanukah presents, just chanukah gelt for the teachers and we light the menorah and make latkas, that is enough for me. In general I hate shopping and I abhor malls and the whole “season”. I give money to the mail man, my cleaning lady, and the people who haul away the trash and they are very happy with recieving money.
My non-Jewish friends are always frazzled this time of year with the shopping for presents, and how much $$ they are spending, and I am always happy I am spared all the hassle of gift giving.